These days, sporting an appealing younger look and charisma has become an essential aspect for a health-conscious individual. To cope with the desired body standards, a perfect diet is needed in addition to sincere efforts to sweat it out with cardio workouts.
But with the fast-moving urban lifestyle, we fail to keep our food and nutrition standards intact, in taking a lot of soft drinks and unhealthy food. Wondering what are the adverse effects of these? An imbalance of essential proteins within your body!!
Fortunately, with the fast-growing scientific developments, we seem to have a solution for almost everything in the world. And the solution to balancing body proteins is peptides.
You may recently have come across this buzzword when you look up body diet balance. Well, the search results will widen your eyes. Now you can artificially intake the essential proteins that you need in your body that may be in deficit quintiles’. Sounds outlandish? Science makes it possible.
While there is still a debate on the run as to whether it is optimal to intake artificial peptides, recent scientific discoveries prove that some peptides have a beneficial role. They can help you decrease the pace of aging, fight autoimmune diseases and act as immunity boosters. Some have wound healing and regenerative effects like tb500.
But before getting into all that – we need to ask the basic questions. What is a peptide? How does it differ from proteins? What are the pros and cons of consuming them artificially?
Read on to find out.
Peptides: The little giants
The practical difference between a protein and peptide is simple. When two or more amino acids club together, they form a peptide, whereas a protein is formed with a combination of more than fifty amino acids. Simply put, peptides are the smaller forms of proteins. Combining several peptides gives you proteins. Therefore, they act as building blocks for proteins.
There are numerous beauty and health products based on peptides that claim to possess various properties like anti-inflammatory, muscle building, and detoxification. And you guessed it right! Peptides are abundantly available in natural food sources like protein contains pulses and meats. Unlike proteins, peptides are easily absorbed by the epidermis of skin as well as by intestine, because they are easy to break down into their fundamental particles.
Taking into account their medical benefits, many skincare and bodybuilding supplements are enriched with them. Peptides are either sourced from nature or can be manufactured in the laboratory via the synthetic extraction process.
Natural Sources of peptides
Synthetic or Natural peptide supplements may be derived from flora and fauna sources like,
- Eggs
- Cow Milk
- Salmon Fish
- Beans and lentils
- Spinach
- Oats, Wheat, and Rice
- Seafood that includes shellfish and squids
Researchers are actively segregating various forms of peptides from these resources to study their uses of them. The regenerative impact they have on human health is intensively being studied as well. Scientists are also developing various combinations of amino acids to create bioactive peptides that have different purposes. They are also added to our food using additives like flavor enhancers, and bulking agents for light beverages.
Common types of Peptides
Based on the impact and the chemical composition, peptides are roughly classified into:
- Creatine peptides
These peptides are used to build muscle and bone mass. They are commonly used by athletes to enhance their physical strength and agility. Some peptides like follistatin are banned for use by athletes by doping agencies.
- Collagen peptides
These peptides are used mostly by skincare products. They fight the aging process and improve the texture and tone of the skin, providing a younger look.
Pros and Cons of potential peptide intake
Pros
The advantages of different peptides may differ according to the nature of the dietary supplement and the functions that they are designated to perform. Here are a few of them:
- Help to fight increased blood pressure.
- Antimicrobial effects
- Anti-inflammatory
- Improve overall body immunity
- Prevent the formation of blood clots
- Slow down the aging process
- Contain antioxidants that help in improved metabolism
- Help increase skin elasticity, promote hydration and reduce wrinkles
- Prevent age-related bone loss
- Increase bone mass
- Build strength and muscle mass
Cons
Though there are loads of benefits to consuming peptides, some cases have recorded side effects on those using research peptide products without proper prescription or from any reputable brands. For a healthy person, these sorts of supplements are not likely to cause any serious side effects.
Here are some cons or side effects that a person new to peptide supplements might face.
- Improper digestion creating a vague feeling of fullness
- Loss of appetite
- Skin rashes in some beauty products that come with excessive amino content
- Itching and irritation of the skin
- Vomiting or nausea in case of oral intake
- Reduced natural immunity
It is strictly advised that pregnant ladies, breastfeeding mothers or persons seriously ill with some other medical problems should avoid consuming peptides without consulting their subtitles. If any of the above side-effects are exhibited, you should immediately check with your doctor and avoid the peptides supplements until they give you the go-ahead.
Do and Don’ts that you should never forget when it comes to consuming peptides:
- Follow strict dosage and timing
- Always follow the instructions provided by a certified nutritionist or doctor
- Never take more than the recommended quantity. Dosage may differ depending on quality, brand, and composition of amino acids
- Don’t hesitate to discontinue the supplement intake if you feel any adverse effects
The final takeaway
As mentioned before, researchers are still discovering more and more combinations of peptides. The research analysis of these products is still in the early stages and it is necessary to check the efficiency and safety of all your supplements before giving them a shot.
There are many natural sources of protein-rich foods as an alternative to artificial supplements that you want to build a balanced body. When buying supplements, stay away from money-making brands who sell what you want without any improvised standards. And, when you make the decision to opt for a peptide supplement, always question what it does, what it has, how long of an effect it can have on your body, and what are its possible side effects.
Remember, your body is your temple. Treat it that way!
