How are your New Year’s resolutions coming along? Did you hit the gym hard during the first week of the new year, but are you already letting it slide? Or are you really going to commit to a healthy lifestyle this year? If it’s the latter, we’ve got something special for you: a special powder that many consider the healthiest supplement in the world…
When you think of superfoods, do you picture #fitgirls who are susceptible to marketing gimmicks and have kitchen cabinets full of all kinds of exotic seeds that are supposed to work wonders for your health? We totally get it—we were in that mindset ourselves for a long time. But not all superfoods are nonsense. Spirulina, for example, is a product that’s perfect for the avid athlete, since it consists of 60 to 70 percent protein. Plus, spirulina is packed with minerals and vitamins. It’s no wonder that both men and women are quickly coming around these days: spirulina is a must-have in the pantry.
The origin of spirulina
Spirulina is an algae that grows in lakes in South America, Central America, and Africa. Cyanobacteria are a group of life forms that appeared on Earth about 3.0 billion years ago, and spirulina belongs to this group. Spirulina has survived to this day without much evolution and therefore still exhibits primitive characteristics, but it is a thriving life form with extremely high vitality. In fact, the ability of these algae to absorb carbon dioxide dissolved in water is what originally led to the formation of the ozone layer. So, you’re reading this partly thanks to this remarkable algae!
We know, “blue-green algae” doesn’t sound very appetizing at first, but the algae is packed with ingredients that promote human health. Think, for example, of iron, calcium, chlorophyll, linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, and vitamin B12. Because the algae offers so many health benefits, you can imagine that companies have jumped on the bandwagon. That’s why spirulina is now also cultivated artificially in America and Asia. So you don’t have to fly halfway around the world and take a dip in the lakes of South America. In our webshop, you’ll find spirulina powder that you can add to your diet. No hassle!
Protein for Athletes
Anyone who has even a passing interest in strength or fitness training knows, of course, how important protein is for building and repairing muscles. Many men who work out are all too happy to stock up on tubs of protein powder so they can knock back a shake regularly. Because spirulina has such a high protein content, the algae is ideal for adding to your shake or bowl of quark. In no time, you’ll go from lanky to ripped. And all thanks to this superfood (okay, admittedly, you’ll have to put in some work yourself).
According to many enthusiasts, spirulina actually has the highest and healthiest protein content of any natural product! For comparison: 100 grams of chicken contains 27 grams, and tuna contains 29 grams. And spirulina contains over 60 to 70 grams. It is also one of the few plant-based foods considered a “complete protein,” meaning it contains the amino acids your body needs but cannot produce on its own. So it’s perfect as a supplement to your diet, but you could also make your own capsules from it.
Other health benefits
But spirulina wouldn’t stand out from regular protein shakes if the algae didn’t offer even more benefits. And it does. For example, spirulina also contains omega fatty acids. These omega fatty acids are mainly found in fatty fish and can help lower your cholesterol. This makes it particularly suitable for older men who want to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease. You’ll usually find these fatty acids in foods like fatty fish—such as salmon, herring, mackerel, or sardines. So, especially if you’re not a fan of those fishy-smelling “ocean creatures,” you can opt for spirulina—or, of course, our omega-3 gel capsules.
Spirulina also boosts your immune system in various ways. The antioxidants in your body are your personal army, protecting you against invaders. The vitamins present help you get sick less often, and it’s said they protect you against viruses. Research also shows that taking spirulina regularly helps your body produce more white blood cells. These are also necessary to protect you against external invaders, such as disease-causing bacteria.
Please note...
There is also a downside to all these health benefits: For example, a 2012 study found that all spirulina products tested contained harmful levels of the toxic microcystin, especially with long-term use. Spirulina can also, in some cases, have adverse interactions with various medications, particularly those that suppress the immune system and blood thinners.
When used in moderation and wisely, this green stuff can therefore contribute to a healthier and fitter body, one that is better able to quickly take your athletic performance to the next level. Interested? Order this green gold in our health shop and give it a try.
