A little about creatine and everything that it can do for you

You’ve probably already heard about creatine, if you work out, or maybe you have absolutely no idea what it is. Creatine, mainly known as a compound made up of amino acids which is useful in creating energy in your muscles by aiding in the formation of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). If you’ve taken any biology class in high school or college you know all too well about ATP and this energy production in the body. Many physically active people take creatine as a supplement as a way of increasing muscle mass and providing energy to the muscles for better performance.

However that is not all it does. Creatine has also been found in the brain and in our neurotransmitters. This means that it even helps with overall brain health, such as working memory and can reduce the symptoms of depression and even brain injuries such as concussions. Creatine is able to do this in the brain because it metabolizes energy in the brain (with the before-mentioned ATP), increases blood flow and helps in neurotransmitter synthesis.

Creatine supplementation, in addition to resistance training, has been found to increase heart rate recovery, increase the flexibility of the blood vessels and even increase capillary density in the body. Capillaries are the tiny blood vessels found throughout the body that transport blood, nutrients and oxygen to the cells and organs in your body. So by increasing capillary density, you are also increasing this flow of blood, nutrients and oxygen in the body.

Numerous studies also show that creatine supplementation, again with the combination of physical exercise such as resistance training, can act as an antioxidant as well as an anti-inflammatory supplement by binding to free radicals in the body which can accumulate in the body due to stress, lack of exercise and bad nutrition.

Creatine can be found in red meat, seafood, and is also created in the liver, pancreas and kidneys. Creatine, when paired with strength training 2-3 times a week can increase muscle mass and overall strength which is also great for longevity.

As always listen to your body and do what makes you feel good!