The importance of protein in cellular growth and repair - particularly after exercising is well known. But what about the type of protein best suited to recovery and maintaining optimal health?

Secondary proteins, such as those derived from animal products, must be broken down by the body in amino acids before they can be used in cellular renewal. In addition, breaking down these proteins can put stress on the kidneys.

Amino Acids

It makes sense then to get protein directly from amino acids. Chlorella is around 60% amino acids, containing 19 of the 22 standard types, and all 8 of the essential ones. (Full breakdown here). This makes it an almost perfect source of high-quality protein. Being a vegetable too, it's less acidic than animal forms.

Protein Overdose

There's a common perception that people who train hard should take large amounts of protein. Aside from the possible risks, Dr Michael Colgan, Sylvester Stallone's former nutritionist and advisor to many US Olympic athletes points out that, with hard training, the maximum amount of extra muscle you could build in a year would be less than 8lb (3.6kg). That represents a gain of 2.5oz (70g) a week, or 0.3oz (9.5g) a day. So supplementing with just a few grams per day of chlorella would provide ample amino acid building blocks for the body to meet its protein needs.

Sports Nutritional Benefits

As well as being a good alternative to bulky, dairy-based whey protein formulas, Yaeyama Chlorella contains a myriad of nutrients helpful in assisting performance and recovery:

* A good source of bio-available iron for improved oxygen transport during aerobic exercise
* Carotenes and phytonutrients for elimination of ageing free radicals produced by the stresses of exercise
* The richest known source of chlorophyll, thought to improve heart function and the vascular system