6 benefits of spirulina for athletes
Did you know that… spirulina is particularly recommended for athletes?
The little blue-green alga offers many advantages for anyone wishing to take care of their health. This article, however, will focus on the benefits it specifically provides to athletes, whether before, during or after exercise.
So, are you ready to understand why spirulina is an athlete’s best friend?
On your marks, get set, go!
Spirulina for athletes before exercise
- Athletes looking to increase their muscle mass often consume large amounts of protein on a daily basis. Spirulina then offers two advantages: on the one hand, it is made up of 60% plant-based protein and, on the other hand, its Net Protein Utilisation (NPU) is of high quality, allowing its protein to be perfectly absorbed by the body, unlike lentils and red meat, which have a lower NPU. Taking spirulina before an intense effort means maximising the preparation and development of the muscles! What’s more, spirulina acts on endurance and is therefore a valuable ally for a marathon runner, for example. Indeed, thanks to iron and protein, resistance to exertion is optimised and physical exhaustion delayed. Phycocyanin, spirulina’s natural pigment, also has an important role to play in endurance: in fact, it has a molecular composition very close to that of EPO, the core of human blood haemoglobin. EPO derivatives are often used as doping agents for their ability to maintain a high oxygen level in the body. This is exactly the effect that phycocyanin produces, but naturally — what more could you want?
- To finish with protein, vegetarian or vegan athletes have every reason to include spirulina in their diet, since it is currently the best source of plant-based protein.
- Spirulina has a significant antioxidant effect that benefits blood pressure. It increases the production of nitric oxide, a gas molecule that helps to widen the blood vessels, which has the effect of increasing blood flow. With smoother blood circulation, our precious heart is all the better for it, and athletes’ performance is therefore enhanced.
Spirulina for athletes during exercise
- The phycocyanin present in spirulina promotes the elimination of lactates. But what exactly is that? These are all the waste products created by muscle contraction during exercise. These lactates cause cramps and pain — enough to stop you in your tracks! Spirulina therefore helps to increase resistance to exertion thanks to its effect on lactates.
- Since spirulina is highly absorbable, it can be consumed at any time to give a boost thanks to its cocktail of nutrients made up of around a dozen vitamins, trace elements, essential fatty acids, amino acids and minerals. You can, for example, take it in the form ofenergy balls or a drink prepared with water, vitamin C and spirulina. A guaranteed pick-me-up!
Spirulina for athletes after exercise
- Thanks to its many vitamins, spirulina helps to improve recovery after exercise. We also have phycocyanin to thank — this powerful antioxidant which, by eliminating lactates, helps to speed up the physical recovery process. Aches and muscle pain thus disappear more quickly, and you are ready to make a new effort sooner!
Spirulina dosage and course
For a standard course, it is recommended to take 3 to 5 grams of Spiruline-Valais per day. For athletes, the recommended dose can be doubled, up to 10 grams per day. However, be careful to increase the dosage gradually. It is also important to consume spirulina consistently in order to feel its effects, the ideal being to follow courses of 3 months. Nevertheless, if you are starting a long-term course, remember to take a break of a few days each month; this will optimise the intake.
Our sports ambassadors: Julien Ançay, Sébastien Reichenbach and Mélissa Rossoz are fans of Spiruline-Valais — what about you?
