The Truth Behind Creatine: Unlock Physical and Mental Benefits
by: Caleb Lemon
When it comes to supplements, it is hard to find a safer and more studied product than creatine monohydrate. In the past few years, numerous studies have shown that creatine is not just great for physical performance but is now being recognized as a safe and relatively cheap supplement for increasing mental health. Here is a closer look at how creatine monohydrate can boost your body and mind.
Physical Benefits of Creatine Monohydrate:
- Increased Strength and Power
Creatine monohydrate is mainly recognized for its ability to improve muscular strength and power. It does this by increasing the availability of adenosine triposphate(ATP), a molecule that stores and transfers energy into cells. ATP is often used in high-intensity activities like sprinting or weightlifting. Adding creatine into a daily diet can help ATP regenerate in our cells faster and more often, thus increasing strength and power.
- Improved Muscle Growth
On top of increasing strength and power creatine is also very effective in increasing muscle mass. Creatine boosts water retention in muscle cells, meaning overtime creatine will increase muscle volume. When combined with resistance training studies have shown that creatine can increase muscle mass gains by 5-10%.
- Enhanced Recovery Time
Post-workout recovery is probably the most overlooked aspect when it comes to training. Creatine monohydrate helps recover quicker by reducing muscle cell damage and inflammation. Creatine also helps restore glycogen in our muscles, which is often drained after an intense workout. This will allow for less time in between workouts as muscle soreness greatly diminished.
Mental Benefits of Creatine Monohydrate:
- Cognitive Function
Recent studies have highlighted that creatine monohydrate could have greater benefits for mental health than physcial health, as the cognitive benefits are significant. As creatine helps our muscles grow and recover with the increased availability of ATP, this simultaneously increased ATP production in the brain. This can help lead to better memory, focus, and mental clarity.
- Mood and Mental Health
Creatine can also be great for increasing moods and mental health. Recent studies have shown that creatine supplementation can even help with symptoms of depression. This is because creatine helps increase energy in the brain and might affect how brain chemicals work.
- Neuroprotection
Similarly stated above, creatine may offer neuroprotective benefits. Creatine supports ATP production, so this could help protect brain cells from damage and degeneration.
Conclusion:
Creatine monohydrate is one of, if not the most studied supplement out there and it provides tremendous physical and mental benefits. For atheltes and fitness enthusiasts, creatine is is great for boosting strength and power, muscle growth and will increase recovery time in between workouts. Beyond physically, the cognitive and mood-enhancing effects can help anyone’s mental well-being. Whether you are looking to improve how you look and feel physically or mentally, creatine monohydrate is a great and safe supplement to get started with.