Stay strong this summer with spirulina

Thinking of heading away this summer, but dreading how tired the journey will make you, or worried about picking up a bug that could leave your holiday in tatters and you in bed? If so, an all-natural weapon in the form of spirulina could help by beating off lethargy and fatigue and boosting your immune system; making sure you stay fighting fit, full of energy and making the most of your time away.

Exciting research published in the leading journal 'Medicine and Science in Sports Exercise’ shows that those who took spirulina, a form of fresh water blue green algae, where able to beat off fatigue faster, even after exercising for 25% longer, than those who took a placebo. Although they did not look at how spirulina might achieve this, it is likely down to the high content of important vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, natural proteins and amino acids.

Furthermore, another study, published by the University of California, highlighted that spirulina’s capabilities go further than just acting as a fatigue buster and show it could also help with boosting your immune system. The study looked at the impact of taking spirulina for 12 weeks, in those over fifty, and found that supplementing with algae increased the participants white blood cell count – important components of our immune system.

Which Spirulina?

You can now buy spirulina in a powder form that can easily be added to shakes and smoothies, or sprinkled over salads. One of the UK’s leading spirulina brands comes from Naturya and is now readily available in Holland and Barrett and other leading health stores. At just £11.99 for 200g it means you don’t have to go wading through ponds to benefit from the algae and could mean you spend more time on the beach and less time in bed.