Spirulina is a blue-green microalga containing around 70% protein. This is more than what chicken, soybeans, and beef offer but something that the bodybuilding industry has not tapped into. This might be because there is so much marketing hype on whey protein and other protein sources.
But if you are thinking about going natural and removing all the harmful effects of chemicals and dairy-based products, choosing spirulina offers the best alternative in providing you with better results and aiding your health.
The microalga has nine essential amino acids and ten non-essential organic compounds. The superfood is also rich in beta-carotene, GLA, vitamin B12, chlorophyll, and RNA & DNA nucleic acids. So, for people aiming to better their health and gym performance, taking spirulina will not only boost their immune functions but also help them in more ways than they can imagine.
Increase Your Muscle Strength and Improve Your Overall Endurance
Oxidative damages brought by exercise are killers of your performance. Going through rigorous fitness training causes muscle fatigue, which often becomes the leading factor for muscle strain and performance curbs.
Plant-based supplements, like spirulina, contain heavy amounts of antioxidants to help you regain your strength and minimize muscle damages. This is helpful, especially for athletes and highly active individuals who are prone to muscle fatigue.
Studies have also shown that the blue-green alga enhances your strength and stamina with continuous intake. Spirulina is also highly valuable for powerlifters and people who are looking to improve their overall health.
Reduce the Oxidative Effects of Free Radicals
Free radicals are single and unstable atoms that scavenge our bodies for other electrons. Though they are microscopic, their effects can be felt throughout the body as they cause cellular, protein, and DNA damages.
Taking regular doses of spirulina supplements blocks the free radicals, aiding in our body’s natural repair process. The algae help improve blood lipid levels, reduce blood pressure, suppress cellular oxidation, and lower blood sugar.
Also, spirulina has been proven to alleviate the symptoms of many of our common diseases, including allergic rhinitis. It has potent characteristics and active components that inhibit the production of signalling molecules, causing inflammations.
The superfood is also known to protect your body against the oxidative damages of low-density lipoprotein. Lipid peroxidation is one of the leading causes of heart disease brought by the oxidation of LDL.
Spirulina has been seen to work against lipid peroxidation because it helps increase the levels of antioxidant enzymes in the cellular plasma. It slows the progression of many diseases, including some of the most life-threatening conditions like diabetes and heart attack.
Spirulina is a High-nutrient Food
One of the reasons why spirulina has been considered a superfood is because of its high nutrient qualities. The cyanobacteria thrive in freshwater and saltwater environments, producing their energy through photosynthesis.
A teaspoon of spirulina powder contains a high concentration of nutrients like:
- Copper
- Vitamins B1, B2, and B3
- Protein
- Iron
The plant-food also has decent traces of potassium, magnesium, and manganese. So, in a sense, spirulina contains all the essential vitamins and minerals you need to survive. You can even get spirulina powder from Tropeaka, which can be taken regularly without having any adverse reaction.
