Essentially, peptides are the building blocks of proteins and help form all of the body’s cells. Peptides also act as hormones and are the messengers that trigger other biological processes to occur within the body. For example, insulin and glucagon are both peptide hormones that regulate blood glucose levels. Another peptide hormone is ghrelin, which helps control appetite.
As a result of all of the benefits they provide, many people are beginning to take peptide supplements in addition to their normal nutrition. However, before deciding to add a peptide supplement to your diet, it’s important to know what exactly these molecules are, and how they work.
The peptides that make up protein are called amino acids, and they consist of either two or more amino acid residues linked together with disulfide bonds. The structure of each peptide determines its function. For example, a 51-amino-acid insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) chain is made of two disulfide bonds. The peptide hormones ghrelin and oxytocin are also formed of two or more amino acid residues linked to each other by disulfide bonds.
Because of this unique chemical structure, peptides are often much easier to absorb than proteins. This is because they break down faster in the digestive tract and are able to penetrate into your inner tissues more easily than protein. They are found naturally in a wide variety of plant and animal sources, including milk, eggs, meats, beans, soy, wheat, flax seed, and hemp seeds.
When it comes to skincare, peptides are gaining popularity for their ability to help boost collagen production, smooth the skin, and improve its overall texture. While some peptides are available in products like cleansers, creams, and moisturizers, others can be taken orally as a dietary supplement.
The most popular peptides in skincare are the collagen-boosting, anti-aging, and brightening ones. Some peptides are also useful in helping to manage inflammation and promote the healing of damaged skin and other tissue. The peptide BPC 157, for instance, is a component of gastric juice and can be used to treat inflammatory conditions in the gut, tendons, and ligaments.
While peptides are not considered to be a “cure-all” for every health issue, they can be extremely beneficial and should definitely be part of any holistic wellness regimen. Talking with a licensed and trained healthcare professional is the best way to determine which peptides are right for you. Remember, if you decide to try a peptide product, read the label carefully and only use a trusted brand. And if you do end up taking any supplemental peptides, always follow the recommended dosage and don’t overdo it. You don’t want to risk having a negative reaction or getting sick. peptides