When you see blue-colored food, is your first instinct to think that it is made of artificial blue food coloring? Of course, there are a lot of food items that use synthetic food colors to create drinks, smoothies and ice creams. However, there are alsonatural food colorsthat bring out that deep blue color to the food products. Blue Spirulina is a natural blue pigment, phycocyanin, that has been extracted from the green algae spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) and gives a distinct, slightly blue hue. This rare pigment is available only in spirulina and a limited number of other blue-green algae species. The strong pigmentation offered by blue spirulina makes it ideal for natural blue food color. In addition to offeringspirulina blue coloring, phycocyanin also makes it rich in antioxidants and gives blue spirulina powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Blue spirulina is widely known as a superfood, packed with nutrients and health boosting components.
What Nutrients are present in Blue Spirulina?
In terms of nutrition, blue spirulina offers a complete bounty! Containing protein, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, and manganese, it lives up to its name of being a superfood. In addition to this, blue spirulina contains large quantities of plant protein, phytonutrients such as carotenoids and superoxide dismutase, linoleic acid, and calcium, as well as small quantities of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids and caters to all the amino acid needs of the human body.
What Health Benefits does Blue Spirulina offer?
As one of the world’s most popular supplements, blue spirulina benefits both the human body and brain. The phycocyanin in blue spirulina protects against oxidative damage or lipid peroxidation by fighting against free radicals and preventing inflammation and muscle damage. Blue spirulina also has positive impacts on cardiovascular health by lowering LDL cholesterol levels and triglycerides, while improving HDL cholesterol levels. It is also known to influence and significantly reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, especially for people with high blood pressure levels. For persons who are watching their weight, the increased Vitamin B content in blue spirulina improves energy levels and performance while helping to prevent overeating and flushing out accumulated toxins. Blue spirulina also helps to improve and strengthen the immune system.
Does Blue Spirulina taste Like Green Spirulina?
If you have experienced the intense flavor and taste of green spirulina, it is natural to be apprehensive about using blue spirulina, despite all of its nutritive properties. However, here you will be in for a surprise. Blue spirulina does not have the strong fishy flavour of green spirulina but still contains all the nutrients required by the body. With a mild salty and earthy taste, blue spirulina can be enjoyed added to oatmeal, smoothies, warm beverages like black tea and lavender tea or in desserts, popsicles, cookies and baked goods. It can be consumed in the form of tablet, powder or flakes and is often combined with sugary tastes or fruits to bring down the intensity of its flavor.
