Spirulina: why you should add it in your diet from now on!

Spirulina is actually not a new invention but ancient superfood.

 

Spirulina, a blue-green algae, is believed to be one of the primitive life forms on Earth. Scientists believe that spirulina was responsible for producing much of the oxygen on the planet that allowed the earliest organisms to develop.

For centuries, ancients considered Spirulina as a part of their diet with its amazing health benefits. Spirulina grows naturally and profusely in the pure salt water lakes around Lake Chad in Africa and in central Mexico. The natives took the geological advantages and used to consume Spirulina from thousands years ago and up until today.

Interestingly, not only human but the animals that live around Eastern Africa’s Rift Valley, especially the flamingos, include spirulina in their daily diet. Witnessing how spirulina kept the flamingos there alive for longer than their regular lifespan fascinated a French scientist, Pierre Dangeared, to start doing research on spirulina. It evokes more and more scientists to do so as well from 1940.

In 1974, the United Nations declared spirulina as a superfood, as well as the FDA described it as the best supplement. In 1983, spirulina won the “best natural food” award at West Germany’s International Food Expo.

 

Health benefits of spirulina and why you should include it in your diet.

After knowing this interesting story how spirulina become a famous superfood, you are probably probably more interested in what nutrients spirulina contains and what health benefits it can bring about.

  1. Spirulina, a source of complete protein

The protein content of Spirulina (50-70% of the dry weight) is high and exceeds that of meat, dried milk, eggs, soybeans or grains. What makes it more awesome is that it contains all the essential amino acids, thus being the natural and plant source of complete protein.

To build up muscle, simply exercising is not enough, replenish is the key. With the fact that doing workout would break down the protein in the muscle and provide energy and power. It is diet, consuming food and protein and carbohydrates which help restore the structural protein to form muscle. Therefore, spirulina is an ideal plant-based source of complete protein in your post-workout drinks.

 

  1. Spirulina, a qualitative source of essential fatty acids

Spirulina contains not only essential fatty acids (omega  6), it also contains the rare polyunsaturated fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) with putative medicinal properties. It is considered as one of the best known source of GLA after human milk and some little used vegetable oils such as evening primrose, borage and hemp oil. Other major fatty acids present are the unsaturated oleic and linoleic acids, saturated palmitic acid. In a nutshell, the fatty acids spirulina contains are of high quality and are useful in different human body functions.

 

  1. Spirulina – micronutrients rich!

Spirulina is claimed to be the richest whole-food source of provitamin A (beta-carotene). With 20g of Spirulina also fulfilling the significant body requirement of vitamin B1 (Thiamine), B2(riboflavin), B3 (niacin) and B9 (folic acid). Though the mineral content varies depending on the culture medium, all contains iron, calcium, phosphorus and potassium.

There are various potential health effects include immunomodulation, antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral and antibacterial activities, as well as positive effects against malnutrition, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, obesity, inflammatory allergic reactions, heavy metal/ chemical-induced toxicity, radiation damage and anemias. The key and the strong possible benefits will be mentioned in the next blog post. Stay tuned!

 

 

 

Reference:

Essenatura. Spirulina. Retrieved from http://www.essenatura.com/esse-spirulina/

Nan Pao. Spirulina. Nutrients of spirulina. Retrieved from http://www.spirulina.com.tw/index.php?temp=knowledge&lang=en

Belay, A., Ota, Y., Miyakawa, K. & Shimamatsu H. Current knowledge on potential health benifits of Spirulina. J Appl Phycol (1993) 5: 235. https://doi-org.eproxy.lib.hku.hk/10.1007/BF00004024

Salomon, S. (2013). Uncovering Health Benefits for Spirulina and Salba. Environmental Nutrition, 36(11), 2.

Sotiroudis Theodore G, & Sotiroudis Georgios T. (2013). Health aspects of Spirulina (Arthrospira) microalga food supplement. Journal of the Serbian Chemical Society, 78(3), 395-405.

 

 

BENEFITS OF JUICE CLEANSING

Do you constantly feel tired, sluggish or lethargic? Do you find it hard to concentrate, have digestive issues or poor skin? If there is a yes somewhere, Genie Juicery has got you covered!

A lot of the time, we are unaware of how our diet can affect our bodily health and our mental states. Most people would opt to buckle down their food intake in order to achieve their desired body shape or health condition. However such dieting can easily lead to negative outcomes such as nutrient deficiency, energy drop and poor sleeping quality, et cetera. In this case a juice cleanse might be all that you need!

Juice cleansing or fasting is a great way to restore and rejuvenate your body. Without solid food intake, it allows your organs, like stomach and liver, to rest and let the body concentrate on eliminating toxins and heal damaged tissues. At the same time, in a juice cleanse, nutrients can be fully absorbed without any solid food in the way and improve digestion. Nonetheless, juice fasting also helps with weight loss and rehydration by consuming a sufficient amount of fluids.

In Genie Juicery, we use 100% raw and natural ingredients for all cold-pressed juices. The bottles are all unpasteurized, keeping the optimal nutritional value of the juices. There is also NO preservatives, added sugar, artificial flavours or water in any juices!

Genie has 3 signature cleanses that suit all from first-timers to pro juice cleansers. We also cater to your personal needs with a selection of specialty cleanses or you can always customise your cleanse by choosing juices to your likings.

Take your own time and pace in changing up to a healthier diet, why not start with a 1-day juice cleanse and work your way up? Feel free to contact Genie for more information.

Together, we CLEANSE, we REVIVE, we SURVIVE.

BENEFITS OF EATING RAW

Contrary to popular belief a raw food diet is not just another “fad diet” that celebrities go on to lose weight. In fact, a raw food diet is a lifestyle that promotes eating fresh, whole, unrefined plant- based foods. Such as Fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds that are consumed without cooking or steaming so you can reap all the nutrients and living enzymes without worrying about harmful additives.  

Our bodies are naturally more suited to obtain nutrients and digest food on a raw plant-based diet. While it may sound counter intuitive, most cooked foods are harder for our body to digest compared to raw foods. Plus when you cook nutrient dense foods the heat destroys key enzymes, certain antioxidants and vitamins.

Raw plant-based foods also reduce acidity, by alkalizing the body, this lowers the chances of fermentation happening in the gut leading to inflammatory reactions. While pre-fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi or natto themselves are good for you, having food fermenting in your gut causes inflammation, gas and toxic waste to accumulate. When food ferments in the gut, proteins and fats putrefy and go rancid damaging the lining of the gut which can lead to intestinal issues.

 
At a loss of where to start? Whether you set your mind to going fully raw or make it a point to incorporate more raw plant-based foods in your diet, don’t forget to check out our selection of fresh raw foods!

COLD TREATS FROM GENIE JUICERY

It’s inevitable that we all crave for cool refreshments during the scorching Hong Kong summer. But then the nagging thought of getting a summer body prevents most of us to reach for icy treats. FEAR NOT! Genie Juicery has your back! Beat the heat with our cold plant-based treats– a healthy alternative that is fresh, dairy-free and vegan.

Our Nice Cream Bars are available in all stores, and Smoothie Bowls in selected locations.

Made from 100% natural premium ingredients. With NO preservatives, NO artificial flavouring, and NO added sugar.

  • NICE CREAM BARS

*Available in all stores*

MUDSLIDE serving size: 131 calories  |  HK$38

ingredients: avocado, raw cacao, vanilla*, banana, coconut milk*, medjool dates*, raw maple*

PINK LADY serving size: 71 calories  |  HK$38

ingredients: strawberries, raspberries, vanilla*, banana, coconut milk*, medjool dates*, raw maple

KOKOMO serving size: 101 calories  | HK$38

ingredients: pineapple, banana, coconut milk*, medjool dates*, raw maple*

  • SMOOTHIE BOWLS

*Available exclusively at SAI YING PUN*

Our bowls come in banana and coconut base, for $80 you get to enjoy a fresh bowl with 4 toppings from our wide selection of SUPERFOODS, Frozen Berries and Seasonal Fresh Fruit.

BERRY NICE serving size: 90 calories  |  HK$80

ingredients: banana, apple juice, strawberries, acai*, mint

GREEN SCREAM serving size: 320 calories  |  HK$80

ingredients: banana, spinach, almond milk*, walnuts*, spirulina*, raw maple*

CHOCOLATE FOR BREAKFAST serving size: 165 calories  | HK$80

ingredients: banana, raw cacao*, almond milk*, coconut cream*, raw maple*, lucuma*

Superfood toppings available:

frozen blueberries*, frozen raspberries*, frozen strawberries*, cacao nibs*, banana chips*, chia seeds*, desiccated coconut*, coconut chips*,

goji berries*, hemp seeds*, gluten free granola*, walnuts*, almond slivers*

seasonal fresh fruit

*indicates organic ingredients

SALAD BLAST

Healthy eating can be as simple as 1, 2, 3. Here at Genie Juicery we can offer you a one-stop shop for a quick and nutritious meal! With 4 different flavours, our fresh and raw vegan salads are not only dairy, gluten, and artificial sugar free but also jam packed with minerals and nutrients that help energize and invigorate your body. Available for individual sale and as a meal set!

Choose our meal set, save up to 30 HKD and for 110 HKD you can pick from 4 of our salad options and any juice of your choice below 70 HKD for a fresh, raw vegan lunch. So what are you waiting for come drop by either of our locations in IFC or Sai Ying Pun and get your greens on!

Flavours available:

Asian Invasion serving size: 340g  | 225 calories | 70 HKD

ingredients: kale*, purple cabbage, *nori, brown rice, pumpkin seeds*, sesame seeds*, gluten free pretzels* dressing: extra virgin olive oil, raw maple, sesame oil, coconut aminos, almond butter, pink himalayan salt

Over The Rainbow serving size: 340g  |  295 calories | 60 HKD

ingredients: kale*, broccoli, carrot, purple cabbage, walnuts*, chia*, cranberries  dressing: extra virgin olive oil, raw maple, lemon, mustard, pink himalayan salt, peppe

Kale and Mushroom serving size: 320g  | 310 calories | 60 HKD

ingredients: kale, quinoa, mushrooms, garlic, onions, maple coconut aminos, parsley and nutritional yeast dressing: salt, pepper, olive oil

Rainbow Pad Thai serving size: 300g | calories 434|  70 HKD

ingredients: zucchini, carrot, capsicum, red cabbage, hemp seeds, sesame seeds. garlic, lime, tamari, maple, sesame oil, ginger

*indicates organic ingredients

 

FRESHEST BOWLS IN HONG KONG!

BEAT THE HEAT!! Grab yourself a freshly made Smoothie Bowl, available in both banana and coconut base, topped with fresh fruits and superfoods. Light, refreshing and healthy! Visit our Sai Ying Pun store and go on a trip to flavour town!
Genie Juicery is one of Hong Kong’s favourite health stop specializing in serving delicious Smoothie Bowls, Superfood Smoothies, Cold Pressed Juices, Cold Brew Coffee, Raw Vegan Salads and Treats. We cater for all needs including vegetarian, paleo, vegan, dairy free and gluten free – just ask our friendly staff.

Located in Third Street, Sai Ying Pun, we specialise in serving and delivering the best acai bowls in town!  We use only the freshest, top quality ingredients including seasonal fresh fruits, together with the latest superfoods including acai, raw cacao nibs, hemp seeds, chia, spirulina and many more!

 

We serve our bowls with style, 3 unique smoothie flavours are available in store;

  • GREEN SCREAM $80
  • Banana/Coconut, Walnuts, Spirulina, Spinach, Almond milk
  • BERRY NICE $80
  • Banana/Coconut, Strawberries, Acai, Cold-pressed apple juice
  • CHOCOLATE FOR BREAKFAST
  • Banana/Coconut, Raw cacao powder, Lucuma, Coconut cream powder, Almond milk.
  • Available in both Banana and Coconut base
  • 4 Toppings included ( Seasonal Fresh Fruits, Superfoods, frozen berries, etc.)

IT’S RAINING BLOOD ON HALLOWEEN!!

Life Blood has taken over Genie Juicery this season. Prepare to get yourself bloodied by this little monster.  Feel the Halloween vibe with a ghostly rhyme –

Trick or Treat, smell my feet
Give me something good to eat
Is it Blood or is it Beet?
Fill my belly something Sweet…

Keep yourself strong and lively this Halloween. who knows.. you might end up looking rather “alive” even with a zombie costume on!

life-blood

What’s in Life Blood?
Beetroot: Rich in calcium / packed with powerful antioxidants.
Carrot: Reduces the risk of cancer / improves vision.
Apple: Aids in liver detoxification / settles an upset digestive system.
Lemon: Antibacterial / reduces inflammation and stress..

Keep an eyeball on our social media for some great Trick or Treat discounts coming this Halloween!

SHELF LIFE

If you are living or working in any of these area’s pick up your freshest and tastiest Genie cold pressed juice from any of our collaborating partners. Please note we offer a limited range at these locations!

GOURMET

Shop B15-21 & B23-29, 1/F, Lee Tung Avenue, Wan Chai

+852 2944 8581

Opening Hours

Mon – Sun : 0900 – 2200

Sat, Sun & Public Holiday : 1000 – 2200

image15

 

GREAT FOOD HALL

LG 1, Pacific Place Two, 88 Queensway, Admiralty

+852 2918 9986

Opening Hours

Mon – Sun : 1000 – 2200

 

Exif_JPEG_PICTURE

 

PUBLIC

37/F, One Island East, 18 Westlands Road, Island East

+852 2784 7100

Opening Hours

Mon – Sun : 0700 – 1800

Sat, Sun & Public Holiday : Close

 

PUBLICKR

Kiosk 1 & 2, G/F, 625 King’s Road, North Point

+852 2244 3225

Opening Hours

Mon – Sun : 0700 – 1800

Sat, Sun & Public Holiday : Close

 

public-1

GENIE CHRISTMAS HAMPER!

The bespoke Genie Juicery Christmas gift hamper is back! With the help from our friends at Gift Hampers Hong Kong, we have hand-picked some of our nutritious favourites this season. Our hamper is the perfect gift solution for your nearest and dearest. This thoughtful and unique gift is the perfect balance between tasting delicious and bursting with goodness! Our juices are jammed packed with the freshest and tastiest ingredients, your family, friends or colleagues will be thanking you for days for their healthy holiday pick me up gift.

Order your $850 Genie Christmas Hamper by phone, online or instore by 5pm for next day delivery 2549 2778 / www.geniejuicery.com

 

About Gift Hampers Hong Kong

Launched in August 2012, Gift Hampers Hong Kong became Hong Kong’s first online hamper delivery specialist. Each distinctive and signature basket caters to all needs and occasions, and contain only the highest quality collection of specially selected, beautiful, imaginative, quirky and often difficult to source gifts and gourmet treats that symbolize luxury. Sister brand, Gift Flowers Hong Kong was launched in early 2013 and is one of Hong Kong premium online florists offering stylish bouquets, boxed flowers and floral arrangements delivered for free, to all metropolitan areas of Hong Kong and Discovery Bay. Gift Something will be launched in 2014. The consolidated website includes a huge variety of other gifts from romantic presents to full-blown experiences. The free-delivery service will be a first for Hong Kong offering customers a quick and convenient solution to the perfect gift with just a couple of clicks. Gift Something is perfect for any event including birthdays, thanks-yous, weddings, anniversaries, Christmas, Valentines and corporate gifts. www.gifthampers.com.hk

NEW HOBBIES TO ENRICH YOUR LIFE & HEALTH

We all know it is so easy to get caught up in the rat race in Hong Kong, but now is a
perfect time to get active before the Chirstmas silly season starts. There
are so many alternative options available besides the gym, exercise classes or the good old
hiking options! There are quite a lot of new hobbies to discover in Hong Kong, you just need to
mix it up, dive in and see which one takes your fancy.

Starting a new hobby, not only are you learning a new skill but your getting involved in a whole new
scene plus meeting a new group of potential mates. Alternative active
hobby options in Hong Kong are pretty good, roller derby, dodge ball, wake
boarding, kite-surfing, hip-hop dancing, aerial silk dancing, rock climbing or even
for the petrol heads dirt bike racing! Don’t get stuck with the same boring gym
talk this Christmas party season, regale people with tales of your cool new hobby!

Whether you take up a new hobby or stick to your trusted workout scheme don’t
forget to take the right steps to help your body recover. Check out our gym buddy
eight bottle cleanse which includes a mix of juices, electrolyte balancing coconut water and two
almond milk based protein shakes. They will help in your fitness journey to become
stronger and more defined. You can have them as a cleanse or spread them out over a few days.