Superfoods are a type of elite squad in the nutrition kingdom. At least that’s the way I like to think of them.
The most noble among other foods, packing profound benefits with high scoring nutritional profiles.
Many of us are initially attracted to superfoods because of their distinctive and vibrant colour:
Think of kale, goji berries, beets, matcha, turmeric and chlorella.
It’s so important to get in a wide variety of whole, fresh fruits and vegetables, in every possible colour. As a Holistic Nutritionist, I always recommend you ‘follow the rainbow’ in your lifestyle, because this is how you find the “pot of gold”… PHYTONUTRIENTS.
If you’re saying phyto-what-now, let me explain:
The natural pigmentation in our plant foods is actually due TO the ‘phytonutrient’ content:
Red fruits and veggies get their pigment from lycopene; leafy greens and other green veggies get their pigment from chlorophyll; purple and blue pigments comes from anthocyanin and resveratrol.
Those are just a few of the 25,000 known phytonutrients.
In Greek, “phyto” means plants, and these “plant-nutrients” – which are referred to as either phytonutrients or phytochemicals, have their own category in the nutrition kingdom, as they are not related to carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, or minerals.
Phytonutrients are a chemical compound produced by plants FOR plants. They’re responsible for providing more than just colour – these chemicals function as a form of protection; saving our beloved plants from the harsh sunshine rays and any ravenous predators. Phytonutrients are a mechanism to outsmart any “threats”.
Coincidentally these phytonutrients also create the pillars of OUR best health and well-being. These nutrients allow for optimal cellular function and communication. When our cells have healthy and effective communication the proper sequence of enzymatic reactions take place. Which results in creating healthier tissues and organ systems, decreasing or turning off inflammation, supporting healthy detoxification and a strong immune system.
Phytonutrients are indeed an enthralling topic on it’s own.
Maybe up until now you may be more familiar with the term, “antioxidants”, and antioxidant rich foods – however let’s expand our mind to see the bigger picture. While antioxidants are touted as extremely beneficial for their ability to neutralize free-radicals. Phytonutrients have so much more to offer than just “positive antioxidant effects”. Don’t get me wrong, we should all continue to love antioxidants, but phytonutrients are like professional multi-taskers and provide you with so much more than just their free-radical fighting abilities.
Just as turmeric has more benefits as a whole root than as the isolated active ingredient (curcumin).
Now this isn’t a blog on phytonutrients (or turmeric for that matter), those were just some important tid-bits to preface before we get started on this vibrant blue superfood that’s winning hearts on both Instagram and in the worldwide nutrition realm.
It’s Blue Majik
I’m blue da ba dee da ba daa.
Eiffel 65 predicting the future superfood trends like The Simpsons predicts world affairs and politics. If you don’t know “I’m Blue” by the late 90’s Italian Techo Band – Eiffel 65, or the Simpsons – i’m sorry.
Blue Majik is a one-of-a-kind superfood from the ingenious company – E3Live. This company is known for their nutrient-dense algae products that are harvested from the mineral-rich Klamath Lake, located in South Central Oregon USA.
Different than their classic AFA algae products, Blue Majik is a certified organic, and chemical free extract from Spirulina, the widely respected blue-green algae.
This superfood has a stunning blue pigment, which comes from “phycocyanin”, aka your new best friend.
Phycocyanin is a phytonutrient that is exclusively found in spirulina, and the extract known as Blue Majik (which contains up to 30% more phycocyanin content).
I know I’m not alone when I say I’ve fallen head over heals for this vibrant superfood. Just check out these Blue Majik Coconut Bites.
Taking in algae as part of your daily routine may seem a little odd at first, but algae is actually an extremely dense source of nutrition, and it’s been around for far longer than kale. A high concentration of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and protein found within is what earned blue-green algae the superfood title.
Some of the most notable nutritional contents in Blue Majik are:
Amino Acids – comprised of all 9 of the essential amino acids as well as 9 non-essential amino acids.
Vitamin A – 265 IU found in each 1 gram serving
B Vitamins – contains B2 (Riboflavin) and B12
Calcium – 3 mg found in each 1 gram serving
Phycocyanin – exclusive to spirulina and Blue Majik, this powerful phytonutrient has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits
Blue Majik not only adds vibrancy to anything you add it to, from smoothies and smoothie bowls, chia puddings, energy bites, frozen treats, vegan desserts and fresh pressed juices – but it’s nutrient make up also supports your body in:
- Providing a natural energy boost
- Healthy weight management and metabolism
- Natural alkalizing benefits (neutralizes acidity)
- Supports healthy digestion
- Provides immune system support
- Stress support and adrenal nourishment
- Shows your liver and other detoxification organs some love
- Activates stem cell production
- Natural phytosterols help lower intestinal cholesterol absorption
- Omega-3 and chlorophyll work to reduce pain and inflammation
Given that it’s an algae, you can imagine that on its own, it’s not overly tasty (a little fishy, TBH) but add just 1/2-1 tsp to your favourite recipe and the taste will be masked by the other ingredients. I just love these Blue Majik Coconut Bites – a spin-off on my uber-popular Turmeric Coconut Bites which is a recipe in my Recharge: Your Guide to Thrive & Be Vibrant program (for detoxing stress and overcoming adrenal fatigue/burnout).
BLUE MAJIK COCONUT BITES
Makes 12-14 bites
WHAT YOU NEED:
1 cup coconut butter (or nut/seed butter of choice)
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1 tsp coconut oil
2-4 tbsp honey or pure maple syrup (optional)
2 tsp Blue Majik
Pinch of Himalayan salt
TOPPINGS:
Shredded coconut, hemp hearts, extra Blue Majik powder
WHAT TO DO:
-Ensure the coconut butter is at a softened consistency by either heating in a small pot or by placing the jar in some warm water.
-Add all ingredients besides the toppings to a food processor (you can also do this by hand), and pulse a few times until evenly combined, be sure to scrape down the sides as needed and break up any large chunks of coconut butter.
-Begin rolling the batter into 12-14 bites and transfer to a parchment lined baking sheet.
-If the bites are a little oily, pop them in the fridge before rolling in the toppings.
-Chill for a minimum of 30 minutes and gently roll again to achieve a nice round bite.
-Optionally roll in some extra shredded coconut, hemp hearts or add a dash of Blue Majik powder.
-Keep refrigerated, lasts 4-5 days
