When it comes to coffee, sodas, and even tea, the caffeine dosage is a huge part of why these drinks are so extremely popular. Not only does caffeine give you a boost to your energy levels, but it also helps clear your mind and keep you alert for the day ahead. However, now there is something called Theacrine on the market, also called Teacrine, that works just as well as caffeine in pre-supplements.
The question is, which is better, Theacrine or caffeine? How does each affect your body and your mind? We will answer these questions, as well as list the pros and cons and a few FAQs for you in the guide below.
Overview of Theacrine:
What Is Theacrine?
Theacrine is a naturally occurring chemical that has been likened to caffeine in many ways. It is also found in many different kinds of tea and coffee. However, it’s most often found in the tea plant called Camellia var.kucha.
This chemical is said to increase energy levels if it’s consumed in high doses. It’s also said to decrease the activity in the central nervous system if it’s consumed in lower doses.
What Is Theacrine Used for?
People most commonly use Theacrine for decreasing fatigue, increasing their cognitive memory, enhancing athletic performance, and other related activities.
However, it’s important to note that there are no concrete scientific facts to support the claim that Theacrine works to improve these things.
What Are the Benefits and Risks of Theacrine?
Theacrine comes with quite a few benefits. The benefits include giving you an energy boost, allowing you to focus, elevating your mood, increasing motivation, increasing focus, and enhancing athletic performance.
It is also said to decrease fatigue and work on reducing inflammation in the body.
Of course, there will be risks of taking Theacrine, just as there are risks to taking caffeine.
- Irritability
- Increased heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Anxiety
- Jitters
- Increases focus
- Increases energy levels
- Enhances athletic performance
- Decreases fatigue
- Reduces inflammation and more
- Can cause high blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Irritability
- Can cause anxiety and jitters
Overview of Caffeine
What Is Caffeine?
Almost everyone knows what caffeine is and that you can get it in many different forms. However, do you know what caffeine really is?
It’s another naturally occurring chemical and is used to stimulate the nervous system giving you that much-needed boost in energy in the mornings or during that afternoon lull.
Specifically, caffeine works to block adenosine, which is a neurotransmitter. This neurotransmitter relaxes your body as the day wanes, so you’ll be tired enough to sleep when night falls.
What Is Caffeine Used For?
Like Theacrine, caffeine is used to boost energy levels, increase cognitive function, reduce fatigue, and has even been known to help with workouts.
Caffeine is in coffee, sodas, supplements, pills, and food.
What Are the Benefits and Risks of Caffeine?
Not only does caffeine increase alertness, but it’s also said to have health benefits, but they haven’t been scientifically proven. Those benefits include protecting against heart disease, improving liver function, and decreasing the chance of developing type 2 diabetes.
Of course, there are risks to ingesting too much caffeine as well, especially if you have caffeine sensitivity.
- Increased heart rate
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Bad mood
- Depression
- Difficulty breathing
- Anxiety
- Alertness
- Increased energy levels
- Improved cognitive function
- Protects against certain diseases and conditions
- Increased heart rate
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Bad mood/depression
- Anxiety/difficulty breathing
Similarities in Theacrine vs. Caffeine
As you’ve probably guessed from the section above, there are quite a few similarities between Theacrine and caffeine.
Not only are they similar in their molecular makeup, but they are also similar in the way they both increase energy levels and affect the central nervous system.
They both have health benefits, and they increase cognitive function and alertness. They are both also said to help with workout performance.
Differences in Theacrine vs. Caffeine
The following are the biggest differences between Theacrine and caffeine that we gathered.
No Tolerance Buildup
If you drink a lot of coffee or get your caffeine in other forms, you already know that you can build up a tolerance to the caffeine.
So far, there is no indication that Theacrine has any tolerance buildup, which could be a very good thing for those who love caffeine.
Reduces Pain
There have been research studies that suggest Theacrine is good for pain reduction. Caffeine, on the other hand, has shown no indications of being a pain reliever.
Stress Reduction
Caffeine in high doses can cause anxiety and jitters. Theacrine, on the other hand, is said to be able to reduce stress and help you relax.
Conclusion
Theacrine and caffeine have quite a few similarities and a few differences as well. If you add either to your pre-workout routine in the form of supplements or drinks, it’s best to contact your doctor ahead of time to be sure it’s the right choice for you.
Featured Image Credit: Left – Africa Studio, Shutterstock | Right – Marie C Fields, Shutterstock
