Importance of Peptides in Bodybuilding

People are slowly realizing that being fit and strong is more important than being skinny. Even models nowadays are leading active lifestyles, instead of just starving themselves to look thin. More people are clamouring to advocate health and fitness rather than promoting eating disorders.

It does not come, then, as a surprise that people are more conscious of what they eat. Some take the extra mile to eat only food that would make their bodies not only look better but feel better. For athletes, they need food and things to take that will help them in their craft, and these have to be healthy, and hopefully, natural. As such, peptides have been a buzz word for people interested in the active lifestyle.

What exactly are peptides?

The most common, as well as most controversial, supplement for athletes and bodybuilders are steroids, but now, there is what we call peptides that promise more or less the same effect in the body. Although they are used in different fields, they are most commonly heard when talking about bodybuilding. This is precisely because they aid in growing muscles, which is one of the most important aspects in bodybuilding or even in sports in general.
Peptides are formed when a dehydration of water molecules occurs and allows the carboxyl’s molecule to be joined with an amino acid. Their importance is rooted in what they can do to the body, which is significant for bodybuilders. They tease the pituitary gland to secrete more growth hormones that are already in our bodies. This is how they help in growing muscles. Those that do this are what we call Growth Releasing Hormone Peptides (GHRP).

How Peptides Work

What are the different types of GHRP?

The known GHRPs are Ipamorelin, GHRP-6, GHRP-2, and Hexarelin. All of these do the same function, which is to encourage the body to release growth hormones. The difference, of course, is the effect these peptides have on the body. These four types differ in the effectiveness in terms of helping the body release hormones, as well as how potent they are. Another difference would be how much they can affect the cortisol and prolactin levels in one’s body.

Are there other benefits aside from muscle growth?

Peptides’ importance does not just lie on its ability or potential to help the body grow more body mass or muscles. The reason why athletes and bodybuilders also opt to take them is that they help in strengthening and repairing muscles and joints. This is important because athletes and bodybuilders are often exposed to activities that can strain their bodies, leaving them vulnerable to injuries that may be temporary or permanent. As such, they would also need protection so they can continue leading an active lifestyle. In addition, it helps that studies have shown that peptides have manifested fewer side effects that steroids, making it seem safer to use, although, of course, they still need to be thoroughly studied for some of the studies have proved to be inadequate.