In 1814 a German scientist named Friedrich Ferdinand Runge developed a method to extract pure cocoa powder into its most potent form. The result was a white powder containing both fat molecules (known as acids) and sugars, which create energy when digested in our body. Today that substance (caffeine) is easily extracted and used to make various products we consume daily.
Caffeine and its numerous uses
We all know that caffeine is found in our daily coffees and teas; some might also be familiar with its move into the energy drinks and the sports performance markets. The reason it has been so effective and popular in these products is that caffeine keeps us awake, alert, and active whenever a little more energy is needed.
A lesser but more recent use case is caffeine in hair care products. Caffeine boosts hair growth by stimulating the hair roots. Haircare products with caffeine also strengthen the hair itself and make it more manageable on a day to day basis.
And it’s not just used in women’s hair products. Many men face early hair loss due to the effects of the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which acts on susceptible hair follicles. Caffeine penetrates the hair roots and stimulates them, delaying or subverting male pattern baldness.
Whether it’s brewed from an espresso, downed in sweet tea, savoured in chocolate or consumed in cola, caffeine is a mild stimulant to the central nervous system that has become a standard fixture in everyday life.
The main benefit of caffeine is that it can help promote hair growth straight from the root in the initial phases of hair growth
Synthetic v Natural Caffeine
These days the majority of the caffeine used in the market is synthetically derived as it is more cost effective to produce than the natural manufacturing process. Caffeine is found naturally in plants that humans have been consuming for thousands of years such as fruit, leaves, coffee beans, cacao, and guarana plants.
Caffeine: did you know?
Here are some fascinating facts about caffeine to consider:
- Coffee, soft drinks, and tea account for 97% of beverage caffeine consumed in the United States, with coffee accounting for the most significant proportion.
- Studies suggest that it can improve mood and concentration, sharpen your focus, and increase lifespan.
- Caffeine has been shown to enhance physical performance by 3%. Aside from telling your brain it’s not tired, caffeine improves calcium release in our muscles, allowing them to work harder.
How can we help?
Working with a supplier that can guarantee consistent quality is critical; Redox is in a great position to meet and exceed your expectations.
We offer both synthetic and naturally derived sources of caffeine across all regions. The supply of this item has been challenging for the past couple of years and requires a lot of planning to ensure continuity of supply. To avoid disruptions, Redox encourages its customers to plan ahead assuming long lead times than in the past.
Contact one of our specialists to learn how Redox can be an integral part of your sourcing strategy.