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I used to think that I would NEVER get my kids to like spirulina. It has a very strong flavor and even just a little in a recipe can quickly overwhelm the taste. And we are talking about kids who are well into their raw food diet and beyond transition!
Why did I keep trying? In short, it has everything! If you are not familiar with spirulina, here is what you need to know:
- It is a group of microscopic cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) that is found naturally in warm alkaline waters and has been used by ancient cultures, such as the Aztecs, as an important part of the daily diet.
- It contains 60-70% protein, complete, and fully digestible. In fact, it has more digestible protein than beef or soy!
- Rich in GLA, ALA, DHA...those critically important essential fatty acids that are found lacking in the typical diet.
- Packed with Vitamins A, B (all, including B12), C, D, and E.
- High source of both macro and trace minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, zinc...and many more!
- Chlorophyll (where the green color comes from) and a wide array of other photosynthetic pigments.
- Has been shown to reverse cancer, type II Diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
- Inhibits HIV.
- Corrects anemia and malnutrition.
- Aids in weight loss.
- Improves joint and tissue inflamation and arthritis.
- Improves asthma and hay fever.
Wow!! That's not even all - just the big stuff. The list is so long, I hope I did not forget anything!
Spirulina can be found in both powder and tablet form. With young kids, I prefer the powder. They cannot swallow the tablets....but the dilemma is the green taste of the powder, mild though it is!
I have had spirulina for a while now and only the baby and I have been willing to eat it. That is why I am so excited. I have created the perfect spirulina smoothie that the kids love, love, love! I have made it for about a month now and waited to write about it until I was absolutely sure it wasn't a passing thing. This is the smoothie that my kids ask for everyday!
Perfect Spirulina Smoothie (beautifully bright green)
- 2 to 3 bananas
- 2 C frozen fruit chunks: papaya, mango, and pineapple (mix I buy prepackaged at the store, but can easily be made at home)
- 1 heaping teaspoon spirulina
- water or fresh squeezed orange juice to desired consistency (we like it thin enough to drink with a straw)
Both liquids (water and OJ) have been given official 4 thumbs up (approval from all 4 of my kids).
With this fruit blend, I have been able to increase the amount of spirulina from 1/2 teaspoon to over a full teaspoon.
You may want to start off with less if you are trying to introduce this for the first time. I hope to increase the amount up to 2 teaspoons eventually...we will see about that one!
Try it out and let me know what you think! You can leave a comment with your best spirulina ideas...I would love to have more!
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