If you’ve been keeping up to date with the latest trends and happenings in the health and fitness world, then you’ll likely have heard of epicatechin. This naturally occurring flavonoid, found in a wide range of foods such as dark chocolate and green tea, is increasingly being used in supplement form to enhance muscle growth, improve heart health, and boost all-around athletic performance.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at what epicatechin is, the myriad benefits it offers users, how you increase your intake, and how it can help contribute to your overall health and wellness.
What is Epicatechin?
So, what is epicatechin? Unless you’ve already come across it in your health and fitness circles, it’s likely that you haven’t heard of it before. While it’s naturally occurring in many food and drink products, it’s usually only found in trace amounts. To increase their intake, many health and fitness enthusiasts are taking epicatechin in supplement form.
Chemical Structure and Classification of Epicatechin
Epicatechin, a flavonoid, belongs to the larger family of polyphenols. This organic compound is found extensively in plants, but not all of those plants are fit for human consumption. Some common sources of epicatechin include dark chocolate, green, apples, and berries. Of these, you’ll find the most in dark chocolate, which can contain as much as 3mg of epicatechin per gram.
Historical Use
While Western knowledge of epicatechin is relatively modern, the compound has long been consumed in cultures around the world. Indigenous cultures in Central and South America have traditionally consumed this supplement for its contribution to overall positive health and well-being. In Okinawa in Japan, locals drink green tea that is rich in epicatechin, which is believed to contribute to their remarkable longevity.
The Science Behind Epicatechin
Research into epicatechin has revealed a variety of potential benefits for the human body. Let’s delve into the science behind this flavonoid and why it’s so effective.
Impact on Nitric Oxide Production
It is believed that epicatechin increases nitric oxide levels in the body. Nitric oxide provides a wide range of benefits to your body, including improving blood flow and enhancing cardiovascular health. It’s also thought to positively impact the immune and nervous systems.
Muscle Growth and Performance Enhancement
Epicatechin is popular within health and fitness circles thanks to its capacity to boost muscle growth and athletic performance. It does this by inhibiting myostatin, a protein that limits muscle growth. The body naturally produces more myostatin from 30 onwards, making it an ideal supplement option for athletes in this age range wishing to improve muscle mass.
Antioxidant Properties
Epicatechin, a powerful antioxidant, is known to neutralize free radicals, which in turn combats aging and oxidative stress.
Potential Health Benefits of Epicatechin
Epicatechin offers a range of health benefits beyond muscle growth. Here are some key areas where this flavonoid can positively impact your health.
- Improved Cardiovascular Health:Epicatechin supplements are believed to help support positive cardiovascular health. It does this by inhibiting platelet aggregation, reducing lipid peroxidation, and regulating nitric oxide production.
- Enhanced Muscle Growth and Strength:Studies indicate that epicatechin may have a positive influence on muscle development. It is thought to do this by inhibiting myostatin.
- Anti-Aging and Longevity:Epicatechin is known to have extensive antioxidant properties, which may support healthier aging by neutralizing free radicals.
- Cognitive Benefits: Emerging studies have indicated that epicatechin may support positive brain health. In one study, the consumption of epicatechin helped to improve memories in snail and mice subjects. In humans, it is thought that epicatechin enhances brain function and reduces the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
FlexMax® by Regen Labs: A Natural Solution
Epicatechin is naturally found in food products, but often only in trace amounts.FlexMax® by Regen Labs provides an easy way for health-focused individuals to increase their intake of epicatechin. This product, a scientifically formulated supplement, has been designed to boost joint and muscle health.
How FlexMax® Maximizes the Benefits of Epicatechin
FlexMax® has been optimized to deliver epicatechin in a bioavailable form. This ensures that the body can absorb as much epicatechin as possible, allowing for better muscle growth.
Here’s what one of our happy customers had to say aboutFlexMax®:
I’ve been working out for 25 years, since I started FlexMax® I got rid of tendonitis in my elbow, my recovery is much faster, and my muscles are growing quicker. What I love about it most is its all-natural compounds that your body generates to enhance muscle tissue repair. - Skyler.
How to Incorporate Epicatechin into Your Wellness Routine
Incorporating epicatechin into your daily routine can be easy and beneficial. Here’s how you can make the most of this powerful compound.
Dietary Sources vs. Supplementation
You can consume epicatechin through foods like dark chocolate and green tea, but getting enough from your diet alone can be challenging. Supplementing with products like FlexMax® ensures you’re getting an optimal amount for health benefits.
Who Can Benefit the Most?
Epicatechin can benefit a wide range of individuals, from athletes looking to boost muscle growth to older adults aiming to improve joint and cardiovascular health. Anyone looking to enhance their overall well-being may find epicatechin to be a useful addition to their supplement routine.
Epicatechin: A Powerful Ally for Your Health and Fitness
Epicatechin has grown increasingly popular due to the numerous health benefits it provides. From enhancing muscle growth and strength to improving cardiovascular and cognitive health, it’s no wonder more people are incorporating this flavonoid into their wellness routines.
If you’re eager to experience the benefits of epicatechin, then don’t hesitate to try FlexMax® by Regen Labs today.