If you are a fitness freak chances are you know what is a creatine and how effective it is. In fact, not just fitness enthusiasts, but researchers, professors – all know creatine works. One of the most popular performance-boosting supplement available on the market, creatine is especially good for high-intensity training.
Many would bestow the reason for its popularity to easy access. It is available in various forms – powder, bar, drink mix and can be bought from stores or online without doctor’s prescription. However, this has led to several misconceptions about creatine. If you are reading this post, chances are, you want to know more about creatine, which is great! Because we believe it is not wise to have something without knowing for sure what are its benefits and side effects.
Good news is, we have a wealth of information in this post that will help you decide if creatine is for you.
What Is Creatine?
First and foremost, it is important to know what is creatine. Michel Eugene Chevreul, a French chemist identified creatine for the first time back in 1832. It is nothing but an amino acid ( the simplest form of protein, in case you forgot your biology!) made by our body but is also found in natural ingredients that are rich in protein like fish or meat.
It turns into creatine phosphate in the body. ATP or adenosine triphosphate is made with the help of creatine phosphate. ATP provides our body with the energy to contract our muscles, which is required in weightlifting, athletics and various other games.
Though creatine is found in fish and meat, athletes or players need to eat a huge amount of those in order to have the right amount of creatine in their body that would help them perform better. This is where supplements come in.
Similar Article: The Benefits of Creatine Monohydrate Powder
What Is Creatine Monohydrate Supplement?
But if you are thinking all creatine supplements are the same, you are wrong! They differ according to their composition, solubility and effectiveness. However, the most common easily found and affordable form of creatine till date is creatine monohydrate. This one has been around for ages and though there are several other kinds in the market right now, this one has stood the test of time.
It is highly important to understand that creatine monohydrate supplement has to have the purest form of creatine, otherwise the product might not be that effective. It is great for even beginners wanting to increase muscle mass or train for weightlifting.
The pros of using creatine monohydrate are:
- Highly affordable
- Great for beginners
- Easily accessible
- Has a proven track record of achieving amazing results.
Like all medicines or drugs, creatine monohydrate supplement does have a few side effect. The symptoms are usually stomach discomfort, diarrhoea and bloating. However, research has found no health risks in people who has been having the supplement even for long term.
Similar Article: How Creatine is made? Know the Answer
What Does It Do?
Using creatine might enhance physical performance – this was proven by scientists as early as 1970’s. College athletes, football and hockey players, gymnasts, wrestlers use creatine the most.
Creatine is known to help increase lean muscle mass, making muscles stronger and help the muscles recover faster right after some strenuous exercise. As mentioned before, ATP helps in muscle contraction. ADP ( Adenosine Diphosphate) is transformed into ATP faster through creatine phosphate (CP). When the body stored creatine phosphate is exhausted, supplement CP give the body more energy to stay active.
It works like a fuel for the muscles, and help them stay away from fatigue.
What Is It Used For?
Athletes have experienced bursts of energy from creatine supplement. What creatine does is help boost performance immensely in short-duration, but highly intense sports like sprinting, weight lifting, swimming etc. However, for endurance sports like Marathon, creatine would not work much. At times, certain people’s muscles do not respond to creatine at all.
Since it increases lean muscle mass, creatine is widely used for body building. A healthy diet, regular work-out sessions under a trainer, and creatine supplement will give wonderful results. As creatine keeps away fatigue and helps remain more active, it is easier to spend more hours in the gym training your body. Which further helps in building muscles.
It is critical to be aware of the myths attached to this much-used supplement. Creatine doesn’t affect kidney as many believe. Experiments were conducted to prove this. Hence, till date, it remains as one of the safest supplement around.
Creatine can be an exceptional supplement for sportspersons, but it has other uses too. It helps people with muscular dystrophy. Several other diseases related to muscles are being researched.
Related Article: Why to Use and How to Use Creatine Monohydrate Powder
Best Creatine Supplement
Now that you know exactly what creatine does to your body, the next step is to identify the best creatine supplement for you. As explained before, this supplement will not work if it is not taken in its purest form. There are several products in the market, how would you know what is good for you? Don’t worry, we have got your back!
In order for the body to absorb the supplement perfectly, it is necessary for the supplement to be 200 mesh or micronized which is the standard for creatine. This means the creatine is made into fine powder, that is easily soluble in water – a sign that your creatine is of great quality! Just like this Creatine Monohydrate 200 Mesh from MyFitFuel – creatine in its purest form, fine powder is easily soluble in water and pocket-friendly too.
Conclusion
What do you do to build a great body? Have a healthy diet plan? Work out heavily at the gym? What is your secret? Share with us in the comment section and we promise to help you with our knowledge and experience!
