The secret recipe for success for Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Karim Benzema is eating seaweed regularly.
Global superstars are still thriving at the highest levels of the game despite being in their 30s.
The trio, in some ways, are in better shape than when they were in their 20s. And their success on and off the field is said to be because they make seaweed a staple of their “super strict” and highly nutritious diets. Cristiano Ronaldo is still scoring goals at the age of 37
That’s according to Spanish newspapers Marca and Mundo Deportivo, who claim the trio are regular eaters of the superfood.
Seaweed is packed with Spirulina, which has 70 percent protein and is rich in vitamins (A, B1, B2, C, D, E and K). It also contains Chlorella, which has a 60 percent protein count that “helps slow aging and much more.” It is also said to “speed up the metabolism and eliminate toxins from the body” at a faster rate than it would otherwise.
Lionel Messi, 35, currently flying high with Paris Saint-Germain Alberto Mastromatteo, a private chef to the stars in Spain, is a big fan of consuming seaweed.
He said of Spirulina and Chlorella: “They contain great nutritional value. Because with a small amount you get a lot of plant proteins, which the body synthesizes even better than animal proteins”.
“I believe in the extraordinary nutritional power of microalgae, incomparable sources of unsaturated fatty acids omega 3 – and other healthy lipids, vitamins, carotenoids, antioxidants, etc.”
“This is why I usually include spirulina and chlorella in all my dishes,” he revealed.
And Karim Benzema just enjoyed the best season of his career at the age of 34. The consumption of seaweed by Ronaldo, Messi and Benzema is clearly having the desired effect as they are still playing at high levels.
Ronaldo was Manchester United’s top scorer last season – finding the net 24 times in all competitions. Meanwhile, Messi scored 11 goals and provided 15 assists in his debut season with Paris Saint-Germain. Real Madrid star Benzema was the most prolific of the trio – scoring 44 goals in 46 appearances in all competitions for Los Blancos.