Spirulina Smoothie Bowls: An Honest Review
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Smoothie bowls are Instagram's favorite child, and when it comes to spirulina-infused creations, they really are gorgeous. They are vibrant, beautifully arranged, and look like edible works of art.
Before you go ordering spirulina powder online to make your picture perfect smoothie bowl, please read my honest review.
We will start with the benefits of spirulina – because yes, it’s something you should consider adding to your diet! - and the best way of getting it (spoiler alert: you’re way better off just buying a spirulina supplement).
What is Spirulina, and How Can It Help Me?
Spirulina, the vibrant green superfood that has seen a recent surge in health and wellness feeds, offers an impressive array of health benefits. Packed with an abundance of nutrients, this algae (yes algae) deserves its reputation as a nutritional powerhouse.
First and foremost, spirulina is an excellent source of protein.
It contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source, especially beneficial for vegetarians and vegans. (It is hard to find a complete protein source that isn’t meat!) And we all know that protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and promoting satiety.
Additionally, spirulina is rich in antioxidants, such as phycocyanin, beta-carotene, and chlorophyll.
These antioxidants help combat oxidative stress and neutralize harmful free radicals, protecting the body against chronic diseases and promoting overall cellular health.
One of the standout health benefits of spirulina is its potential immune-boosting properties.
It stimulates the production of antibodies and increases the activity of natural killer cells, which play a vital role in defending the body against infections and harmful pathogens. Regular consumption of spirulina may help enhance the immune system's response, reducing the risk of illness and supporting overall immune health.
Furthermore, spirulina is known to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Its high concentration of phycocyanin has been shown to reduce inflammation markers in the body, potentially benefiting individuals with chronic inflammatory conditions like arthritis.
Spirulina also supports cardiovascular health.
Studies have suggested that its intake may help lower blood pressure, reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, and improve lipid profiles, thereby decreasing the risk of heart disease.
Last but not least, spirulina is a rich source of various vitamins and minerals, including iron, vitamin B12, and magnesium.
These nutrients are essential for energy production, healthy blood cell formation, and optimal brain function.
Do I Bother with the Spirulina Smoothie Bowl?
Let me start by asking: do you care about taste?
If you’ve ever wondered what extraterrestrial life might taste like, spirulina gives you a chance to experience it firsthand!
It has a unique flavor that can best be described as an unwelcome combination of grass and seaweed. Imagine munching on a lawnmower while getting hit by a wave at the beach. It's an acquired taste that will leave you wondering why you chose to do this to yourself.
It’s true that you can cover up the flavor with the right blend of fruits. However, as someone who loves to cook but somehow has never been able to perfect a smoothie recipe (I get close but never quite right), it just isn’t worth it for me. If you’re a master smoothie maker, go for it! (And please email me with your secrets – seriously, it’s a lifelong mission of mine to figure out how to make a good smoothie.)
But if you don’t want to go through the time and effort of finding the right fruits to cover the flavor or the expense of filling your freezer, this probably isn’t your best bet. Yeah, these bowls are beautiful, but how long will it take to recreate it??
So for me, as I suspect many of you as well, I much prefer to take spirulina in supplement form. This requires no work whatsoever in figuring out the right combination of ingredients or cleaning a blender.
Plus you don’t have to buy a lot of stuff.
Benefits of Spirulina in Pill Form
1. Easy.
2. Portable. You can travel with them!
3. Cheaper. No extra ingredients to buy. Plus you’ll use the whole bottle of pills rather than keeping a jar of spirulina powder in your cabinet unused that you ultimately throw away three years past its “best by” date. So it’s a space saver too – win win!
4. Doesn’t taste like fish and lawn in a bowl.
Tips for Taking Spirulina
First of all, always talk to your doctor about taking a new supplement!
And if he/she says it’s all good, just taking it is great. But if you want to maximize your body’s usage of it, there are a couple of tips to consider:
Pair with Food.
While spirulina is a nutritional powerhouse on its own, pairing it with certain foods can enhance its benefits. For instance, combining spirulina with citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruits can boost its iron absorption. Alternatively, blending it with healthy fats like avocado or consuming it alongside a source of vitamin C can enhance the absorption of its powerful antioxidants.
Timing.
When to Take Spirulina: To make the most of spirulina's benefits, timing is crucial. It's generally recommended to take spirulina supplements with meals. Consuming it alongside food helps improve its absorption and minimizes the risk of digestive discomfort. Whether you prefer breakfast, lunch, or dinner, adding spirulina to your mealtime routine ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Start Small, then Build Up.
When introducing spirulina supplements to your routine, it's wise to start with a smaller dosage and gradually increase it. This approach allows your body to adjust to the powerful nutrients gradually. Begin with a low dosage (whatever your doctor suggests) and monitor how your body responds.
(Remember to pin and come back for more!)
Remember:
Incorporating spirulina into your diet can provide a wide range of health benefits. From its protein-packed nature to its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties, this green gem deserves a spot on your superfood list. So, go ahead and give it a try! But the path of least resistance is by not eating it.
While the pill form won’t get you lots of likes and people (mistakenly) thinking they should recreate your handiwork, it will give you all the health benefits with none of the heartache (i.e. the taste). Plus, it’s a lot easier and ultimately cheaper. (Spend the extra 15 minutes scrolling through Instagram and laughing at people who have to eat those things!)
If you’re looking to upgrade your nutrition this weekend, try my FREE three-day reset, which includes recipes I used to recover from a virus that almost killed me:
