Perhaps you’ve seen photos of vibrant blue smoothie bowls in your Instagram feed and wondered, “What is it that gives them that hue?”
In this instance, the answer is blue spirulina — a freshwater blue-green algae that’s been harvested from lakes for thousands of years. About 60 percent protein by weight, blue spirulina is richer in beta-carotene than carrots and has an abundance of nutrients, including vitamin K and iron.
Research suggests that a daily dose of spirulina can help improve brain function and digestion, reduce inflammation, lower serum (total blood) cholesterol and more.
Blue spirulina is sold online in the form of a powder — look for spirulina sourced here in the United States that is USDA-certified organic to ensure it’s free of potential contaminants or additives. Organic spirulina is also the first ingredient in our Life Greens powder, which combines it with more than 40 different freeze-dried vegetables and fruits for extra digestive and immune health support.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1/2 tsp. blue spirulina powder
- 1 serving vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 frozen banana, sliced
- 1/2 cup frozen mango chunks
- 1 tbs. coconut flakes
- Optional toppings: Nuts, nut butter, fresh fruit, hemp/sunflower/pumpkin/flax seeds, and/or coconut flakes
Directions
STEP 1
Pour 1/2 cup almond milk into blender. Add spirulina and protein powder and blend until evenly distributed.
STEP 2
Add frozen fruit. Blend. Add more almond milk, if needed. (Less milk will result in a thicker smoothie bowl).
STEP 3
Pour into a bowl and add coconut flakes and any other desired toppings. Nuts or nut butter are a great source of healthy fats. Seeds are full of fiber and contain many important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Change it up each time for an always-fresh take on breakfast.
Thoughts to share?
Julie Dulude is a Twin Cities-based writer.
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