Meet summer's hottest new health craze: blue-green algae. While it is typically found in the depths of the ocean, it may be making its way into your morning smoothie!
What is Blue-Green Algae?
Blue-green is a plant-like organism found in salt water and sometimes large lakes. It has recently been promoted as a wellness supplement to combat inflammation and support immune strength. The most popular type of blue-green algae is Spirulina, a superfood used frequently to add vitamins and green color to smoothie recipes.
While research on the benefits for inflammation and immune strength in this emerging product is incomplete, blue-green algae does contain heaping amounts of protein, iron, and mineral content. Check out these nutritious recipes and get your blue-green fix at home!
Please remember to consult a medical doctor first if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have an autoimmune disease.
Raw Green Hemp Bars
Photo courtesy of Fresh Planet Flavor
Even if the goal is to eat fresh, whole foods, we all find ourselves in a crunch for time every now and then. These raw green energy bars make the perfect snack for when you're on the go and in a pinch for time. With dates, coconuts, pistachios, and pumpkin seeds, these bars have a hint of sweet stickiness that may even satisfy the pickiest of eaters. What makes these bars special is the addition of the blue-green algae spirulina, making these bars very nutrient dense.
Blue Spirulina Pops
Photo courtesy of GreenSmoothieGourmet
Summer indulgence that's guilt free and highly nutritious? Sign us up! These Spirulina Pops are pretty wholesome with the only source of sugar being a minimal amount of pure maple syrup. Don't fear treating yourself, because this special blue-green algae will give you a burst of protein and essential amino acids in each pop!
Green Cashew Cream Toast
Photo courtesy of OrganicBurst
This recipe is chock full of superfoods on superfoods! The cashew cream is filled with healthy fats, there's the amazing addition of blue-green algae, and the berries are packed with powerful antioxidants. If you want to give yourself a nutritious boost in the morning, this is the perfect breakfast addition. Also consider serving this to friends for brunch or afternoon tea - they'll love you for introducing them to this yummy take on toast!
Mermaid Smoothie Bowl
Photo courtesy of Plant Fueled
Who doesn't love a good smoothie bowl? This one is actually just as great-tasting as it is aesthetically pleasing - and is easily customizable based on personal taste. Try this out for your next pre-workout or post-workout meal!
Superfood Chia Pudding
Photo courtesy of The Awesome Green
If you're in need of a detox after an over-indulgent weekend, this will be your go-to meal of the day. Chia seeds are firm when dry, but when mixed with liquid and in the digestive track are known for becoming gelatinous, expanding, and drawing out toxins from the body. This chia seed pudding mixed with blueberries and spirulina create the ultimate detox meal.
Green Ice Cream
Photo courtesy of Kale & Caramel
Ice cream with health benefits? Who would have thought? Even though this ice cream is blue-green with spirulina, cilantro, and lemongrass, the flavor doesn't taste like a mouthful of salad. This ice cream has a mellow sweetness with a tangy, herbaceous flavor to balance it. It's detoxifying and aids in digestion, which means this recipe should definitely be on your to-do list for the weekend.
Sunny Spirulina Avocado Toast
Photo courtesy of Healthy Happy Life
Ah, the classic avocado toast. This one has a special twist with a splash of spirulina that isn't overpowering, but just enough for you to reap the health benefits of blue-green algae. You can make it simple with just avocado and spirulina, but by adding in some additional unique ingredients like pineapple and ginger, you'll experience a light, refreshing blend fit for summer.
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