Observation reveals that peptides have become more and more popular in recent years among bodybuilders and those coveting a great body. This trend, perhaps, is influenced by relative difficulty in getting and using anabolic steroids. But what are these substances and are they really legal alternatives to steroids? What benefits do bodybuilders hope to get from using them? We answer these questions and more, including peptide types, in this piece.

What are peptides?

A peptide is basically a short chain of amino acids joined together by a bond. The chain usually comprises 50 amino acids or less with amino carboxyl end. Peptides exist naturally in the body and they are also manufactured. You can also get them from the food you eat.

These compounds are often confused with or thought same as proteins. This is obviously because both are made up of amino acids. But this thinking is not exactly correct. The two differ in terms of their specific makeup. Peptides are described as having no more than 50 amino acids, while proteins have more than that number.

These small chains of amino acids can be found in all cells of the human body. They are useful for efficient production of hormones, including growth hormone (GH), which are protein based. Peptides are of different types, including polymers, oligopeptides and neuropeptides.

Why are they used by bodybuilders?

Perhaps, the primary reason why peptides are used in bodybuilding has to do with how they improve growth hormone production. It is no longer a secret how HGH helps to improve lean muscle mass. Your body uses peptides to promote increased secretion of HGH. They, therefore, make it easier for interested persons to achieve bigger muscle mass. Their usage may help enhance strength. It is even said that these small amino acid chains could boost testosterone production.

Among the other reasons why bodybuilders use peptides is its ability to help you recover faster. They assist in making oxygen available to the muscle cells in sufficient amount. They also improve user’s level of endurance. These benefits make them popular among athletes generally. Peptides further help to burn body fat, which is another reason they are considered beneficial in bodybuilding.