Blue spirulina, or phycocyanin, is a blue pigment extracted from green spirulina algae — unlike regular green spirulina, pure phycocyanin has no oceanic taste at all and delivers a stunning blue-turquoise color, while also acting as a specialized anti-inflammatory antioxidant that preferentially protects nerve cells from oxidative stress.
Young coconut contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in both the coconut milk and coconut water, which serve as a direct fuel source for the brain — unlike regular fats that must go through a long metabolic process, MCTs are quickly converted by the liver into ketones that cross the blood-brain barrier and are used by neurons as premium fuel, boosting mental clarity and focus within 30-90 minutes.
Fresh blueberries contain pterostilbene and anthocyanins that boost BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) — a protein that literally grows new neurons and strengthens synaptic connections, making blueberries the only fruit clinically proven to improve short-term memory in people of all ages.
Banana contributes tryptophan and vitamin B6, which the body needs to synthesize serotonin and dopamine — two neurotransmitters that directly regulate mood, motivation, concentration, and learning ability.
Maca powder from Peruvian maca root is added as an adaptogen that increases the nervous system's resilience to stress, reduces mental fatigue, and boosts cognitive stamina for sustained productivity throughout the day.
🧂 Ingredients
Adjust the servings and the ingredient amounts & nutrition below update automatically.
- 1 tsp blue spirulina powder (phycocyanin)
- 200 ml fresh young coconut water
- 100 ml light coconut milk
- 150 g fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 ripe banana, sliced
- 1 tsp maca powder (optional)
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- to taste Ice cubes
- to taste Toasted coconut flakes and blueberries for garnish
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👩🍳 Instructions
- 1 Add the blueberries, banana, and coconut milk to a blender
- 2 Blend first until the fruit is smooth
- 3 Add the coconut water, maca powder (if using), honey, and vanilla extract
- 4 Blend again until creamy
- 5 Add the blue spirulina powder last — don't blend for too long, as the heat generated from blending can degrade the blue pigment
- 6 Blend briefly for 10-15 seconds, just enough to mix it in
- 7 Watch the color transform into a beautiful blue-turquoise
- 8 Add ice cubes to a glass, then slowly pour in the smoothie juice
- 9 Don't stir after pouring so the pretty blue gradient stays intact
- 10 Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes and a few blueberries on top
- 11 Serve immediately and enjoy the color before drinking
💡 Tips
• Blue spirulina doesn't hold up to heat — don't mix it with hot liquids or blend it too long, as both the color and nutrients break down above 104°F (40°C)
• The blue color will turn green if exposed to acid such as lemon — avoid adding lemon to this recipe
• Maca powder can cause insomnia in some people if consumed after 3pm
📊 Nutrition Facts / serving
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