If you stay up to date with lifestyle trends, you may have heard of a certain supplement that the fitness world has been buzzing about.
This popular supplement is called “creatine." Does that ring a bell?
Creatine is a naturally occurring compound that is found in small amounts in certain foods, such as red meat and fish, and it's also produced by the human body. But now, a number of people are taking it as a supplement to help improve their strength and health.
So, if creatine is already found in people’s everyday diet, then why do they choose to take it as a supplement?
Here are five reasons why people choose to take creatine:
Increased muscle strength and power
Looking to get stronger? Creatine is believed to enhance muscle strength and power, particularly during high-intensity, short-duration exercises such as weightlifting and sprinting.
Improved athletic performance
Involved in a sport? Creatine supplementation has been shown to improve athletic performance in a variety of sports, including football, basketball, and track and field. Creatine is allowed in the NCAA, but it is important to check with your team and sports association to make sure it is okay to consume this.
Enhanced muscle mass
Looking for a good muscle pump? Creatine has been shown to increase muscle mass, especially when combined with resistance training. This is believed to be due to an increase in fluid content within the muscle cells. Therefore, it is also extremely important to drink lots of water when taking creatine.
Improved recovery from exercise
You know the feeling the day after you work out and you are so sore you can barely move? Creatine has been shown to reduce muscle damage and inflammation, which leads to faster recovery from exercise and reduces muscle soreness. Who wouldn’t want to speed up recovery?
Improved brain function
Creatine might also help outside of the gym. Some research has suggested that creatine may improve cognitive function and memory, particularly in people with cognitive decline or neurodegenerative conditions.
Now that sounds like a pretty good deal to me. Of course, these benefits of creatine are small, and no one is going to see any changes overnight.
It is also important to do your research on the different brands you can buy creatine from. While creatine is generally considered safe for healthy adults, it's always best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. It is also important to note that only short-term studies have been done on creatine. More research is needed to fully understand its effects and optimal dosing.