Beyond smoothies: Unexpected ways you can cook with spirulina powder

• Spirulina is a blue-green algae packed with protein, iron, B vitamins and antioxidants. A complete protein, spirulina contains all essential amino acids and is gentle on the stomach.
• Rich in antioxidants (like phycocyanin), spirulina can fight free radicals and support good health.
• Available in powder, tablet or capsule form, spirulina can be added to smoothies, dressings, energy balls and baked goods for a nutrient boost.
• Start with small amounts of spirulina and pair it with sweet or citrus flavors to mask its earthy taste. Store it in a cool, dark place to preserve nutrients.
• Spirulina is an ancient superfood that’s easy to add to modern meals for a health boost.

Spirulina, a vibrant blue-green algae, has been celebrated for centuries as one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. Packed with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, this superfood has earned its reputation as a powerhouse supplement.

But beyond capsules and tablets, spirulina powder can be easily incorporated into everyday meals, adding both nutrition and a pop of color.

Whether blended into smoothies, mixed into energy bites or whisked into dressings, spirulina is a versatile ingredient that can elevate the health profile of nearly any dish.

Here’s how to make the most of it, along with the science-backed benefits that make it worth adding to your diet. (h/t to Health.ClevelandClinic.org)

Get to know spirulina

Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that grows in both fresh and saltwater environments. It has been consumed for thousands of years, with historical records tracing its use back to the Aztecs.

Today, spirulina is widely available in powder, tablet or capsule form, making it easy to integrate into modern diets. (Related: The science of extraction: How alcohol-free green tea tinctures are made.)

One tablespoon of spirulina powder contains:

• 20 calories
• 4 grams of plant-based protein
• Iron, magnesium and copper
• B vitamins (B1, B2 and B3)
• Beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A)

Unlike other supplements, spirulina is a complete protein, meaning it provides all nine essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own.

Research suggests that spirulina can help support your overall well-being because it is an excellent source of powerful antioxidants. Spirulina is rich in phycocyanin, the antioxidant pigment that gives it its blue-green hue. Antioxidants help combat free radicals, the unstable molecules that harm healthy cells.

Thanks to its high iron and B-vitamin content, spirulina can also support your body’s natural energy production. Unlike iron supplements, spirulina is gentle on the stomach and is easily absorbed by the body.

How to use spirulina powder in everyday meals

While spirulina has a distinct, earthy, slightly oceanic taste, it blends seamlessly into many dishes when used in moderation. The simplest way to enjoy spirulina is by blending it into smoothies and shakes. Its bold color pairs well with fruits and greens that can also mask spirulina’s taste.

Here are some delicious and easy recipes that make use of spirulina:

Green spirulina smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 medium ripe banana (peeled and frozen, about one cup)
• 1/2 cup sliced cucumber (leave the skin on)
• 3/4 – 1 cup light coconut milk (or your preferred non-dairy milk. Use less for a thicker smoothie or more milk for a thinner smoothie)
• 1 cup spinach or chopped kale
• 1 teaspoon spirulina powder
• 1 tablespoon hemp seed (you can also use chia seeds or vegan protein powder)

Ingredients for serving (optional):

• 1/4 cup frozen or fresh blueberries
• 1/4 cup granola (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Add the frozen banana, cucumber, coconut milk, spinach, spirulina and hemp seed (optional) to the blender. Blend until creamy and smooth. Scrape down the sides as needed.
2. If the smoothie is too thick, thin it with water or more coconut milk. If it’s too thin, thicken with ice or more frozen banana.
3. Taste and adjust the flavor as needed. Add more banana for sweetness, cucumber for freshness, and greens or spirulina for green color.
4. Serve immediately as is. You can also top the smoothie with blueberries, granola and more hemp seeds.

The smoothie is best consumed when fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days or in the freezer for one week. Thaw when serving from the freezer.

Spirulina energy balls 

Spirulina adds a protein and antioxidant boost to healthy and delicious no-bake snacks like energy balls.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oats
• 1/2 cup almond or peanut butter
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon spirulina powder
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
2. Use your hand and roll the mixture into small balls. Refrigerate the spirulina energy balls for 30 minutes. Enjoy them as a quick, nutrient-packed snack.

Spirulina salad dressing 

You can also use spirulina to transform salad dressing into a nutrient-dense condiment.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup water
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup hemp seeds
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 garlic clove
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cracked pepper
• ½ cup cilantro
• 1 teaspoon spirulina, add more to taste

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients, except the cilantro and spirulina, until the mixture is creamy and smooth for at least one minute.
2. Add the cilantro and spirulina, and blend until combined and smooth.
3. Drizzle the dressing over salads, grain bowls or roasted vegetables.

Baked goods and pancakes

For a hidden nutrient boost, add half a teaspoon of spirulina to pancake batter, muffins or homemade protein bars.

Spirulina’s color deepens when baked, giving treats a vibrant green hue.

Final tips for using spirulina

If it’s your first time cooking with spirulina, start small. Half a teaspoon or one teaspoon per serving is plenty.

Store spirulina powder in a cool, dark place to preserve its nutrients. To balance its taste, pair spirulina powder with citrus or sweet flavors, like banana or mango.

With its health-supporting benefits, spirulina is more than just a supplement; it’s a simple way to supercharge meals. Whether blended, baked or sprinkled, this ancient superfood is a modern-day nutritional powerhouse.

Where to get lab-verified Spirulina Powder

The Health Ranger Store is committed to helping you maintain optimal nutrition. That’s why we’re offering clean, lab-verified and nutritious food options such as Health Ranger Select Spirulina Powder 12 oz and Health Ranger Select Spirulina Powder 1300g in #10 cans.

Spirulina is one of the world’s most nutritionally complete foods. This microscopic freshwater algae contains more iron than raw spinach and more protein than beef, poultry and fish. It is the perfect source of iron and protein for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Health Ranger Select Spirulina Powder 12 oz is non-GMO, Kosher-certified, China-free and laboratory verified for cleanness and purity. It is also thoroughly lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology. Our premium Spirulina Powder is also available in #10 cans.

Visit Health Ranger Store and Brighteon Store to find more lab-verified products that can help support your overall well-being. You can also visit SupplementsReport.com for more stories about spirulina and other supplements that can help you maintain good health.

Click on this link to learn more about Broccoli Sprouts, another superfood that can support optimal wellness.

Watch the video below to learn more about Spirulina, a complete source of plant-based protein, and how it can elevate your daily routine.

This video is from the Health Ranger Store channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Black cumin seed oil in cultural traditions: Stories from around the world.

Seasonal flavors: Adding Moringa Powder to festive drinks and snacks.

Easy, healthy, tasty: Energizing smoothie recipes with high nutritional value.

Microalgae are “untapped” sources of beneficial nutrients.

Sources include:

Health.ClevelandClinic.org

MinimalistBaker.com

LoveleeLiving.com

FeastingAtHome.com

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Brighteon.com