This nontoxic compound is naturally produced by the body, offering a range of health benefits. Studies have highlighted its key role in boosting cardiovascular health and regulating fat production.
Its health benefits can be asserted from the fact that athletes are turning to TMG supplements to enhance their performance. A study conducted in 2021 showed that a 14-week betaine supplementation enhanced predicted 1-RM, VO2max, and repeated sprint performance in youth professional soccer players.
Having said that, research is still being conducted to understand this miracle compound. So far, science has come to the following conclusions:
1. Cardiovascular Health: TMG is renowned for lowering homocysteine (a type of amino acid) levels, an amino acid essential for protein creation. This, in turn, prompts for better heart health. As a matter of fact, it is also known to convert Homocysteine into another compound called Methionine, which is potentially less risky for your heart.
2. Liver Functions: Betaine helps with the metabolism and in certain liver diseases, including Alcoholic and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis, and reduces oxidative stress in the liver.
3. DNA: Another interesting aspect of this power compound is that it’s one of the factors responsible for methylation, which instigates DNA production. A study conducted by Rema Rajagopalan concludes that TMG can protect DNA against radiation-induced strand breaks and may be a useful radioprotector.
4. Insulin: TMG is also known to play a crucial role in maintaining your insulin levels. Individuals with lower plasma levels of TMG tend to have higher insulin resistance, suggesting a potential role for TMG in maintaining healthy insulin sensitivity.
5. Body Fats: There is a fascinating study involving a mouse that showed a higher insulin resistance than mice on a high-fat diet. Moreover, Betaine stops fat from building up inside muscle cells by promoting healthy fats (polyunsaturated fatty acids) and reducing fat production in muscles.