News: Go Blue, Not Green—Introducing the Newest Superfood, Blue Majik

You're all kale-d out, you've had it up to here with golden milk, and you're on the prowl for the next superfood. Well, get ready for some unicellular goodness: the next superfood is an algae named Spirulina, also known as Blue Majik. (Kudos to the marketing exec that came up with that, am I right?)

Spirulina is normally blue-green in color, thanks to a protein complex named C-Phycocyanin. But for Blue Majik, they leave out the yellow pigment, leaving the finished product (which is itself a proprietary extract) a bright, shocking blue.

But First, More on Spirulina!

Spirulina as a dietary supplement is known as a complete or whole protein, which means that it supplies all nine of the essential amino acids necessary for a human diet. (Fun fact: protein makes up about 60-70% of its dry weight.) It also contains calcium, niacin, potassium, magnesium, B vitamins, and iron. In fact, the algae was listed by NASA as an ideal food for cultivation during long-term space travel: "... Spirulina can be, through manipulating growth factors, used as palatable diet comparable to higher plants."

This particular algae is found in oceans and salty lakes in subtropical climates, and has been harvested by both Mesoamericans around Lake Texcoco (prior to the 16th century) and Chadians around Lake Chad. (Chadians still harvest Spirulina to this day, actually—it's used for broths and sold at market).

Spirulina has been marketed as a dietary supplement long before Blue Majik itself hit the market, but only Blue Majik has that trademarked hue that is trending like crazy among health nuts worldwide.

Health Benefits & Warnings

While none of its benefits can be verified by studies yet, it is advertised as being anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and a promoter of healthy joints. However, even E3Live, the company that produces Blue Majik, admits in fine print that the product is not FDA-approved yet and should not be used to treat, prevent, diagnose or cure any disease.

Blue Majik is considered safe for the general adult population, but pregnant or breastfeeding women are recommended to ask their doctors first before using adding it to their diet. However, people with phenylketonuria (PKU) should stay away because the supplement contains phenylalanine—exposure could cause brain damage.

Real Talk: What Does This Stuff Taste Like?

According to Popsugar Fitness, Blue Majik tastes "a little fishy," but is virtually undetectable in smoothies and juices. E3Live has a list of recipes that you can make with Blue Majik that includes ice cream, macarons, pudding, and even pie. Looks like the bottom line is to add it to things and not try to enjoy it on its own (to be fair, it comes in powder form, so there's a small chance of anyone doing that anyway).

If you're ready to take the plunge and drink this "super" blue Kool-Aid, you can find it online and in various juices such as Holy Water and Bleu Magic. And don't forget to let us know what you think about it in the comments below.

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