Have you heard of the blue majik? It will surprise you for sure, but it is one of the elements used to dye smoothies blue.
He blue majik It is a derivative of the spirulina alga that is used in the preparation of bowls and other recipes. It has a characteristic blue color that usually stains the preparations in which it is added. In addition, it stands out for its nutritional properties, linked to beneficial effects on health.
In general, it should be noted that the intake of algae has increased in recent years. Through Journal of Medicinal Food It is stated that they are a source of bioactive compounds such as fiber, plant sterols, fatty acids and antioxidants. Hence, they are considered a good option to improve the quality of the diet.
What is blue majik?
He blue majik It is an algae very similar to Spirulina; Their main difference has to do with the concentration of phycocyanin, a substance that gives it a blue color. However, there are those who also consider it a ‘superfood’ for its essential nutrient content and for its possible benefits.
Of course, we are talking about a scarce and somewhat expensive food. Its market price is around 50 euros per 50 grams, so it is not frequently used in the culinary context. However, it is capable of coloring almost any recipe, giving it a distinctive touch.
Nutrition and possible benefits
He blue majik stands out for concentrating inside vitamins, minerals and a large number of compounds with antioxidant activity. To be more precise —and according to an article published in Journal of the American Nutrition Association— is a source of the following nutrients:
- carbs.
- Vitamins (A, C and E).
- Minerals (iron, calcium, chromium, copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc).
- γ-linolenic acid.
- Pigments such as chlorophyll A and phycobiliproteins (C-phycocyanin, allophycocyanin and β-carotene).
Due to this composition, its regular consumption is associated with a series of benefits. Next, we detail them.
Helps delay the signs of aging
The antioxidants of blue majik They manage to neutralize the formation of free radicals and their accumulation in the body’s tissues. In this way, the incidence of many chronic pathologies is reduced, in addition to delaying the signs of aging.
Contributes to the prevention of anemia
The iron that contains blue majik It helps to avoid deficit situations that can influence the appearance of anemia. A study in rats reported in Food & Function determined that microalgae are nutritive iron fortifiers that can improve the deficiency of this mineral.
Its joint intake with vitamin C is recommended, since being of vegetable origin its assimilation is not entirely optimal.
On the other hand, it should be noted that this algae It is one of the few foods of vegetable origin that concentrates vitamin B12. The deficiency of this nutrient is common in vegan diets and causes megaloblastic anemia in the medium term. Therefore, it is convenient to consume this type of complements.
Helps prevent some chronic diseases
Most of the chronic pathologies have their origin in a lack of control of inflammation and oxidation. To prevent both situations, it is crucial to ensure the intake of antioxidants in the diet on a daily basis.
The phytonutrients contained in vegetables and algae are especially beneficial for this purpose. A post via Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity details that this variety of supplements They have hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic and antihypertensive potential.
The high cost, the main disadvantage of the blue majik
Despite its properties and nutrient content, the truth is that the blue majik it is too expensive a food to introduce it in the context of the usual diet. That is undoubtedly its main disadvantage. There is no point in its timely intake in order to experience benefits, since no changes will be noticed.
When considering a healthy diet, it is really important to ensure variety and balance, in addition to consuming plenty of vegetables on a daily basis. It is not necessary to resort to exotic species such as the blue majik to get the body to function properly. Other more common foods, such as blueberries, can have a similar effect.
How to use the blue majik?
Often the blue majik It is sold in powder form. Its use in the culinary context is very simple, a teaspoon of dessert will serve to dye almost any preparation and provide a touch of flavor. It is common to add this food to smoothies, bowls and some soups, with the aim of providing an exotic and distinctive touch.
Also it is possible to find supplements blue majik who intend to provide a concentrate of the algae to take advantage of its beneficial properties. These can be consumed on a daily basis. In any case, supplementation with antioxidant compounds is not recommended in all contexts.
Blue majik, an alga with benefits
He blue majik It is a very exotic algae, still little known. It stands out mainly for its organoleptic characteristics and its high price. In some places it is beginning to be used to dye preparations blue, which is quite distinctive.
Even so, it is not necessary to include this food in the diet to ensure good health. There are many other options that can perform similar functions. Examples are red fruits or cruciferous vegetables, which also stand out for their antioxidant content.
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