Hawaiian Green Smoothie

I am in a Maui state of mind anticipating our upcoming trip to Maui. With our 10th anniversary around the corner we thought we’d celebrate Hawaiian style. And with a bottle of Hawaiian spirulina in the fridge…wait, spiru what? What the heck is spirulina? Read on for the health benefits and my latest Hawaiian green smoothie recipe.

Hawaiian Green Smoothie

One of the world’s most complete superfoods, spirulina is a blue-green algae found in pristine waters. The deep blue-green color comes from a high concentration of chlorophyll, one of natures most powerful detoxifiers. And one little teaspoon has 2 grams of protein. It’s amazing stuff.

Incredible Superfood

I first learned about spirulina a few years ago from famous raw food expert David Wolfe. It sounded like a fantastic add to my diet, and was noted as a super food – a food that is nutritionally dense for what you consume.

I started reading about spirulina and came across Nutrex Hawaii. After looking at many brands and how they produce their spirulina, I decided to try some. Grown in a BioSecure Zone in lined ponds, it is the worlds first organic spirulina. You can buy it online and at health oriented stores. The best price I’ve found is on ThriveMarket.com. Add it to your morning smoothie for pennies a day.

The Health Benefits of Spirulina

Consumed for centuries, spirulina provides an astonishing array of vitamins (B’s, E and K’s), chlorophyll, important minerals, essential fatty acids, complete protein (all essential amino acids) and a spectrum of antioxidants. And it’s high in bio-available iron. Whew, is that a list or what?

Spirulina is reported to boost our immune systems, reduce inflammation, improve digestion and is great for eye health, blood pressure and cholesterol. Yep, we all need this. At least I do.

Make a Hawaiian Green Smoothie

While you can mix it with water (and try to gag it down, tried that), or take it in pill form like a vitamin (I already take too many), I’ve been adding it to my smoothies for weeks now and love it. This recipe has become my current favorite smoothie. And I feel great knowing I am powering myself something super nutritious.

The Smoothie Recipe

This smoothie recipe uses unsweetened almond milk, full fat canned coconut milk (Native Forest or Natural Value), fresh spinach leaves, frozen tropical fruit (either mango or pineapple) and spirulina. I add a little vanilla. Blend away and start your day in an amazing way. It’s smooth, creamy and a beautiful vibrant green from the spirulina and spinach.

Most smoothies are best consumed right away. I’ve discovered this one sits fine in the fridge until morning. Blend before bedtime, place in a jar with a lid, and grab on the way out the door. Shake well and consume while it’s cold.

Note – the color of your smoothie will depend on the protein powder that you. If you use whey, it will be bright green. If you use a plant-based protein, it might be more of an army green.

Last Note

While spirulina is considered a healthy food and supplement, Dr. Mercola notes that you “should not take spirulina if you have a severe seafood or iodine allergy. And, if you are pregnant or nursing or have hyperthyroidism, consult your healthcare provider before adding spirulina to your diet.”

For more reading check out these links

Spirulina: Nutrition Facts & Health Benefits, Nutrex Hawaiian Spirulina

For another Hawaiian-inspired options try this Hawaiian style salad with goat cheese.

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Hawaiian Green Smoothie

The bright green color of this smoothie comes from superfood spirulina and spinach leaves. With almond and coconut milks, its a great way to start the day.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces unsweetened almond milk recipe here
• 2 ounces canned full fat coconut milk
• 1/2 cup frozen mango or pineapple
• a big handful of raw fresh spinach leaves 2 ounces
• 1 teaspoon spirulina powder
• 1 scoop protein powder of choice

Instructions

• Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth, about 1 minute.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g