Blue Majik Is the New Superfood Taking Instagram by Storm

Acai bowls, you’ve been dethroned. Instagram’s latest wellness obsession/smoothie bowl base of choice isn’t a deep, dark purple but an electrifying Smurf blue. Blue Majik, an intriguingly named blue-green algae supplement that’s been popular in health food stores for years, is just now gaining traction amongst wellness bloggers and ‘grammers. Why? Well, in addition to turning all that it touches the aforementioned Insta-baity shade of teal, the spirulina extract boasts some seriously compelling potential health benefits.

As Brooke Alpert, registered dietitian and author of The Diet Detox, recently told Fashionista: “Blue Majik is rich in vitamin B12, vitamin A and iron, which are all part of a balanced and healthy diet. Vitamin B12 is essential for nervous system function and the creation of red blood cells. Vitamin A supports healthy eye function and a healthy immune system. Iron and other minerals help build strong bones and teeth, blood, skin and hair. Using Blue Majik as a supplement to improve your overall health and bodily function could be beneficial to some.” (Read: if you struggle with constipation, this will help you go.) Per Alpert, Blue Majik is also “a great choice for vegans and vegetarians who may have more difficulty getting enough B12 and iron from a plant-based diet.”

Simone Shepard, VP of product development at Juice Generation, joined Alpert in singing Blue Majik’s praises: “To say that this powerhouse ingredient is a superfood is an understatement,” she began. “Blue Majik has risen amongst purveyors of health drinks and foods because of its richness in amino acids and antioxidants. It boasts a powerful deck of nutrients: protein, enzymes, minerals, and vitamins A, K, B12, iron and manganese.” It’s also chock-full of C-phycocyanin, a pigment-protein that’s been shown to help remove heavy metals from the body, reduce inflammation, boost your immune system, maintain healthy pH levels and protect cells from DNA damage. (Insert low whistle here.)

Still, as with any health fad — especially ones fueled by “like”-ability — it’s recommended you consult with your doctor before adding this supplement to your diet, which should still primarily consist of regular health foods like organic fruits, veggies, etc. “Blue Majik has some antioxidants in it, and anytime something has antioxidants it is beneficial,” nutritionist Stephanie Clarke told the Cut. “But there is not a lot of research to say it is more beneficial than other foods with antioxidants.”

Also, it’s not all roses: the algae-derived ingredient has been shown to cause side effects like nausea, upset stomach and fatigue, and if you’ve got health issues that are aggravated by the consumption of iron or vitamin B12, it’s definitely not for you.

Got the go-ahead from your doctor or anxious to just see what all the fuss is about? Click through the slideshow above for some delectable Blue Majik food porn (and recipes). Yes, there are smoothies and smoothie bowls, but also donuts, cheesecake, waffles and even a cocktail or latte or two.

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