Kratom vs Coffee
Did you know that kratom and coffee are close relatives? It’s true! Although they are the same in many ways, they are also very different. We’ll break it down for you.
Both kratom, aka Mitragyna speciosa, and coffee belong to the Rubiaceae family and both have many properties and effects.
When it comes to the stimulating properties, both Kratom and Coffee hit the mark. They both have antioxidants and can help ease some depression symptoms. Let’s explore their common properties in more detail below…
Energizing Properties:
Everyone knows that coffee is used by millions around the world each day to stimulate their mornings. People feel it gives them a boost of energy but the reality the caffeine found in coffee tricks the brain into thinking it’s not tired.
After caffeine in your body wears off, you’re likely to experience these symptoms of a caffeine crash:
- Extreme tiredness
- Inability to concentrate
- Irritability
- Dozing off
This is because Caffeine blocks adenosine in your brain, which is what your brain produces when you’re tired. But when you’re drinking coffee, your brain doesn’t stop producing adenosine. So when the caffeine wears off, adenosine floods your brain’s receptors, making you tired and sleepy.
Kratom’s main alkaloids are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These alkaloids are the ones that give kratom its energizing and stimulant effects. It’s important to note that kratom’s energizing and stimulant properties are achieved when kratom is taken in smaller doses, as larger doses are known to create more of a sedative effect.
Antidepressant Properties:
As you probably know, lack of motivation is one of the many symptoms of depression. Both Kratom and Coffee are known to help with motivation due to their stimulating properties.
Moreover, coffee has stress relieving effects by blocking the dopamine receptors. When these receptors are overexcited, we can suffer a depression. On the other hand, kratom alkaloids bind to the opiate receptors of our brain. By doing so, it helps us feel more relaxed and motivated.
Pain Relief Properties:
Pain relief is a well-known benefit to Kratom partakers. Many users have turned to kratom as a natural alternative to alleviate chronic pain. The best kratom strains for pain are the ones that have a high content of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, kratom’s main alkaloids. When these alkaloids attach to the mu and delta receptors of the brain, the perception of any type of pain will decrease.
The best-known kratom strains for pain is definitely the Red Vein Kratom strains.
Coffee also has pain-relieving properties, but they are not as effective as those of kratom. Also, coffee acts differently to kratom when dealing with pain. Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, so it helps to alleviate certain types of pain, such as those related to headaches, inflammation, and muscle overload.
Effects on Memory:
While many people use kratom to improve focus and cognitive ability. coffee is similar in this way. According to a study performed at John Hopkins University, caffeine can improve short-term memory and cognition. It also prevents cognition deterioration and cellular oxidation. This makes coffee a good aid to prevent illnesses such as Alzheimer’s.
There is no scientific evidence that kratom can enhance or impair cognition. However, it is often used as a nootropic in small doses and many users report that it can help improve focus and short-term memory when taking small doses. Those who are looking for enhanced cognition often seek the White Vein Kratom strains.
Effects on Sleep:
Probably the biggest difference between coffee and kratom is their effect on sleep.
As any coffee drinker knows, coffee isn’t good for sleep. In fact, caffeine is a very stimulating alkaloid that works very well when you want to stay awake.
Although kratom is a good stimulant and energizer at lower doses, it is relaxing and sedating at larger doses. In fact, some people use kratom to help them achieve a good night of sleep. Users report that the best types of kratom for sleep are typically the Red Borneo and Red Bali strains, as well as the red vein varieties. To achieve its anti-insomnia properties, kratom works better at larger doses. Nevertheless, it is recommended that you start with a lower dose and start increasing it until you achieve the effect that you are looking for.
In Conclusion…
Kratom and Coffee are similar in many ways but different in others.
Kratom tea doesn’t give you the jitters and crash like coffee will. It won’t give you offensive coffee breath either. Kratom is also filled with more than 40 different alkaloids, 7-hydroxymitragynine being exclusive to the kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) plant. Kratom can be a stimulant in small doses or a sedative in larger doses. Kratom is often used by workers in laborious or monotonous professions to stave off exhaustion as well as a mood enhancer and painkiller. For this reason, many people around the world prefer kratom over coffee.
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