The benefits of deer antler velvet have long been touted by Chinese herbalists and healers as one of the most effective tonics available. Deer’s antler velvet contains many important nutrients and minerals, including amino acids, proteins, chondroitin sulfate, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, zinc and potassium. These are essential ingredients for building tissue or repairing damaged tissue in the body.
Key Nutrients in Deer Antler Velvet
One of the key components in deer’ velvet that’s considered beneficial for health is growth factors. These include things like IGF-1, EGF, FGF, and many more. There are numerous studies involving these factors. Researchers have found that antler velvet can prevent aging by improving recovery after physical activity and exercise. It reduces muscle atrophy associated with disuse and treats osteoporosis by increasing bone density. It improves joint health through its anti-inflammatory effects and enhances sexual performance and protects against cardiac disease most importantly, what makes it so unique from other forms of nutrition is its anti-aging potential due to a high concentration of growth factors.
1. Fights Aging
Though human trials are scant, other evidence suggests that antler velvet of deer helps with cellular repair. A lab study demonstrated that a cream made from deer antler velvet stimulated DNA production in fibroblasts, or cells responsible for collagen and connective tissue, improving their ability to defend against injury. Another study found that deer antler velvet can speed up cartilage repair in rats (or promote healing by helping cartilage cells regrow). A third study showed that at least one animal species—the red-backed salamander—has a naturally occurring growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor similar to those found in humans.
2. Builds Muscle and Endurance
Deer antler velvet contains IGF-1, which is known to promote muscle growth. It also contains at least 19 amino acids, including all nine essential amino acids that are not made in your body. These all combine to help with energy production and muscle growth. You’ll notice better endurance when you’re working out and recovering from workouts than you normally would with other supplements.
3. Supports Eye Health
In traditional Chinese medicine, deer velvet has been used to nourish the kidney yang, support vision health, and promote longevity. Deer velvet may enhance visual acuity, which can help stave off age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts. It is also used to treat dry eyes, stiff necks, and sore limbs in traditional Chinese medicine. Some people apply a deer antler velvet extract directly to their skin after washing it in a concoction of water (or egg whites) and vinegar.
4. Deer Antler Velvet Relieves Pain
Perhaps one of deer antler velvet’s best-known benefits is its ability to decrease pain and inflammation. The body produces its natural anti-inflammatory compounds called cytokines. Cytokines are responsible for tissue repair. Sometimes, however, cytokines can be produced in excess, resulting in chronic inflammation known as chronic arthritis or other inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis. A 2009 study found that a key extract from deer’s antler velvet called SMART (Superior Melting Point) inhibits cytokine production. It may help relieve symptoms caused by some types of arthritis.
5. Improves Mood and Memory
Testosterone and other growth factors can impact short-term memory. In a German study, hypogonadal men with Alzheimer’s Disease were given either deer antler velvet or a placebo and put through a battery of tests for 8 weeks. The results suggested that deer’s antler velvet may improve mood, boost cognitive function and help to preserve memory. It also reduced levels of phospholipase A2 (PLA2), which is thought to be a potential risk factor for dementia.
6. Deer Antler Velvet can Repair Cell Protection & Nervous System
Sports enthusiasts and professional athletes often rely on deer’s antler velvet as a supplement to recover from exercise-induced injury. This type of medicine has been used in ancient Chinese medicine for many years. Recently, it has emerged in western sports for its ability to facilitate quick healing. According to a review, deer antler velvet can help athletes recover faster from training sessions It improves athletic performance, increases muscle strength, reduces inflammation from overuse or injury, boosts cell growth, protects against disease, and reduces soreness after exercise.
7. Improved Stamina, Focus, and Endurance
With regular consumption of antler velvet of deer, you can enjoy improvements in all aspects of your health. These include general endurance, stamina, and focus as well as improvement in muscle tone. Also, your performance will improve at work or in athletics as you boost your energy level. In addition to these benefits, deer antler velvet also promotes good heart health by increasing blood circulation and improving blood pressure to a normal range. This inhibits strokes that reduce blood flow through arteries.