One of the most representative nutrients that can help alleviate fatigue is ‘Taurine.’ Taurine, a type of amino acid, is one of the nutrients with various benefits. Often when you’re tired and lack energy, you might find yourself purchasing a health supplement from a pharmacy. Well, the main ingredient in these supplements is Taurine! Taurine is an essential nutrient for our bodies, but its consumption is often overlooked. So, let’s explore the benefits of Taurine and how best to consume it.
The Benefits of Taurine
Taurine produces energy by activating the genes that promote sugar breakdown when the body’s blood sugar level is low. It also helps in the production of energy in muscles by activating the transport function that allows calcium to move into muscle cells. In other words, it stimulates energy production and boosts vitality.
Taurine Produced in the Liver
About half of the required taurine is produced in the liver, and the rest needs to be obtained through food. People who experience high levels of stress or consume a lot of meat may have a deficiency in taurine because it is excreted in large amounts through urine. This deficiency is why many hangover relief products contain taurine, as it aids in the breakdown of alcohol and can be effective in alleviating hangover symptoms and stomach discomfort.
Strengthening the Heart to Prevent Heart Attacks
Taurine strengthens the heart and blood vessels. It has a calming effect on the excitability of the sympathetic nervous system, prevents arterial stiffness, and further helps prevent heart toxicity, hypertrophy, and kidney damage caused by high blood pressure. Taurine effectively regulates calcium concentrations within heart cells, assisting the heart muscles in pumping blood appropriately. Taurine is also used as a treatment for heart failure, a leading cause of cardiac arrest.
Taurine Rich in Cockles
Per 100g, cockles contain around 63 kcal, and in the case of 100g of fresh cockles, it contains approximately 822 mg of taurine. This taurine content is similar to the amount found in commercially available health supplements. Cockles can be prepared in various ways, such as seasoned or steamed, making them a versatile and easily accessible food. When choosing cockles, it’s advisable to select those with clear shell patterns, intact shells, and a glossy appearance. However, as cockles are considered a cold-natured food, individuals with a cold constitution should consume them cautiously.
Role of Protecting Brain Neurons
Taurine protects nerve cells by inhibiting cell death and is believed to suppress excessive cell suicide caused by overexcitation of nerve cells. Additionally, taurine works to inhibit the excessive movement of calcium into cells and properly facilitates its movement to activate cells. Unlike other nutrients, taurine easily penetrates the blood-brain barrier, facilitating its absorption into the brain. It is the second most abundant amino acid in the brain, making it an essential nutrient for brain health.
Also Noted as a Material for Dementia Drugs
Recently, research results have suggested that taurine not only helps prevent Alzheimer’s dementia but also aids in its treatment. Alzheimer’s dementia occurs when beta-amyloid proteins clump together in the brain, destroying brain cells. Taurine has been shown to induce structural changes that prevent the aggregation of beta-amyloid and, importantly, can also dissolve already-aggregated beta-amyloid proteins. While there is currently no definitive treatment for Alzheimer’s, the potential development of new drugs utilizing taurine could be promising.
Taurine in Breast Milk
Newborns cannot produce Taurine in their liver and need to be supplied from outside through food. While milk does not contain Taurine, breast milk does, and research suggests that feeding breast milk for at least six months can protect a baby’s brain cells, leading to a smarter child. In the United States, laws have been established to add Taurine to infant formula to ensure that newborns get enough Taurine.
Safe Even When Consumed in High Concentrations
Taurine does not accumulate in the body or produce toxicity even when consumed in high concentrations. Also, its effects appear easily even when consumed through food. It is recommended to consume 200-1000mg of Taurine per day through food, and Taurine is primarily abundant in seafood. Based on 100g, conch contains 1536mg, oysters contain 1163mg, and tuna contains 954mg of Taurine. It is also found in foods such as octopus, crab, seaweed, and clams.
People Who Need Taurine Intake
People who are often stressed, have undergone major surgery, or enjoy eating meat may lack Taurine in their bodies and should consume it through food. As mentioned earlier, it is safe to consume in high concentrations, so it is good to ensure that it is adequately fulfilled. If you feel a sudden increase in fatigue, it is also good to replenish it through various seafood or health supplements.
Taurine, Essential Nutrient Not Only for Humans but Also for Cats
Taurine is not only important for humans, but it is also one of the essential nutrients for cats. If cats lack Taurine, they can lose their vision, and abnormalities can occur in their reproductive health, blood circulation, etc. Taurine deficiency symptoms do not appear suddenly but occur slowly, so you may not notice the deficiency. Therefore, it is essential to always check whether the cat food you normally feed contains Taurine.
By. Shin Young Jeon
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