Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Mucuna Pruriens (L-Dopa)
In this article learn all about Mucuna Pruriens (L-Dopa), its surprising health benefits and the 5 reasons why Mucuna Pruriens should be in your pre workout powder supplement or ergogenic aid plus more.
Table of Contents
- Mucuna Pruriens (L-Dopa)
- Key Takeaways
- What is Mucuna Pruriens?
- What Are Its Health Benefits?
- The Facts & Research On Athletic Performance
- Is Mucuna Pruriens In Your Pre workout Powder?
- 5 Reasons Why Mucuna Should Be In Your Sports Nutrition or Mood Boosting Supplement
- Mucuna Pruriens Dosage
- 3 Best Mucuna Products For Performance & Mood
- Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- Mucuna Pruriens is one of the most powerful herbs and supplementing this ingredient can have huge performance benefits.
- Learn what the research suggests and the recommended dosage to enhance your health and athletic performance.
- Keep reading this article to learn about the 3 best pre workout powders and dietary supplements that contain this powerful mood and performance enhancing herb. Try them out and let me know how it goes in the comments below.
What is Mucuna Pruriens?
Mucuna Pruriens is powerful herb also known as the velvet bean. This legume contains the neurotransmitter precursor L-Dopa (l-dihydroxphenylalaline). While very few individuals have ever heard of Mucuna Pruriens, they more than likely have consumed it in their favorite sports nutrition products. Specifically their pre workout powders or even mood enhancing dietary supplement pills, tablets and capsules.
What Are Its Health Benefits?
This powerful amino acid has been attributed to a wide variety of health benefits resulting from regular use including, but not limited to:
- Safe & Effective Treatment Of Parkinson’s Disease (which is amazing)
- Increased Sexual Virility
- Enhanced Mental Alertness
- Improved Sleep & Recovery
- Improved Mood & Increased Dopamine Levels
Mood enhancement is attributed to Mucuna’s ability to release the amino acid L-Dopa that converts into dopamine, an important brain neurotransmitter.
The Facts & Research On Athletic Performance
Research suggests that mucuna pruriens (root, 10-15% l-dopa) can significantly increase growth hormone (gh) levels impacting muscle mass and fat loss.
It’s for this reason athletes and fitness enthusiasts looking to increase gym performance include mucuna in their daily supplement regimen, whether its in their pre workout, fat burner product or stand alone supplement.
Is Mucuna Pruriens In Your Pre workout Powder?
The sports nutrition industry has exploded in the last three decades and until recently the use of ingredients like mucuna pruriens was unprecedented.
As the demand for athletic performance (both professionally and personally) has increased, so has the research that coincides with the formulation of products with a mood enhancing and performance benefit.
Mucuna has become wildly popular as a stand alone ingredient in sports nutrition supplements or as part of a blend in predesigned ergogenic aids and preworkout powders.
5 Reasons Why Mucuna Should Be In Your Sports Nutrition or Mood Boosting Supplement
- Increased Athletic Performance & Coordination
- Increased Muscle Growth
- Rapid Workout Recovery
- Increased Sexual Stamina & Libido
- Increased Dopamine & Mood Uplift
Back in the day when I was manufacturing sports nutrition products for both of my brands, Mucuna was an ingredient that consistently came up during the formulation process.
I did include this ingredient in several of my products including a pre workout powder and the response was overwhelmingly good.
I’m a huge fan of Mucuna and it’s athletic performance benefits.
Mucuna Pruriens Dosage
According to my research the most effective dosage of mucuna pruriens (15% L-Dopa) is between 500mg – 1000mg per day.
I reviewed a few dozen brands that retailed mucuna in capsule form and the aforementioned seemed to be the range most were suggesting for maximum benefit.
Although, several brands did have fact panels that suggested a dosage far less than 500mg. With some as low as 100mg per dose/capsule.
Sports Nutrition Pre-workout Powder Blends
It’s important to note that a dosage could be far less than 500 -1000mg if its part of a preworkout powder blend.
Most blends will combine additional “like or similar” ingredients that compliment one another and work synergistically for a a desired outcome.
Some companies will list the exact amount (which i prefer). While others brands will bury it in a proprietary blend.
There has been a call for more transparency in the sports nutrition world over the years. Which i feel is a great thing.
So my suggestion is to reach out to your favorite brand if you have a question.
3 Best Mucuna Products For Performance & Mood
1. Pure Encapsulations Dopa Plus Capsules with a 4.4 Star Review!
This product is on the expensive side, but I’m a fan! Available at Amazon.
2. Muscle Meds Nitro Test Pre Workout!
Muscle Meds is a great company. They manufacture in the same facility that I used to produce supplements in. High quality formulas — Recommend! Avaliable at Amazon!
3. Bulk Supplements Mucuna Pruriens Extract Powder (500 Grams) – 934 Ratings!
I’ve always been a fan of Bulk Raw Ingredients. It gives you the opportunity to supplement more efficacious. I’m not sure of the percentage of L-Dopa on this extract, but you always reach out to the company to find out. Available on Amazon!
Conclusion
Mucuna Pruriens is an powerful herb that is often overlooked, however it should never be underestimated. While some label claims may seem to far fetched, I do believe there’s value to this ingredient as a supplement. Just be sure you source it from a reputable supplement brand or distributor you trust. Furthermore, and most importantly, use all dietary supplements with caution. Consult with your physician before using.
Until next time …
Cheers,
Christian Graham—NSCA-CPT, CFSC2, FMS2, KB, VIPR
Functional Strength & Mobility Specialist – @Body360Fit
PS. And remember, you’re just one workout away…
PPS. What’s your confusion with sports nutrition products been? Have anything else to share about mucuna pruriens? If so, let me know in the comments below!
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