A new ingredient stemming from the traditional spirulina is the craze behind mermaid toast and unicorn frappuccinos. Blue spirulina is derived from Arthrospira platensis, a blue-green algae.
Spirulina is a deep green color, but the pigment and water soluble antioxidant, phycocyanin gives the ingredient a blue-like hue. Phycocyanin stems from two Greek words:
- Phyco, which translates to algae
- Cyanin, which translates to blue-green
Thus, blue spirulina is developed with phycocyanin’s extraction from spirulina and then sold as a blue powder.
Consuming spirulina as a whole provides the body with nutrients to support brain, cellular and cardiovascular health and boost energy and the immune system.
However, despite its benefits, spirulina has not had a U.S. Food & Drug Administration evaluation and is not intended to help treat, prevent, cure or diagnose any diseases.
