The Ultimate Gut-Healing Smoothie Featuring Spirulina
Spirulina is a nutrient-dense algae that grows in very alkaline water. The use of spirulina dates back to the ancient Aztecs and continues to be grown across the world and used today.
Spirulina is blue-green algae that’s ultra healing and packed with chlorophyll, iron, and minerals. My favorite way to incorporate spirulina into my diet is by adding 1 teaspoon of powdered spirulina in smoothies.
Phycocyanin
Spirulina gets its dark blue-green color from the pigment, phycocyanin, which has been shown to aid in lowering blood pressure. Research has shown that regularly consuming spirulina reverses endothelial dysfunction or a disease in which the arteries of your heart narrow. This is quickly becoming one of the main causes of preventable diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke, in America.
Benefits
The anti-inflammatory properties in spirulina have been known to help with sinus issues. Spirulina has been shown to reduce the inflammation that causes nasal itching, congestion and sneezing, diminishing the symptoms of sinus problems. In addition, spirulina has been known to reduce cholesterol, boost energy, offer neuroprotection from brain disorders, and boosts memory.
Spirulina Versus Chlorella
Spirulina is often compared to chlorella because they are both nutrient-rich algae. However, spirulina is higher in amino acids, iron, protein, B vitamins and vitamins C, D and E. It also contains the essential fatty acids your body needs, such as Omega-3. In addition, spirulina is digestible immediately, whereas chlorella has a dense, indigestible, cellular wall. This makes chlorella require processing before consumption. This, along with chlorella being harder to initially harvest, makes it more expensive than spirulina.
Types of Spirulina
Spirulina is grown across the world; however, Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica provides more gram-for-gram nutrition than any other spirulina on the market. Having 280% more antioxidants than blueberries, 3900% more iron than spinach. Commonly, you can get spirulina in several forms. Chewable tablets, fine powder, flakes and pills/capsules. Because it comes in several forms, it is easy to take as a daily supplement or work into your diet.
My favorite way to incorporate spirulina into my diet is by adding 1 teaspoon of powdered spirulina in smoothies.
The Ultimate Gut-Healing Smoothie
Ingredients:
Spirulina is blue-green algae that’s ultra healing and packed with chlorophyll, iron, and minerals.
My favorite way to incorporate spirulina into my diet is by adding 1 teaspoon of powdered spirulina to smoothies.
1 serving:
🥝 1 whole kiwi - don’t need to peel!
💚 1 tsp spirulina powder @hawaiianspirulina
🌱 1 tbsp flax seeds
🥭 1 cup mango/pineapple
🥥 unsweetened coconut milk or water
💪high-quality vanilla protein powder
If you make this recipe and enjoy it, be sure to tag @AKFunctionalNutrition on Instagram!