Food Made Fresh: Spirulina powder adds vitamins, minerals to smoothies
Normally, “green” smoothies are my forte, packed with kale and spinach, and sweetened up with frozen banana and mango. And I occasionally enjoy a berry smoothie. But lately, I’ve been experimenting with the bright blue powder known as spirulina, in my smoothies.
Spirulina has pain-relief, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and brain-protective properties. It also contains a powerful plant-based protein called phycocyanin. Due to the rich vitamins and minerals spirulina contains, it is also good for the immune system.
The blue or green powdery substance comes from algae. It’s important if you are pregnant or breastfeeding to consult your doctor before consuming spirulina. And it is not advised to use products like this if you are taking blood thinners or have an autoimmune disease.
Spirulina has a slight seaweed taste, and mixed with banana, pineapple, vanilla, and milk, the flavor is mild, even undetected. The combination is very pleasant, and the benefits are great.
Experience a new, flavorful smoothie with loads of health benefits, and enjoy food made fresh!
Blue Paradise Smoothie
1 cup plant-based milk
1 cup frozen pineapple or mango chunks
1 frozen ripened banana
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon blue spirulina
Place milk into an electric blender. Add pineapple or mango, banana, vanilla, and spirulina.
Pulse blender on high until ingredients begin to incorporate. Once they form a tunnel down the middle of the mixture, blend on high until mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
Serve immediately. Makes 1 large, or 2 small smoothies.
ANGELINA LARUE is a food writer, recipe developer and author of “The Whole Enchilada Fresh and Nutritious Southwestern Cuisine.”
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Food Made Fresh: Spirulina powder adds vitamins, minerals to smoothies
