People in the fitness industry know creatine powder and its importance as they use it to improve their athletic performance. But do you know creatine functions as a short sharp recharge for cells that aids energy to move around cells where it is needed. And plays an important role in providing energy for various body functions. Few people know that creatine is found in the muscles naturally. Supplementation is only a way to fill the gap of creatine which we lose during intense exercise. Creatine is not only beneficial for physical health but also offers a wide range of health benefits to brains. As the brain uses a lot of energy, creatine helps it to stay alert and overcome mild depression and neurodegenerative diseases.
What is Creatine ?
Creatine is produced in muscles by the liver. A naturally produced nutrient in our body that is synthesized from amino acids like methionine, arginine, and glycine. All these amino acids help in building protein also.
Foods High In Creatine:
Though creatine is prevalent in muscles, it reduces as we train hard. Include all these foods to maintain creatine in the muscles.
- Mutton: A strong flavoured meat of goat or sheep that is a rich source of creatine along with proteins. Aslo, it consists of vitamins like vitamin B 12 and minerals such as zinc and iron. Lean mutton is good for heart health as it consists of level body fat.
- Fish: Salmon, herring, cod, Tuna, and other fish have high content of creatine 1 to 5 gram. Saltwater fish consists of the highest amount of creatine per pound. Along with that, all these fish are great sources of vitamin B 6, magnesium, cobalamin, protein, omega 3 fatty acids, and other nutrients. So, it is quite healthy to include them in daily life.
- Dairy products: Milk, cheese, and other dairy products consist of Arginine, glycine, methionine. All are the amino acids that are helpful in making creatine. That is a reason why dairy products are considered when it comes to developing and maintaining muscles.
- Eggs: Chicken, eggs, and other poultry products are very important for offering a wide range of nutrients like vitamin D, zinc, calcium, B vitamins, and many other nutrients. Along with these nutrients, these are good sources of creatine. So, include one egg on a daily basis and fill the creatine gap in your body.
- Nuts and Seeds: Sesame, pumpkin, seaweeds, almonds, walnuts, and others consist of high creatine amounts. Also, these are natural sources of protein, omega 3 fatty acids, fibers, and other nutrients. So, start using them on a daily basis.
Conclusion:
Creatine is definitely helpful in mental and physical health but consuming it only as a supplement form is not good for the long run. So, it is always helpful to take the nutrients from natural sources. All the above mentioned meals are high in creatine and limit the side effects. People in bodybuilding usually love to take supplements for muscle building or improving reps in training. If you are taking creatine powder, try to include these sources in daily life and also train hard. Stay healthy and enjoy life at its fullest.
