Did you know that peptides and proteins are quite similar? They’re both made of amino acid chains. What separates them is the number of amino acids that determines their function and complexity.
In general, peptides are more basic and designed for specific biological purposes. On the other hand, proteins are larger polypeptide chains that carry out complex missions in the body.
More people are learning about the potential benefits of peptides, but they’ve been in products for decades. Collagen, for example, is a popular peptide that promotes skin elasticity. You can find it in my skincare products online or in shopping malls.
Proteins, as many know, do a lot of the heavy lifting in the cell to give them shape and structure. A good example of the benefits of protein involves building muscles. If you want to build more muscle mass, it’s much easier to do by eating more protein. For example, people drink protein powder and eat more chicken to increase the amount of available protein in the body, which is then used to build larger and stronger muscles.
In this article, we break down some of the key differences between proteins and peptides to help you understand their benefits and what to look for in each. Let’s get started!
Proteins 101 – What Are Proteins?
Proteins are larger than peptides. They typically have more than 50 amino acids, meaning they’re generally more complicated than peptides. The added complexity makes proteins more capable of responding to the body’s signals, and proteins monitor and regulate other molecules in cells.
While proteins have many benefits, we mostly know them for their ability to build and maintain lean muscle mass. A high-protein diet also helps people feel fuller for longer and can facilitate weight loss when combined with healthy living.
Protein comes from many sources, but animal proteins are often the best way to increase how much protein a person has in the body. You can eat eggs, chicken, beef, pork, fish, etc., to elevate your protein levels. Likewise, many supplement companies make protein powders for drinks.
There are also plant-based proteins. For example, soybeans and other beans are good sources of protein.
Peptides 101 – What Are Peptides?
Now, what are peptides, and how are they different from proteins?
Peptides are smaller than proteins. They are defined as having anywhere between two and 50 amino acids. Their smaller amino acid chains tend to make peptides a much more targeted molecule. They carry out specific biological functions.
In recent years, scientists have increased studies to uncover more about what peptides do and how they can be used to treat conditions or promote certain responses.
Peptides, when combined, are what proteins are made of. When multiple peptides come together, they create polypeptides or proteins. As mentioned, you can find peptides in skin products, and tests in animal models show promising results related to healing, bone density, weight loss, and a host of other uses.
Currently, peptide products are available in lotions, oral peptides, or taken via injection.
Different Peptide Classes
Peptides are typically grouped according to function. For example, a popular category of peptides is those classified as antibacterial peptides.
In many cases, some peptides demonstrate overlapping benefits in animal models, so it’s hard to put them in only one category. For instance, many of the immune peptides deliver some of the same benefits as the brain peptides and vice versa.
Perhaps the essential thing to know about peptides is their importance to many aspects of health and longevity. While much of the research into their benefits is ongoing, tests done on animals show they can battle inflammation, reduce scarring, reduce appetite, and more according to Peptide Sciences.
Conclusion
Most Peptides are still being researched for future medical possibilities. Learning more about peptides and proteins makes consumers more informed about the potential of current and future products. For example, the more you know about protein powders, the better you’ll choose and purchase the best one for your age and fitness goals.
You should always consult a medical professional whenever you have questions about your supplements. However, as people age, they take a more proactive approach to health and wellness. So the more you know, the better you’ll decide what works for you.
