Pineapple & Spirulina Smoothie Bowl is loaded with sweet fruit and is thick and creamy. It requires only a handful of ingredients including spirulina, a health boosting algae.
I have always heard wonderful things about spirulina and all of the health benefits it contains, including iodine. But as someone with Hashimoto's, I was told conflicting information about iodine and whether it's healthy for someone with thyroid issues.
All of this changed when I went to see my family practice doctor who also specializes in functional medicine. I took a heavy metal test and found out I have abnormal levels of lead in my bones and tissues. While we are not sure on how I have been exposed, it was crucial that I start detoxing while we try to find the source. So she recommended increasing the use of my infrared sauna and start incorporating spirulina into my diet (spirulina is known for its heavy metal removal properties). While iodine has conflicting information and whether it's good for someone with Hashimoto's, we agreed that any potential risks do not out weigh the benefits and that getting rid of the lead in my body needs to be a priority.
What is spirulina?
Spirulina is grown in both fresh water and salt water and is often referred as blue-green algae even though it is technically a cyanobacteria. Spirulina is loaded with all sorts of nutrients including protein, calcium, vitamin A and magnesium and has an array of immune boosting benefits.
-Anti-viral properties
-Helps aid in the removal of heavy metals
-Can help alleviate seasonal allergies. Particularly individuals who suffer from hay fever
-Very high in chlorophyll which helps remove toxins from the blood
Spirulina honestly tastes like seawater. I was expecting it to have a very fishy taste (I mean it's grown in water!) but the taste is not fishy and is fairly subtle. When mixed into foods or flavored liquids, I do not notice it.
Too many times I have made a smoothie packed full of healthy ingredients to only plug my nose and chug it as fast as I can. That's why I love all the fruit in this recipe. The smoothie is sweet and creamy and the added health benefits of spirulina only changes the color of the smoothie, not the taste!
Looking for more smoothie recipes? Make sure to check these out:
If you try this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo #lovecheflaura on Instagram! Happy eating!
Pineapple & Spirulina Smoothie Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 large banana, frozen
- 1 cup pineapple, frozen
- ½ cup coconut milk
- ½ cup orange juice
- Desired amount of spirulina (I use 1 tsp)
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients into a blender and blend until ultra smooth. Enjoy!
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