It’s called a super food for a reason.
It is no secret that protein is absolutely an essential macronutrient to a bodybuilder’s life. If you want to build muscle mass and get stronger, then you better get that protein intake. There are certain recommendations for how much protein you need to consume each day, and that will vary from person to person. But what all do you have to eat to get that protein? Are chicken and beef the only two ways to get that protein in and help you in managing to bulk up? If you’re looking for a simple alternative then look no further. There’s one source of intense protein that you probably don’t know about and we’re ready to share it with you. It’s called spirulina and it has your back.
Let’s break it down.
Spirulina for Protein
In case you didn’t know, spirulina is a blue-green algae that can be used as a beneficial protein for bodybuilders, particularly those that are vegetarians. Now hold on for a minute. Before you say that it sounds disgusting and just dismiss this as some pro vegetarian article (not that there’s anything wrong with vegetarians), let’s take a look at all the benefits of consuming the spirulina algae for your gains.
How Much Protein is in Spirulina
So exactly how much protein does spirulina have? The spirulina algae actually contains more than 60 percent protein, a crazy amount that any bodybuilder would appreciate. Too often do you see meals or even protein snacks containing a load of fat and carbs with an okay amount of protein. Spirulina protein makes it easy to hit your protein intake, imagine getting some spirulina protein powder, pouring a tablespoon into some water and obtaining a massive amount of your daily protein in one go.
Other Benefits of Spirulina
Now we know you already have protein powders, you already have your lean steak for your protein intake, but spirulina also proves to be easier to digest and simpler to absorb as well. That’s not the only benefit of the blue-green algae. It also helps with the digestion and breakdown of food, making it a great pre and post workout drink. The food breakdown can translate into energy for the consumer and give you fuel to push through even the hardest of training sessions.
Your immune system will benefit from the algae as well. It boosts the immune system and can work as an antiviral medicine. The benefits on your workout will also be evident. Studies have proven that spirulina can prevent skeletal muscle damage which will prolong muscle exhaustion and ensure for a longer harder session in the gym. So maybe you should give this strangely named plant a try. At the very least it’s something new that can mix up your (most likely) repetitive bodybuilding diets.
How Much Protein do You Need?
How much protein do you actually need each day? Is spirulina really necessary for you to hit your protein intake? Well, it is often recommended that you get 0/8-1.0 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight to build and maintain muscle mass. That being said, there are plenty of protein powders and foods that you can consume to hit your protein intake, and in reality is spirulina is not something that interests you, you are able to make up for the lack of protein with other options.
However, when it comes to hitting your protein intake, spirulina definitely makes it easier to do.
Where to Find Spirulina Protein
To find spirulina protein you do not have to go and fish out algae to eat. Oftentimes you can find spirulina protein in powder form, just like any other supplement. You can get it in a powder form and just mix it in your shaker cup like any other protein powder or supplement that you enjoy.
Wrap Up
Overall, a superfood to really get in a great amount of protein is spirulina. While it may be something you have never heard of, it is definitely worth checking out. Have you added spirulina to your diet plan? What did you think about it? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
