What comes from the depths of the sea exerts an immense fascination.Just as we are deeply touched by the sad story of the little mermaid in Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale of the same name, we also believe in the power of the ocean.Think, for example, of the famous, expensive creams with sea extracts, to which the manufacturers attribute something like magical powers.The Spirulina alga, which is currently (again) very popular, does not come from the depths of the water, but rather from the surface in warm areas – like its relative Chlorella.The plants grow in light-flooded fresh or salt water and can carry out photosynthesis, hence their bright green colour.In Asia in particular, algae have long been valued, not only for cosmetic purposes, but above all in the kitchen or as a dietary supplement, for example in smoothies.When it comes to nutrients, the microalgae spirulina, which is strictly speaking a bacterium, is a little better off than the freshwater alga chlorella: it contains numerous vitamins, minerals and nutrients such as copper, iron and vitamin B. Chlorella and spirulina are available in tablet or powder form.In order not to take any health risks, you should only consume microalgae products from controlled organic farming.1 apple, 1 banana, 2 handfuls of baby spinach, 1 tbsp. light almond butter, 1 heaped tsp. chlorella powder, 250 ml cold water, lime juice to tastePeel the apple, prepare, cut into large pieces and put in the blender.Peel the banana, break into pieces and add to the apple pieces in the blender.Process apple and banana pieces with spinach, almond butter, chlorella powder and water into a creamy smoothie.Finish off with lime juice to taste.60 g fine oat flakes, 200 g Medjool dates, 50 g ground, peeled almonds, 1 pinch each of turmeric, cardamom and cinnamon powder, 2 tsp spirulina powder, 1 organic lemon, 2 tbsp grated coconutToast the rolled oats in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat until light brown.Place the flakes in a bowl and let cool slightly.Halve the dates lengthways, destone and cut into fine pieces.Mix the date pieces and the ground almonds into the roasted oatmeal.Mix in the spices and half the spirulina powder (1 tsp).Grate the lemon zest and add.Squeeze the lemon and add 2-3 tablespoons of juice.Form balls out of the mixture between your hands.Mix the coconut flakes and the remaining spirulina powder, place on a plate.Roll the balls in it all over.2 tbsp healing earth (from the pharmacy), 1 tbsp spirulina powder, 2 tsp almond oil (from the pharmacy), cold waterPut the healing clay in a bowl and mix in the spirulina powder.Add the almond oil and add enough cold water to form a smooth paste.Apply to cleansed face with a brush and leave on for 20 minutes.Remove with water and a washcloth or cloth.Then apply a nourishing face cream.We'll send you the best recipes, gastro trends and wine tips from "NZZ Bellevue" once a week by email: subscribe now for free.Copyright © Neue Zürcher Zeitung AG.All rights reserved.Further processing, republication or permanent storage for commercial or other purposes without the prior express permission of Neue Zürcher Zeitung is not permitted.