Spirulina is one of the first superfoods I adopted into my kitchen cupboards as an essential. Starting off life as a blue-green algae, the dry, fine powder form that you’ll probably find it in really is perfect for adding to smoothies, or mixing up with water for a crude protein boost. But what’s the benefit of this ocean-smelling ingredient?
Why is spirulina a superfood?
Spirulina has one of the highest percentage per gram of protein than any other food on the planet – including meat. It is made up of 60-70% protein, and also boasts an array of other delicious nutrients too, with calcium, iron, magnesium, niacin, potassium, and B-vitamins being present. On top of this, it is an antioxidant, inhibiting oxidisation and therefore preventing potentially harmful chemical reactions in the body.
With all this said, spirulina is very much an acquired taste; you can grow to stomach it straight with water, but I’m really not prepared to go that far, and instead sprinkle a teaspoon into my morning smoothie, which blends into a deliciously fruity tasting drink.
Spirulina Green Smoothie Recipe
1 overripe banana
2 handfuls of frozen berries
1 handful spinach leaves
250ml almond milk
1 tsp chia seeds
1 tsp spirulina powder
1 tsp wheatgrass powder (optional)
- In your blender, put in the banana in chunks, spinach, and frozen berries
- Next pour in a glassful (or 250ml) of almond milk
- Add on top your superfood additions – spirulina, wheatgrass, chia seeds etc.
- Blend up on the lowest setting for around 30 seconds, and enjoy!
