Blue-Green Algae Boosts Energy and Athletic Performance

By Bill Evans

 Did you take your algae today? This may be a funny thing to ask a friend, but research finds a good dose of this micronutrient can sustain energy and improve athletic performance. Who doesnt want to make it through the day with continuous energy?


A four-week study recruited male athletes to take spirulina, a form of blue-green algae, or a placebo. After running for two hours on a treadmill at a high-level of intensity, exercise performance and respiratory quotient were measured. Blood samples were also take an hour after exercise, followed by 24 and 48 hour samples to determine glutathione, catalase activity, and antioxidant capacity.

Researchers found that subjects taking a spirulina supplement had greater exercise endurance, as they fatigued slower. These subjects had a 10.3% decrease in carbohydrate oxidation and 10.9% increase in fat oxidation. In other words, subjects burned more fat.

Overall, it was concluded that athletes taking spirulina had a significant improvement in exercise performance, burned more fat, and a greater concentration of glutathione (the bodys essential antioxidant for healing and regenerating cells). Instead of guzzling an energy drink, try boosting your exercise routine and energy with a good dose of blue-green algae.

References:

Kalafati M, Jamurtas AZ, Nikolaidis MG, Paschalis V, et al. Ergogenic and antioxidant effects of spirulina supplementation in humans. Med & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2010 Jan. 42(1):142-151.

Tahlea Jankoski is a researcher for Applied Health Solutions, Inc.

www.appliedhealth.com

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http://www.appliedhealth.com/algae-boosts-performance.html

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