What are peptides? Benefits of peptides for skin and our body.

Peptides

have recently gained a lot of attention due to their positive effects on the skin, but did you know that these compounds are also good for tissue repair, muscle strengthening, and reducing blood pressure?

Healing and regeneration with hydrolyzed collagen peptides or copper peptides are very popular these days. Whether you are looking for a solution for winter-damaged skin, want to stimulate hair growth, or seek relief from joint pain, peptide preparations offer effective and natural solutions to the above.

Table of contents What are peptides? - Types of peptides Peptides are actually protein fragments consisting of amino acids. When they combine, they produce amino-peptides, and then the protein is created from the combination of peptides.

Peptides are the building blocks of collagen and elastin fibers in the skin. Perhaps the most well-known protein type is collagen peptide, which is found in the dermis layer of the skin.

There are hundreds of different types of peptides that can be classified into the following categories:

Dipeptides - consisting of two amino acids Tripeptides - consisting of three amino acids

Oligopeptides - consisting of two pairs of amino acids Polypeptides - consisting of more than 20 amino acids

The most well-known natural peptide types include:

Glutathione Bradykinin Aspartame Oxytocin Somatostatin Endothelin Netropsin Glucagon Insulin Growth hormone

Effects of peptides Peptides are famous for their ability to improve tissue tightness and elasticity, which is why they can be found in preparations, serums, and gels intended for those who want to look younger.

In addition to their dermatological benefits, they also have an impact on other bodily functions. They are the building blocks of many important enzymes and hormones. Moreover, they promote tissue repair and stimulate collagen production, thus aiding in healing.

Peptides have numerous important functions, including the following abilities:

• acting as a protein precursor

• promoting the production of collagen and elastin

• fighting against bacterial and fungal infections

• acting as a hormone

• reducing oxidative stress

• being a component of alkaloids Beneficial effects of peptides on the skin (not a complete list)

1. Accelerates skin regeneration Peptides are capable of speeding up wound healing, reducing inflammation, and increasing collagen levels. According to a study published in Clinics in Dermatology (*), they are useful in dermatology and skin care for treating skin problems such as inflammation, pigmentation, cell proliferation and migration, as well as changes in angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels). A summary published in the journal Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology (*) discusses the pharmacological application of antimicrobial peptides, such as modulation of the immune response, prevention of postoperative adhesions, and promotion of wound healing.
   

2. Reduces wrinkles Peptides contribute to stimulating the body's natural production of collagen and elastin. When applied externally, they can make the skin resistant and smoother. They are also excellent as anti-aging agents, with several anti-aging serums and gels containing peptides to fill in the skin, eliminate crow's feet, and improve skin texture and clarity. A study published in the International Journal of Tissue Reactions (*) discusses the intensive anti-wrinkle and "filling" properties of collagen-like peptides. The experiment involved twenty healthy, entrepreneurial women aged between 40 and 62, who applied either peptide-containing preparations or a placebo gel around their eyes for four full weeks. The results clearly showed that the peptide gel reduced the total area of wrinkles and the depth of laughter lines.
   

3. Helps tissue repair Recent data published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (*) shows that human peptides (also known as glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) have been shown to improve the condition of the skin, lung connective tissue, bone tissue, liver, and stomach mucosa.
   

4. Increases muscle strength In a study conducted in Germany (*), elderly men with degenerative skeletal muscle wasting were given collagen peptide supplements for 12 weeks and supplemented their daily routine with exercise. The results showed that the test subjects lost some weight, their muscles strengthened, and their body fat percentage decreased compared to the placebo group.
   

5. Helps fight diseases Research shows that isolated peptides help lower blood sugar levels and significantly improve glucose uptake (*). The literature published in the Life Science journal suggests that peptides are one of the most extensively tested and promising therapeutic agents that may be able to treat diabetes. Several natural and synthetic peptides have already been proven to have antidiabetic effects. Lower cholesterol level Our body needs a sufficient amount of cholesterol for the production of vitamin D and steroid hormones. However, we are also aware that excessively high levels of cholesterol in the blood can lead to serious damage, including atherosclerosis and reduced oxygen supply to the heart. Research (*) shows that peptides can prevent lipid activation and bind them to bile acids, which allows for the ability to lower cholesterol levels.

6. Lowers blood pressure A meta-analysis (*) published in the Nutrients magazine found that peptides derived from casein can be effective in reducing blood pressure. Experts found that this claim was particularly confirmed in Japanese studies, compared to uncertain European results.
   

7. Stimulates hair growth Scientific research (*) supports the claim that GHK peptides can stimulate hair follicles and accelerate hair growth. For example, mechanisms such as the application of copper peptides locally were found to help with cell regeneration, eliminate inflammation, effectively act against free radicals, increase the size of hair follicles, and increase the likelihood of successful hair transplantation. Copper peptides vs. collagen peptides Copper peptides (GHK-Cu) are often mentioned as the most useful substance for the skin. Naturally, they are found in our bodies and are composed of three amino acids and copper. Copper peptides are known to ensure collagen production by promoting the production of elastin and glycosaminoglycan, a family of carbohydrates. Formulations containing copper peptides are generally recommended for local use to maintain skin health. Collagen peptides are often found in products containing ingestible collagen. When collagen undergoes a so-called hydrolysis process, collagen peptides are broken down and become useful. Simply put, as the size and molecular weight of peptides decrease, their absorption into the body becomes easier. Collagen peptides are often listed as hydrolyzed collagen or collagen hydrolysate. In fact, these preparations all contain the same thing and go through the same process before being absorbed and exerting their effects.

How to Get More

Consuming Peptides Bioactive peptides are found naturally in plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms. They are released during digestion with the help of proteolytic enzymes.