Taurine: effects of this neurotransmitter on attention and the body

Taurine is not only present in beverages: it is also used by our brain to function.

In recent years, taurine has taurine has entered our everyday vocabulary as a result of the rise of energy drinks. as a result of the rise of energy drinks. Despite the controversy that has been created around it, it is an element that has always existed naturally in natural foods and even elaborated by our own organism. In addition, although this substance is popular for its use in beverages, it is also a neurotransmitter, so our neurons use it to function.

Throughout this article we will learn what it is, where we can find it, as well as its benefits and harmful effects.

What is taurine?

Taurine is a derivative of the amino acid cysteine, which our body manufactures naturally and which is also present in a number of specific foods. and that, in addition, is also present in a series of specific foods.

Its curious name dates back to 1827, when the German scientists Friedrich Tiedemann and Leopold Gmelin isolated it for the first time from a sample of bull bile.

In humans it can be found in large quantities in organs such as the heart, as well as in muscles, platelets and the entire nervous system throughout its development period.

This substance causes stimulation of the nervous systemThis substance causes stimulation of the nervous system, which is why our body resorts to it in highly stressful moments or when intense physical activity is required. Due to these stimulant effects, large quantities of synthetic taurine are currently produced, which has become the main ingredient in energy drinks.

However, its use has generated a great deal of controversy, since some studies have claimed that that an excess consumption of taurine can cause serious damage to our organism.. Taking into account that our body manufactures it naturally and that we can find it in a large number of foods, maintaining a varied and balanced diet is enough to achieve healthy natural levels of taurine.

Where can we find it?

As we have already mentioned, we can find natural taurine in various foods of both animal and vegetable origin. Likewise, in recent years, types of beverages in which taurine, artificially synthesized, has become popular as one of the main ingredients.

1. Taurine in natural foods

Through a varied and balanced diet we can maintain adequate and stable taurine levels, so it would not be necessary to resort to laboratory-made substances.

The foods that contain the highest amounts of taurine are those that come from the sea.. Among them, octopus and the great majority of shellfish should be highlighted. The culinary elaborations with ingredients like raw or boiled fish (never fried) are good options when the person wants to obtain a good dose of energy.

In the same way, meat from poultry such as chicken also contains large amounts of taurine, especially the meat found in the thighs of the animal. Other meat foods rich in taurine are those derived from pork and beef.

As for plant foods, there are a large number of legumes such as chickpeas, lentils and beans. such as chickpeas, lentils and beans, which contain large amounts of taurine. contain large amounts of taurine. Likewise, nuts such as hazelnuts or almonds, or soybeans and algae are also known for their large contributions of this substance.

Taurine and energy drinks

As mentioned above, energy drinks have become surprisingly popular in recent years. Among them, those with taurine as the main ingredient seem to enjoy even greater fame.

In the beginning, these drinks were were designed to boost the cardiac performance of sportsmen and athletes during exercise, especially in the during exercise, especially in the world of bodybuilding. However, some time later, some popular soft drink and energy drink companies combined it with other compounds such as caffeine to also increase physical and intellectual endurance.

When consumed in moderation, these drinks do not necessarily pose a health hazard. However, we must not forget that they are synthetic compounds that are not natural, so it is always better to opt for food-based options. In addition, another disadvantage of these drinks is their high content of gas and sugars, which are harmful to health.

On the other hand, their consumption is completely discouraged in people with hypertension problems, as well as the combination of taurine with other substances that depress the nervous system such as alcohol. The reason is that this mixture can provoke abnormal cardiac rhythms..

What are the benefits?

First of all, it is necessary to specify that, when talking about the possible benefits of taurine, reference is made to the occasions in which it is found in a natural way. This is due to the fact that in those cases in which it is synthetically manufactured or presented in the form of a synthetic drink, it is accompanied by many other additives that are not recommended.

Although taurine was discovered more than a century ago, this substance is still the subject of numerous studies that try to discover each and every one of its therapeutic or beneficial properties. In addition, its moderate consumption through natural ingredients can promote and maintain Blood Pressure levels in healthy people.

At present, it is known that taurine favors protein synthesisIt is therefore a factor that helps our body to assimilate the proteins that we consume much better. In addition, taurine-based nutritional supplements are widely used to enhance bone growth and development.

Its use to enhance attention

Another of its benefits is related to the effects it has on the neuromotor system, which helps the person who consumes it to to maintain a greater focus of attention, as well as an intellectual and physicalas well as an intellectual and physical state of high performance. This makes it popular among students, despite the fact that it is usually consumed through energy drinks, with the consequent physical wear and tear.

Detrimental effects on the organism.

As has been pointed out on several occasions, taurine is a substance that enjoys as much fame as controversial reactions and opinions. These debates revolve around the negative effects that synthetic taurine has on the organism.

Some research establishes a relationship between this taurine made from chemical and artificial compounds with physical problems and conditions such as hypertension, cerebrovascular accidents, cardiac pathologies and problems and convulsive crises.

Because of the health risks this poses, taurine-containing energy drinks have even been banned in some northern European countries in some northern European countries, which have linked them to the deaths of some consumers of these drinks.