The benefits of freshwater algae for the body. TOP 7 delicious and easy spirulina smoothies. Features of the preparation of vitamin drinks, video recipes.
Spirulina smoothie is an incredibly healthy drink that everyone should drink for their wellness and prevention of many diseases. Spirulina is an alga with a unique composition that has a positive effect on the entire body. It is rich in essential amino acids, vitamins of group B, A and others, many minerals and nutrients. But eating such seaweed in its traditional form is not a tempting idea, so we have created the TOP of the most delicious spirulina smoothie recipes so that you can get all the health benefits while enjoying a delicious drink.
The benefits of spirulina cocktails
The benefits of a spirulina smoothie can hardly be overestimated. As mentioned above, this seaweed contains B vitamins, including vitamin B12. Since B12 or cyanocobalamin is mainly found in animal products, the need for these algae is especially increased when following a vegetarian diet. One tablespoon of spirulina contains as much as 300% of the average daily intake of this vitamin for an adult.
Freshwater algae also contains about 2000 minerals and all essential amino acids. Interestingly, just 1 tablespoon of this powder contains the same amount of beta-carotene as 10 kg of dried carrots, and the chlorophyll content in it is 10 times higher than in greens.
Just one teaspoon of green powder a day will help keep your immune system healthy. And in combination with other supplements - seeds, vegetables, herbs, berries and fruits - spirulina algae will help fill the body's daily need for all the necessary nutrients and vitamins.
But keep in mind that for maximum benefits, you need to consume spirulina smoothies regularly, not as a one-off measure. They are good precisely because they allow you to consume the daily allowance of the necessary substances in a convenient form, and they are quite simple to prepare.
Thus, spirulina can rightfully be considered a "superfood", and its consumption can replace the intake of vitamins and dietary supplements. In addition, the calorie content of this product is quite low, the protein content is high, and the fat and carbohydrate content is low, which makes this alga an ideal solution for losing weight.
How to choose spirulina for smoothies?
In the photo, spirulina powder
After deciding to add "superfood" to your diet, the question of purchasing it arises. How to choose the most suitable product? Let's talk about this in more detail below.
Spirulina comes in several forms:
- Powder … This is the most natural form for algae, as it crumbles into powder when dried. If spirulina is grown correctly, then in this form it will retain all the benefits and will have the highest concentration of biologically active substances. The powder is very convenient to add to various dishes and, of course, to smoothies. Therefore, this form of release is a priority when choosing a quality product.
- Pills … They are convenient to take, but not suitable for adding to food. One teaspoon of powder contains approximately 8 tablets. Also, heat treatment at 50 degrees is used for pressing, due to which the superfood loses some of its beneficial properties.
- Capsules … Their functions are the same as those of tablets, but the shape is different. Gelatinous casings containing powder are the ideal form of release for those who cannot stand the smell and taste of algae. They are also not suitable for adding to food, although you can always open a capsule and pour its contents into a glass, but this, at least, is not rational, since the cost of capsules is an order of magnitude higher than the cost of pure powder.
Since derivatives of blue-green algae are rapidly gaining popularity in our time, the number of fakes on the market is growing in proportion to it. In order not to make a mistake with a choice and not stumble upon a fake, you should always buy goods from trusted, reliable manufacturers. Read reviews about a company before purchasing a product. The most reliable suppliers of algae are the United States and India, with the latter being preferred by the majority of consumers. Chinese products can be found in large quantities on the shelves, and they are usually cheaper than others, but, according to customer reviews, its quality cannot be fully trusted.
TOP 7 Spirulina Algae Smoothie Recipes
The use of this algae in the composition of smoothies is justified not only by convenience and taste, but also by the fact that spirulina cannot be subjected to heat treatment in order to keep the entire volume of nutrients unchanged. Introducing the most popular and healthy spirulina smoothie recipes.
Classic Spirulina Banana Smoothie
The traditional spirulina banana cocktail recipe requires no special ingredients. It can be prepared quickly even for breakfast before work.
- Caloric content per 100 g - 33 kcal.
- Servings - 1
- Cooking time - 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- Ripe banana - 1 pc.
- Spirulina - 1 tsp
- Water (milk) - 1 glass
How to make a classic spirulina banana smoothie step by step:
- Banana must first be peeled and divided into several parts.
- Mix all the ingredients in a blender and pour into a glass.
- If you like milkshakes and want a richer drink, then simply replace the water with any milk of plant or animal origin.
Attention! In the absence of a blender, you can also use a mixer if the ingredients are not very hard.
Vegan Spirulina Smoothie
This recipe is ideal for those looking to maintain their weight or for those with lactose intolerance. This spirulina cocktail can be used as a snack or as a light breakfast. Chia seeds and sesame seeds are also incredibly healthy foods to consume in drinks.
Ingredients:
- Banana - 0.5 pcs.
- Oatmeal or nut milk - 1 glass
- Spirulina - 6 g
- Chia seeds - 1 tsp
- Sesame seeds - 1 tsp
- Maple syrup - 1 tablespoon
- Cinnamon - 0.5 tsp
How to make a vegan spirulina smoothie step by step:
- Divide the banana into slices.
- Place all ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed until smooth.
- Pour into a glass and garnish with a pinch of cinnamon if desired.
On a note! Banana is used in many healthy smoothies and shakes as a natural sweetener and thickener.
Spirulina Milk Shake
This drink is thick and sweet. It is characterized by a rich milky taste. Cinnamon in a spirulina cocktail better expresses the milky taste and adds a characteristic unobtrusive aroma. And if you add a spoonful of ice cream to the smoothie, you get an incredibly tasty dessert.
Ingredients:
- Yogurt - 120 g
- Spirulina - 8 g
- Milk - 150 g
- Banana - 1 pc.
- Honey - 1 tsp
- Cinnamon - a pinch (optional)
Step by step preparation of milkshake with spirulina:
- You can take any yogurt - natural or with additives. The consistency of the drink will depend on its thickness.
- Use a blender to whisk all the ingredients together and transfer to a tall glass.
- The sweetness of the drink can be adjusted by the amount of honey. You can also use maple syrup for sweetening.
Vitamin green cocktail
It is advisable to drink green cocktails for every person every day, so that the body does not suffer from vitamin deficiency. Eating a spinach and spirulina smoothie is another great way to saturate the body with all the nutrients, vitamins, and trace elements without compromising taste. Berries will fill the cocktail with vitamin C and a sour note, and wheat germ is a storehouse of amino acids and minerals necessary to maintain normal functioning of the whole body.
Ingredients:
- Spirulina - 1.5 tsp
- Plant-based milk (soy or oat) - 220 ml
- Chopped spinach or sorrel - 1 cup
- Cucumber - 2 small
- Berries (blueberries, currants, lingonberries) - 50 g
- Wheat sprouts - 1 tbsp
Step by step preparation of vitamin green smoothie:
- We prepare the ingredients. My greens and cucumbers. We peel the latter and cut into small pieces or three on a coarse grater.
- Put all the ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. It is important to use a good blender, so that there are no unmilled pieces of greenery left.
- Pour into a glass. Decorate with a sprig of mint if desired.
- If you want to sweeten such a drink, then you should not add honey to it, as it does not go well with wheat germ. Better add ripe banana or syrup.
Important! The drink can be made more satisfying by adding 100 g of oatmeal to it. This smoothie option is the perfect solution for an energetic start to the day.
Fruit and berry smoothie with spirulina
This cocktail recipe with spirulina is characterized by the presence of sweet and sour fruits, berries and herbs, which not only give the drink a piquant sourness, but also make it indispensable in the cold season, when the body suffers from a lack of vitamins.
Ingredients:
- Apple (small) - 1 pc.
- Orange - 1/2 pc.
- Kiwi - 1-2 pcs.
- Banana - 1 pc.
- Spirulina - 2 tsp
- Spinach or sorrel - half a cup
- Cranberries or currants - 50 g
- Vegetable milk or water - we select the amount ourselves, depending on the desired density of the drink
Step-by-step preparation of Spirulina Fruit and Berry Smoothie:
- Wash the fruit and peel it. Cut into small pieces or three on a grater.
- Wash greens and cut them coarsely.
- Whisk all the ingredients together using an immersion or stationary blender.
- A delicious and healthy smoothie is ready!
Coconut Almond Smoothie
Consuming such a drink is a pleasant way to heal your body quickly and effortlessly. Plus, this spirulina cocktail will appeal to all coconut and almond lovers. The taste is medium sweet, with a rich nutty aroma and a hint of vanilla.
Ingredients:
- Spirulina - 1 tsp
- Coconut or almond milk - 1 cup
- Coconut flakes - 2 tablespoons
- Ripe banana - 1 pc.
- Whole almonds - 3 tablespoons
- Vanillin - a pinch
- Honey or any syrup - 2 tbsp. l.
How to make a coconut almond smoothie step by step:
- The first step is to prepare the nuts. Place a skillet over low heat and saute the almonds for a few minutes, stirring constantly.
- Place the nuts in a powerful blender and blend on high speed until they are powdery.
- Next, add all the other ingredients to the nuts in a blender and puree.
- Then pour into a glass, garnish with coconut and serve.
This spirulina smoothie is satisfying and nutritious, so it can be drunk when exhausted to gain weight or when there is a lack of healthy fats in the diet.
Spirulina smoothie with kefir and currants
This spirulina cocktail recipe is perfect for fermented milk drinkers. The currant, which is part of the smoothie, goes well with kefir to taste. It is rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C, and makes the drink not only incredibly tasty and healthy, but also visually beautiful, coloring it purple. Oatmeal makes this shake a good breakfast or snack because of its nutritional value.
Ingredients:
- Spirulina - 1 tsp
- Black currant - 100 g
- Kefir - 200 g
- Oatmeal - 2 tablespoons
- Honey or sweetening syrup - to taste
Step-by-step preparation of spirulina smoothies with kefir and currants:
- In a blender, combine all the ingredients and pour into a mug.
- If the drink seems too thick, then you can add a little water or a couple of ice cubes to it and scroll again in the blender. When you drink this drink for breakfast, you are guaranteed to feel good and energized for the whole day!
Important! Do not forget that you can use both fresh and frozen berries, which is very convenient in winter.
Spirulina smoothie video recipes
As you can see, there is nothing complicated in making vitamin cocktails. Include such drinks in your daily diet and you will very soon see an improvement in your health, as well as in your skin, hair and nails. And even if there are no cardinal changes, you will definitely feel a surge of strength and vitality.
