Peptides sound like something one might take when upset stomachs, but they’re amino acids. Let’s talk about the Peptide Hype!
What Are Peptides?
Our body naturally creates peptides. This string of amino acids is the “building block” of proteins. However, peptides don’t have as many amino acids as proteins.
Laboratory-made peptides mimic some of those found in our bodies. Research has found that certain types of peptides are beneficial for our skin, muscles, and possibly our weight.
What Peptides Do
There are many types of peptides; each one has a different role to play in our bodies. Some of the benefits from some peptides are thought to offer the following properties.
Collagen peptides are responsible for helping create proteins found in healthy skin; collagen and elastin. AMP is an antimicrobial peptide involved in our body’s melanin production, which is responsible for our skin pigment. However, another AMP will whiten the skin, so a synthetic version may help those with hyperpigmentation (age spots).
Antimicrobial peptides help our body fight bacteria, and they promote wound healing.
Collagen and creatine peptides help boost our muscle growth and repair.
Where To Find Peptides
Peptides can be found in various products we use on a regular basis, from skin care products and medication to the foods we eat.
Peptides In Skin Care Products
Reports show that copper peptides can help our body create elastin and collagen. These same peptides act as antioxidants that help repair damage to our skin. There are various peptides that will give our skin a beautiful boost.
That being said, the benefits are subtle, so it’s best to not expect to see significant changes overnight. Peptides can be found in various skin care products, including:
- Serums
- Lotions
- Face Masks
- Creams
Peptides in Supplements
- Peptides can be found in dietary supplements, including supplemental pills and protein shakes. Some of the supplemental peptides include:
- Collagen Peptide: Used for skin, nail, and hair health, as well as weight loss.
- Creatine Peptide: Can help build muscles.
- Follistatin: Used for muscle gain and weight loss.
- Ipamorelin: Aids in weight loss and burning fat.
- BPC-157: Helps with joint recovery.
Peptides In Food
Peptides are naturally found in various foods, including:
- Meats
- Shellfish
- Fish
- Beans
- Lentils
- Oats
- Soy
- Wheat
- Hemp Seeds
- Flax Seeds
Peptides In Medication
Peptides are used to create pharmaceutical medications that treat various diseases and illnesses. Over 100 peptide medications are available in the United States. They treat different conditions like multiple sclerosis, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.
Peptides are naturally present in our body, and our body utilizes them for various functions. We should be interested in peptides, whether for the skin health benefits or the general benefits they provide.
Believe it or not, our skin is our body’s largest organ, and we should be taking extra-good care of it. Caring about our skin is equally as important as caring for the rest of our bodies. After all, skin care is for much more than looking our best; it’s feeling our best too.
