Creatine, or creatine monohydrate is an amino acid compound which is made by the body and is used to supply energy to muscle and nerve cells. It is a supplement which is believed to help athletes boost their performance. The simple answer to what is creatine is that it is a compound involved in energy production in the body. It is mostly stored in muscles.
You can obtain needed creatine from food sources such as red meat and fish (high protein foods). The problem here is that a large portion of the amino acid is destroyed in the cooking process. The good news is that our bodies create this naturally from other forms of amino acids. Our bodies will use what it needs then the remainder is discarded through our urine. You can also obtain additional creatine in the form of supplements, either in capsule or powder form, easily found at health food stores or online.
So why do people take creatine? Most of those that are taking this as a supplement are athletes in some way, shape or form. It is believed to enhance athletic performance during high-intensity, short duration activities that include, but are not limited to weightlifting and sprinting. This supplement may also play a role in decreasing muscle fatigue as it is known to minimize lactic acid production in the body. Research has not shown any significant benefit from creatine in aerobic or endurance type sports.
Creatine monohydrate has become widely popular with athletes and bodybuilders. Some believe it to have similar effects as anabolic steroids without the dangerous side effects. It should be noted that the scientific research on creatine is inconclusive regarding its effectiveness. There is no guarantee regarding how it will affect any one individual's athletic performance.
Peter Harris is an author and workout enthusiast. He writes frequently about topics pertaining to creatine monohydrate. He is affiliated with Vince Delmonte, author and owner of No-Nonsense Muscle Building: Skinny Guy Secrets To Insane Muscle Gain. Both authors teach about performance enhancing supplements such as creatine. Click here now for more information: Creatine Monohydrate
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