Fresh Spirulina is known for its many nutrients and health benefits. It helps to lose weight and also helps to practice bodybuilding when it is part of a good diet.
More than 3 billion years old, spirulina has been particularly popular since the 1950s when some studies began to show its benefits.
Fresh Spirulina is mainly known for its high content of complete protein (it contains the 8 amino acids needed for the composition of a protein), but its composition goes far beyond that it can perform ‘miracles’ for athletes and for people wishing to lose weight.
The special composition of spirulina – an asset for sport
So, what in this blue alga makes you lose weight or increase your muscles? Spirulina contains a multitude of nutrients beneficial to people practices all kinds of sports.
The composition of spirulina and its content in each of the nutrients is variable according to each brand and each place of culture. However, whatever brand you buy Spirulina will always be beneficial to your health, whether you play sports or want to lose weight.
- Proteins of which it is composed of 71%. Great for athletes and to burn fat.
- Amino acids. Spirulina is one of the only plant foods that have the 8 amino acids that make up a complete protein. This makes it a key ingredient for vegetarian, vegan and athletes.
- Carbohydrates. <1g per 20g of fresh spirulina.
- Essential fatty acids. Data collected shows that spirulina contains unusually high levels of gamma-linolenic acid, an essential polyunsaturated fatty acid (GLA).
- Vitamins: E, B (B1, B2, B3) and K to mention a few.
- Enzymes including Superoxide Dismutase (SOD). This enzyme is important in the fight against free radicals and oxidative stress.
- Many minerals. Among them iron, calcium and zinc.
- Trace elements. Among them boron and selenium.
- Pigments such as chlorophyll, C-phycocyanin and beta-carotene, which are powerful antioxidants.
The benefits of a spirulina diet on bodybuilding and muscle building
People who practice bodybuilding should have a highly generous nutritious diet to take care of their muscles’ health and their own wellbeing. Good news for then, fresh spirulina is packed with nutrients beneficial to the practice of bodybuilding!
Rich in protein
Spirulina, its high total protein content (it contains the 8 amino acids necessary for the formation of a complete protein) makes it one of the best natural ingredients for muscle recovery after a bodybuilding session.
Essential fatty acids, enzymes, pigments and trace elements
Spirulina also contains various essential fatty acids, enzymes and pigments promoting muscle recovery by destroying free radicals and oxidative stress. As bodybuilding is often hampered by inflammation, it is important to relieve the muscles of this stress to help them recover and stay healthy.
The copper and iron present in spirulina are involved in the formation of haemoglobin, which transmits oxygen to the muscles. Copper is also a powerful free radical scavenger and a good anti-inflammatory.
The carbohydrates present in spirulina have the particularity to degrade easily. Taking spirulina before a weight training session (or any other sport) can therefore increase the available energy. Spirulina’s carbohydrates also contribute to DNA repair, neutralization of free radicals and stimulation of the immune system.
All of these actions allow the body to better deal with the impact of bodybuilding (and sports in general) and therefore to train larger amounts of muscle while maintaining their health.
The benefits of a spirulina diet on endurance
When practising a sport, stamina is largely determined by the body’s ability to deliver enough oxygen to the muscles and organs that are called upon. Spirulina improves the oxygenation of the muscles and the maximum oxygen volume of the athletes. Thanks to its high content of iron and copper, it is involved in the formation of haemoglobin, which transmits oxygen to the muscles.
Should you consume fresh spirulina before or after sports?
You can consume spirulina at any time of the day, following your needs:
- In the morning, to prepare the muscles for physical exertion and thus benefit from its benefits on endurance.
- After the effort to improve muscle recovery and prevent inflammation. You can also postpone this intake at the end of the meal, but especially not more than two hours after the end of the physical effort.
The integration of spirulina into your diet will be beneficial for your health.
The benefits of spirulina on weight loss
Very practical to surpass oneself during physical exertion, fresh spirulina can equally be used during a diet intended to slim down.
As the Dukan diet has made many neophytes understand, the simple consumption of protein helps to lose weight. Proteins are more difficult to digest by the body, they require more energy from the body and therefore increase the number of calories burned because the body when it needs energy, burns fat. Spirulina is very light in calories. It brings so little fat but burns a lot, ideal to lose weight without even dieting.
Additionally, the increase in endurance caused by spirulina helps to slim down. Since physical exertion is less exhausting for the body, it is more accessible, so losing weight is easier.
Spirulina contains phenylalanine, an amino acid appetite suppressant. To optimize the feeling of fullness and lose weight, it is best to take a serve of spirulina approximately 15 minutes before the meal. Phenylalanine will prevent you from eating too much by making you feel full when you normally feel like a dessert. In other words: Spirulina will help you lose weight!