If you’re looking for a leg up in your workouts, you’ve probably heard all about steroids.
You may not be as familiar with peptides though. This may leave you wondering: what are peptides and how are they different from steroids?
Both steroids and peptides are classified as performance-enhancing drugs. And they both boost your performance. But beyond that classification, they’re quite different.
What Are Peptides?
The body contains 20 naturally-occurring amino acids. They can be strung together in a wide variety of ways. A molecule containing anywhere from 2-50 amino acids is also known as a peptide.
You can find peptides in every living being. They serve a huge array of purposes. Among the more common peptide hormones are insulin, glucagon, and oxytocin.
Some of the benefits of peptides are increased energy, faster fat burning, the ability to build muscle fast, and improved performance and ability. This has made them an increasingly popular choice for health and fitness enthusiasts.
They may also lessen the effects of aging. But how do they do this?
How Peptides Work
The world of peptides can be complex. In essence, peptides have coding that enables them to tell other cells what to do.
For example, these amino acids can “instruct” other cells to burn fat rather than glucose. This results in increased energy.
They can also stimulate the pituitary gland to produce more Human Growth Hormone (HGH) and excrete it into the bloodstream. As we age, HGH production declines. By boosting HGH levels, peptides can potentially lessen the effects of aging.
Peptides can also be used to assist those with sleep difficulties, problems with appetite, or any other number of conditions. Learn more about the many benefits of peptides.
As such, more and more people are taking peptides through supplements or injections to experience these unique benefits. This is particularly true of people who live healthy and very active lives and want sustained energy. They also don’t desire the sometimes harsher effects of steroids.
What Are Steroids?
Most of us are more familiar with steroids.
For decades, bodybuilders have praised steroids for their ability to quickly build muscle and enhance physical performance. And they definitely shine in that arena. But there are risks.
Unlike naturally occurring peptides, steroids are synthesized from testosterone. Although found in both sexes, testosterone is widely known for elevating male characteristics. And an excessive amount of this “male hormone” will boost energy and help build muscles quickly.
But steroids are meant to be used only in short cycles and not as a long-term solution. Because while peptides work to elevate natural processes in the body, steroids are far more aggressive.
Steroids force the release of HGH. Thus, continued and sustained use of steroids can result in health problems such as increased cardiovascular risks, sudden loss of libido, moodiness, and issues with liver toxicity.
Could Peptides Help You?
Now that you can more easily answer the question of what are peptides, you may be interested in giving them a try.
You’ll want to talk to your doctor first. They can help guide you to the highest-quality and medical-grade sources for the best results. They just might change your life!
For more great articles on living your best life, keep reading our health and fitness blog.
