Athletes and people who are into sports are not new to the organic acid called creatine. The body naturally produces creatine, but you can also get it from natural food sources. Specifically, the kidneys, liver, and pancreas produce creatine in the body. Fish, seafood, and meat are some of the most abundant sources of this organic compound.
One of the main reasons why creatine is a big component of every athlete’s diet and supplement is it aids in building and strengthening the muscles. It is also essential in increasing the tenacity of your bones. But that is just a preview of the advantages that creatine can bring to your overall well-being.
Some of its amazing benefits include:
- Boost energy levels
Aside from reinforcing the vigour of your muscles, creatine also activates the muscles’ production of energy or adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The more ATP is generated and distributed throughout your body and your system, the less sluggish you feel and the more you are powered up to accomplish all the things you need to do in a day. It is an essential component in preventing fatigue as well as enduring intense workouts and heavy-duty tasks.
- Increases healing rate of muscle tissues and damaged cells
If you often engage in strenuous exercises and activities, then chances are your muscle cells may have undergone significant tearing or endured some damages along the way. The consumption or inclusion of creatine-rich diet in your daily food intake helps speed up the recovery rate of damaged tissues and cells.
- Combat diabetes
Among the other cellular functions that creatine helps enhance is the transfer of sugar to the muscles by the GLUT-4 or glucose transporter type. By enhancing the function of GLUT-4, the body can convert sugar into energy at a faster rate. In other words, sugar does not linger for an extended time in the bloodstream, thereby diminishing the amount of glucose in the blood.
- Augment brain development and functioning
The energy-providing chemical is also responsible for creating a protective barrier for the nerve cells in your brain. The brain is made more vulnerable when it is exposed to the production of free radicals and oxygen ions. With the presence of creatine, however, the brain becomes more immune to these damages and endure the potential risks of these reactive oxygen species. Further studies are being conducted to truly assess and determine how creatine can aid in reducing the risk of specific neurodegenerative diseases.
- Mood booster
The regular consumption of creatine is also key to preventing the onset of depression. Since it positively reinforces brain functioning, this means that the brain is also supplied sufficient energy and also produces more levels of serotonin and dopamine. The increased production of these neurotransmitters significantly boosts your mood and keeps you from developing psychological and emotional patterns that lead to depression.
- Increase testosterone in the body
Testosterone levels in the body affect mental acuity, and your capacity to undergo a multitude of activities. It enables you to perform aptly and endure stress regularly. When you take in supplements and food rich in creatine, you are also preventing the decline of testosterone supply in your system.
- Aid in bone recovery
Fractures, osteoporosis, as well as the decline of bone density, are effectively countered and healed by creatine. It stimulates the production of cells needed in healing bones while promoting faster bone growth and development.
If you want to have stronger muscles and improve your brain functioning, consider including food rich in creatine in your diets, such as chicken, red meat, salmon, and tuna.
Author: Corey Sheelds
