Peptides seem terribly hard to understand but just like my ex’s intelligence, there really isn’t that much to understand. Peptides are simply long chains of amino acids bound by peptide bonds (hence the name). Some can even be used to gain muscle and lose fat.
But only some are actually good, and with about a billion different ones on the market (and you not being able to get real HGH since it’s illegal) you might be confused about which is best.
Here are the 5 best Peptides for you to use in your Pro Card endeavor.
Key Takeaways
- There are certainly more than 5 peptides for bodybuilding, but some are better than others
- For muscle growth, you’d opt for IGF-1, and for fat loss, you’d opt for AOD 9604
- Peptides have significantly fewer side effects than Steroids and SARMs
Best Peptide for Muscle Growth: IGF-1 LR3
IGF-1 is known as Insulin-Like Growth Factor and is actually a naturally occurring hormone in the body. Produced by the liver in response to the release of Human Growth Hormone from the pituitary gland.
IGF-1 will bind to receptors in muscle mass, bone tissue, hair follicles, and pretty much everywhere else. IGF-1 is so strong it has been known to help with muscle growth and even improve skin and hair!
Typically, IGF-1 LR3 (a longer-acting IGF-1) will act like a weak insulin, so, watch out for low blood sugar after injections. Taking IGF-1 directly skips the fat loss effects from Growth Hormone but you also skip the time you need to wait for its release.
IGF-1 LR3
The body usually produces enough IGF-1 but more has been linked to better muscle growth and greater fat loss – what’s not to love? IGF-1 is released by the liver and will bind to all cells in the body hence why it has an effect on everything.
IGF-1 LR3 is the long-release version that increases the actual time of action in the blood. This beats regular IGF-1 ten-to-one and will be far better for overall results.
You can also expect a drop in blood sugar levels once you’ve injected it, so, be careful. IGF-1 DES is a similarly good option.
Best Peptide to boost Growth Hormone: CJC 1295
CJC-1295 is a Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone which will stimulate the pituitary gland to produce more growth hormone. Unlike taking real (illegal) Growth Hormone this will not downregulate your own production.
Human-based clinical trials have found all GHRHs to help with muscle growth, fat loss, wound healing, and better life quality – all thanks to GH secretion.
While CJC-1295 is pretty useful you would need to use it with Growth Hormone Releasing Peptides like Ipamerlin for a better effect.
CJC 1295
CJC 1295 is known as a Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone. This will cause the pituitary gland to produce, secrete, and pulsate more Growth Hormone into the bloodstream.
HGH has been linked to increased fat loss through its ability to increase lipolysis. It will also increase IGF-1 levels throughout the body which have been linked to fat loss, muscle gain, bone health, skin health, and even better hair.
You are best taking a GHRH with a GHRP for optimal results.
Best Peptide for Fat Loss: AOD 9604
Growth Hormone is a rather amazing hormone in the body. As far as growth factors go, this is one of the best. The only problem with exogenous growth hormone is that it will cause insulin resistance.
AOD 9604 will not cause this because it does not cause the release of Glucagon from the pancreas. Less glucagon, less glycogen in the blood, and therefore less insulin.
AOD 9604 will increase lipolysis, which is a fancy word for releasing fat from fat cells into the blood. This fat can then be used to increase energy levels and (if you diet) you’ll be losing weight!
You will not necessarily build muscle mass from this but it’s one of the best for losing fat.
AOD-9604
AOD -9604 is a part of the Growth Hormone peptide that is important for the fat loss process. Usually, HGH will cause fat loss while also dumping glycogen into the blood via its mechanism of action.
However, AOD 9604 does not do the latter part because it isn’t the full HGH peptide. It will only cause fat loss.
However, unlike HGH, it will not increase insulin resistance and it will not increase IGF-1 levels either (the latter part is a bummer).
Best Peptide for Injuries: TB 500
TB 500 might not be one of the sexiest options on the list. You know what else isn’t sexy? Injuries.
Injuries can strike at any time and most likely when you least expect it. TB 500 or Thymosin Beta-4 is known as a healing peptide and is often used in peptide therapy.
While this won’t change your body composition it will decrease inflammation and also increase angiogenesis (another fancy word for increasing blood flow).
More blood flow means more nutrient-rich blood means a faster recovery.
TB500
TB 500 is perhaps the best injury peptide you can get. Injuries are known to happen quite often in those that are impaired do to over or under use and TB 500 will work for both.
Known as Thymosin Beta-4 is will work by decreasing inflammation and somewhat increasing blood flow to an area as well.
Some studies suggest other benefits such as better bone mass or muscle hypertrophy but this is only in those who are impaired.
Best Peptide for Health: Glutathione
Let’s be honest. If you’re a bodybuilder you probably dabble in other ‘special compounds” such as anabolic steroids and SARMs. These will have certain side effects like liver, kidney, and cardiovascular damage.
Glutathione is the savior peptide that can help with improved liver function, can relieve kidney stress, and improved cardiovascular health, and for those that suffer from acne, it might even improve skin health as well.
This peptide is usually used for heavy cycles and PCTs.
Glutathione
Glutathione is the ultimate ‘cleaning’ peptide. Technically, it’s a ‘low-molecular-weight thiol’ that can help with reducing Oxidative stress.
Glutathione levels decrease as we age and keeping those nice as high is especially important if you use other ‘supplements’. Things like Anabolics and Growth Hormone can build up oxidative stress in the kidneys, heart, and liver.
Glutathione will help in relieving all of these. Some studies suggest it might also help with muscle growth in those that are completely inactive.
What are Bodybuilding Peptides?
By now I hope you already know what peptides are. As mentioned in the beginning, peptides are long chains of amino acids bound by peptide bonds.
Depending on the sequence of amino acids you’ll have different effects. With some peptides, you’ll even have a number in the name to dictate something related to this, like BPC 157 or Human growth hormone fragment 176-191 (frag 176-191).
Peptides have been used as performance-enhancing drugs for quite a number of years now. WADA has banned peptides from professional sports and the FDA has not approved all peptides for human use.
However, peptides can be purchased as research chemicals but may not be sold as ‘dietary supplements’.
Best Peptides for Muscle Growth
There are plenty of peptides for muscle growth, and while we’re all thinking of becoming Ronnie overnight peptides are simply not as strong. Peptides can increase muscle mass but they simply will not give the same effects that anabolics will.
The best peptides for muscle would be the ones increasing Growth Hormone levels, IGF-1, and protein synthesis.
Thus, spend your money on CJC1295, Ipamorelin, MGF, IGF-1 LR3, IGF-1 DES, and (illegal) pure Growth Hormone.
While peptides work you’d still have to invest a lot of time and effort into the natural process of dieting and training your ass off – although I’m not sure what’s natural about blending chicken to be able to drink it…
Best Peptides for Fat Loss
Fat loss is a tricky process. Muscle growth depends on increased protein synthesis and IGF-1. Fat loss or reducing your body weight depends on even more factors.
Increased lipolysis, increased metabolism, improved KREB cycle, more muscle mass, higher core temperature, and so many more.
Thus, spend your money on AOD 9604, CJC1295, HGH-Frag, and (illegal) pure Growth Hormone.
Again, you’d have to be in a calorie deficit and training with a good resistance program to allow for fat loss. Also, build muscle. Increased muscle growth will increase your BMR (basal metabolic rate) which naturally burns more calories. Bam, better body composition.
Results of Peptides – Fat Loss and Muscle Growth
There are multiple companies that have reviews of their products, but we’d rather go for real-life stories off Reddit:
“Started running 300-350mcg of AOD this past week from peptide sciences. I also run .75 mg of sustanon 250 every 4 days. So far I’ve noticed with the AOD it’s curbed some of my hunger cravings. I usually inject 30 minutes before eating something light in calories / high protein like Greek yogurt and chea seeds. So far the noticeable differences are the curb in hunger cravings, the slight increase in mood(good) and I’ve been experiencing better sleep. Thinking about trying CJC/Ipamorelin next. Wanted to try Tesamorelin but the dosage is too high in conjunction with the costs.”
Link
“Wow so today i ate 50g carbs mostly a gatoraide drink then injected 50mcg sub q. Trained chest and back about 30 minutes later and i can’t believe strength pump etc all went up. I am almost finish with the 1 month cycle i barely trained, i wanted to rest to get that damn groin pain under control. But today was magic. After my cycle i am gonna stop but hit another one 2 months later. Love them peptides. All my peptides come from canlab, if they are too expensive i go with Canadian medical supply but my first choice is always canlab.”
Link
Conclusion: Peptides for Bodybuilding
Peptides can be a great addition to your diet and training protocol. With so many different options available you are really spoiled for choice.
Peptides for muscle growth, peptides for fat loss, peptides for recovery, and many, many more. Apart from pure Human Growth Hormone, there are plenty of options to help you progress in your career.
FAQs
What is the most popular peptide?
HGH – Human Growth Hormone. Known as the king of peptides for a reason. It can help with literally every different aspect of life from sexual function to building muscle and even improving skin health. Unfortunately, you need a prescription.
What peptide builds the most muscle?
IGF-1 and HGH. Both these peptides will bind to the muscle tissue in your body and increase sarcoplasmic growth which is the growth of new muscle fibers. When combined with hypertrophy from training you have a great combination.
Are peptides better than steroids?
There are benefits. Peptides are somewhat legal to use, they have far fewer side effects, and they can directly burn fat where anabolics do not burn fat directly.