When you’re feeling rundown from long work hours, overdoing your workout routine, or lack of sleep, try giving Spirulina a try. Spirulina is a nutrient-rich form of fresh-water algae, grown and dried into a deep, dark green (nutrient-rich) powder with an added bonus of containing the highest concentration of complete proteins found in any food. Now, that is a superfood! We find it easiest to use Spirulina in smoothies, dips, and dressings, but there are tons of ways for you to enjoy it!
Spirulina, an edible freshwater algae, has been impressing researchers for years with its high levels of beneficial nutrients and phytochemicals. But, it is spirulina’s content of a plant pigment called phycocyanin that is now attracting scientific attention. Phycocyanin, the greenish-blue pigment-protein which gives spirulina its beautiful color, functions as an accessory pigment to chlorophyll — meaning it absorbs light and then transfers the energy to the chlorophyll
Phycocyanin is strongly anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich – two properties that have been shown to combat cancer. The phytochemicals within spirulina also inhibit cell adhesion molecules, which normally promote cancer’s ability to proliferate and spread. Natural health experts report that chlorophyll in spirulina binds to carcinogens, promoting their elimination from the body, and University of Maryland Medical Center cites a small clinical study in which participants who were given spirulina experienced reductions in precancerous lesions. Basically, this stuff rocks and should be added to smoothies, dressings, and whatever else you want, whenever possible!
Another superfood that was squeezed into this smoothie is maca. Maca, a root that belongs to the radish family, is most commonly available in powder form. Grown in the mountains of Peru, it has been called “Peruvian ginseng.” Maca’s benefits have been long valued, and have recently been popularized as a supplement and food ingredient. Maca is rich in vitamin B vitamins, C, and E and it provides plenty of calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, phosphorous and amino acids. Maca helps your overall health in a number of ways and has even been seen to increase energy levels and athletic stamina.
This is another amazing smoothie that we will be adding into our repertoire! For more recipes like this one, check out our recipe book Quick and Clean Smoothies & Salads. We teamed up with Goofy Foot Foods’ Kris Kelly to create an entire cookbook packed with cancer-fighting ingredients and deliciousness!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups almond milk or (substitute any of the following: coconut milk, cashew milk, coconut water, or maple water)
- 2 Medjool date, pitted
- 12 large fresh mint leaves
- 2-3 frozen bananas
- 1 cup fresh or frozen pineapple
- 2 cups fresh or frozen spinach (note: I love using frozen, organic spinach in my smoothies)
- 1 teaspoon mesquite powder
- 1 tablespoon Incan Spirulina Powder
- 2 teaspoons maca powder
Instructions: Place all ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Enjoy cold!
