Creatine Benefits: 5 Ways in Which Creatine Is Good For You

Creatine benefits your health in more ways than one, but the most popular perk is its ability to improve strength and build muscles. One of the reasons why creatine benefits your health in this way is because it has similarities with amino acids. These similarities stem from their ability to provide energy. As a result, it is often used by athletes to improve their performance and strength.

There are two ways in which your body can get creatine – through your diet and from your kidneys and liver. Creatine supplement benefits your body in the same way and is relatively safe for consumption. Read on to know some of the top creatine benefits for your health.

Top 5 Creatine Benefits for Your Health

Helps Increase Energy Production 

Creatine phosphate helps your body form adenosine triphosphate. ATP is one of the molecules that your cells use for basic functions, including energy production. When you consume creatine supplements, it results in an increase in the amount of creatine phosphate.

This increase also helps your performance during exercise because your body produces energy by breaking down ATP. Creatine supplement benefits your body in this case because it helps your body reproduce ATP at a quicker rate. A quicker reproduction of ATP results in you being able to perform consistently.

Protects Brain Health 

Phosphocreatine, also known as creatine phosphate, helps maintain ATP levels and stabilize the source of energy in your brain. A decline in this chemical can lead to several neurological conditions. Creatine supplements benefit your brain health by helping it fight against certain mental conditions [1].

These medical conditions include epilepsy, Parkinson’s, brain injury, ischemic stroke, spinal cord injury, or Alzheimer’s. Moreover, creatine benefits also include the positive impact it has on ASL [2].

Boosts Muscle Growth  

Myostatin is a molecule that can inhibit muscle growth. Muscle growth is also one of the common creatine benefits. Studies suggest that creatine can help reduce the amount of myostatin. A decreased amount of myostatin enhances your body’s ability to build muscle faster [3].

Since creatine benefits also include improved performance, it also has a direct impact on your muscle growth. The reason why creatine supplements help in this way is that they increase the water content present. This increase then results in increased muscle size. Taking creatine supplements for a week can have positive and visible effects on your muscle size as well as your lean mass.

Lowers Blood Glucose Levels 

According to research, people who consumed creatine supplements and exercised after a high-carb meal had better control of blood sugar levels than those who didn’t [4]. Glucose transporter type 4, also known as GLUT 4, brings blood glucose into your muscles. Creatine benefits you by managing blood sugar levels because it increases GLUT 4 function.

Apart from this, research also suggests that because of an increased function of GLUT 4, creatine supplement benefits also include managing type 2 diabetes [5]. When combined with exercise, creatine supplements help improve glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes.

Diminishes Fatigue 

Tiredness can be a result of various factors such as brain injury, sleep deprivation, heat, and more. Since increased ATP is one of the creatine benefits, it can help your brain fight fatigue. It is also said that creatine can help increase dopamine levels which has a positive impact on fatigue. Studies suggest that for sleep-deprived people, creatine benefits by reducing fatigue and increasing energy.

Additionally, people with a brain injury who took creatine supplement experiences reduced headaches, fatigue, and dizziness [6]. There is also research that suggests that creatine reduces muscle and mental fatigue in athletes during high heat exercises.

With creatine powder benefits also come certain side effects. Some common creatine powder side effects are bloating, dehydration, weight gain, muscle cramps, kidney stones, kidney or liver damage, and more. Due to its potential side effects, it is important to consult a doctor before you start taking creatine supplements. This way, you can ensure that your consumption of creatine benefits your health and doesn’t adversely affect it.

Get doctor consultation in minutes from experienced doctors on Bajaj Finserv Health. They can address your health questions, such as how protein powder, calcium supplements, and other products benefit your health. This way, you can know what’s right for your health and make informed decisions about supplements.