{"id":57152,"date":"2017-03-28T07:15:35","date_gmt":"2017-03-28T11:15:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/?p=57152"},"modified":"2022-01-20T07:34:15","modified_gmt":"2022-01-20T12:34:15","slug":"blue-green-algae-benefits-mermaid-toast","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/health\/blue-green-algae-benefits-mermaid-toast\/","title":{"rendered":"Blue-Green Algae and the Health Benefits of Mermaid Toast"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Blue-Green<\/div>\n

Blue majik \u2014 the blue-green algae extract that\u2019s derived from spirulina<\/a> \u2014 has shaken the health world with a new wave of Instagram-able foods. The ingredient is featured in everything from juices and tonics to mermaid toast (a cashew cheese and blue majik spread) and unicorn lattes (a mix of blue majik, tonics and adaptogens). It\u2019s safe to say foodies have a new blue crush. And if you\u2019ve sworn off rainbow foods from bagels<\/a> to Lucky Charms cereal, you\u2019re in luck. Free of artificial food dyes<\/a>, the naturally sapphire-hued powder is a surprisingly good source of protein, zinc, magnesium, B vitamins<\/a> and iron.<\/p>\n

Alissa Rumsey<\/a>, MS, RD, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, says, \u201cBlue majik is derived from spirulina, a source of chlorophyll, B vitamins including B12, iron and antioxidants.\u201d But because the lack of scientific studies and research, the nutrition world is still debating whether blue majik truly lives up to its name.<\/p>\n

Bonnie Taub-Dix<\/a>, MA, RD, CDN, founder of Better Than Dieting and author of Read It Before You Eat It<\/a><\/em>, says, \u201cUnlike spirulina, which has been out for years, there isn\u2019t enough research or scientific evidence to support the benefits of blue majik.\u201d<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>The Beginner\u2019s Guide to Collagen Powder (Plus Recipes!)<\/a><\/p>\n

Is Blue Majik the Next Spirulina?<\/h3>\n

Since blue majik derives from spirulina, it may have some of the same nutrients as the green algae. Rumsey notes, \u201cThere\u2019s some evidence that the carotenoids, fibers and plant sterols in blue-green algae can play a role in lowering cholesterol and reducing inflammation, as well as protecting against oxidative stress.\u201d<\/p>\n

Still, in terms of protein content and nutrition, Taub-Dix says spirulina and other plant-based protein powders<\/a>, like pea protein, hemp and garbanzo bean powder, outrank blue majik. \u201cBlue majik is low in calories and may have modest amounts of calcium, iron and potassium, but it\u2019s always best to go for real food to get these essential minerals,\u201d she notes. With that said, if you\u2019re still curious about blue majik, Taub-Dix recommends trying it in a small dose.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s completely fine to try it out and see if you like it or notice any benefits from it. Just make sure to buy blue majik powders and supplements that are certified contaminant-free,\u201d Taub-Dix advises. Some spirulina products aren\u2019t contaminant-free, so it\u2019s not recommended for children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>Your Cheat Sheet to Vegan Protein Powders<\/a><\/p>\n

Blue Majik: The Unicorn Food Movement<\/h3>\n

Much like spirulina, blue majik has an earthy flavor (though the taste is more subtle). It can also easily blend into smoothies, breakfast bowls, dips and spreads. Before taking the plunge on a giant tub, swing by your local juice or smoothie shop to try it. Juice Generation\u2019s Holy Water<\/a> is made with the adaptogen tulsi, basil coconut water, pineapple and blue majik. Moon Juice also makes a Blue Adaptogen Protein Powder<\/a> that includes brown rice protein, chia seeds and blue majik. And The End<\/a> caf\u00e9 in Brooklyn, NY serves up unicorn lattes that can satisfy your lust for the baby blues.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>The Beginner\u2019s Guide to Using Protein Powder<\/a><\/p>\n

4 Mermaid-Approved Blue Majik Recipes<\/h3>\n

If lattes and juices aren\u2019t your thing, here are a few more Instagram-worthy ways to take a dip with blue majik.<\/p>\n

\"Blue-Green<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0Blue Mermaid Smoothie Bowl<\/a><\/h3>\n

The dazzling turquoise color of this smoothie bowl<\/a> makes it a feast for the eyes. In this recipe, you\u2019ll blend frozen bananas and grapes together with almond milk, coconut yogurt, blue majik and lemon juice. Freezing the fruits helps create a smooth and frosty texture like n\u2019ice cream. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice balances out the earthy flavor of blue majik. Top with dragon fruit<\/a>, passion fruit, kiwi, toasted pistachios or your favorite berries. Photo and recipe: Georgie \/ Greens of the Stone Age<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Blue-Algae<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>2.\u00a0Blue Majik Cashew Mylk<\/a><\/h3>\n

Making your own nut milk may seem intimidating, but we promise this recipe is super easy \u2014 no cheesecloth needed. First, soak the cashews overnight to help soften them up. (This makes it easier to liquefy them in a blender when combined with water.) In a blender, combine the cashews with medjool dates for a hint of sweetness, and vanilla and cinnamon for a heartwarming taste. Then, store the milk in a Mason jar or glass bottle in the fridge for about three to four days. Enjoy the milk on its own or enjoy it in overnight oats<\/a>. Photo and recipe: Alison Wu \/ Wu Haus<\/em><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>11 Delicious Chia Seed Pudding Recipes<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0\"Blue-Algae<\/h3>\n

3.\u00a0Blue Majik Bombs<\/a><\/h3>\n

Before you start your day, enjoy this delicious sundae-like vanilla chia pudding<\/a>. It\u2019s made with adaptogens<\/a>, like reishi mushroom and cordyceps, to help you fight stress, fatigue and anxiety. This recipe also features coconut shatavari butter, an herb that\u2019s used in Ayurvedic practices to help balance the reproductive and digestive systems. Add roasted blueberries on top, and you\u2019ve got a dish that\u2019s oozing with antioxidants. Photo and recipe: Eli Keaton \/ Eli Keaton<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Blue-Algae<\/h3>\n

4.\u00a0Blue Majik Chia Pudding<\/a><\/h3>\n

Marine collagen powder<\/a> makes this chia pudding extra filling and protein-packed. Unsweetened cashew milk and coconut shavings add a nutty and subtle sweetness, while ground cinnamon and maple syrup impart comforting flavor. Top with cacao nibs, chopped pineapple and coconut shavings. Recipe: Sister Chives<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

From mermaid toast to unicorn lattes, blue-green algae (aka blue majik) is having a moment. But do its nutritional benefits live up to the hype?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":90,"featured_media":57182,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[23,7],"tags":[71,80,191,341,388,284,95],"class_list":["post-57152","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-diet-nutrition","category-health","tag-nutrition","tag-protein","tag-supplements","tag-tax1living-well","tag-tax2nutrition","tag-vegan","tag-vegetarian"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57152","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/90"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=57152"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57152\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/57182"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=57152"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=57152"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=57152"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}