What Are Superfood Powders?
|
There’s no doubt that what you eat has a great effect on your overall health and wellbeing. There are some foods that are so densely packed with nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants that they have earned the title of “superfood.”
Superfoods have been around for centuries and have been used in natural medicine all over the world. These foods help to boost the immune system, fight diseases, and keep your overall health in check.
We'll go over what superfood powders are, what you should look for and avoid in a powder, their health benefits, and the best superfood powders to incorporate into your diet.
What are Superfood Powders?
There are many types of foods that can be deemed as a superfood whether it's fruit, fish, vegetables, or another plant. Superfood powders are these foods but dehydrated and ground up. Once they are ground up, they can easily be added to your favourite smoothies, soups, baked goods, and more!
Using the powder form of these foods is beneficial because they retain the most antioxidants and nutrients, plus it's an easy way to incorporate them into your diet.
What to Look For in a Superfood Powder
It’s important to keep in mind that not all powders are created equally. When shopping for superfood powder, you should look for words like “organic”, “cold-pressed”, and “freeze-dried.” This will ensure that you are getting a high-quality product. Some conventional options may contain additives and processed ingredients. The preparation of many conventional options may also include heat-drying which can decrease the nutrient content.
You should aim to stay away from products that contain the following:
- Artificial sweeteners
- Artificial flavours
- Dextrins and fillers
Health Benefits of Superfood Powders
Superfood powders have a number of benefits, including:
1. Superfoods strengthen the immune system
Superfood powders provide a boost of antioxidants that are quickly absorbed by the body. A deficiency in high-quality nutrients can result in depletion of immune cells, the inability of the body to make antibodies, and other immune-related problems.
2. Superfoods energise the body
Superfoods can help provide a boost of energy before and after a workout. They can also enhance mental alertness and the ability to concentrate on daily tasks.
3. Superfoods help with weight loss
Many superfoods can help support weight loss. Not only are these foods packed with nutrients and vitamins, they are also a great source of protein and fibre helping you to stay full and meet your daily requirements.
4. Superfoods are anti-ageing
Superfoods contain many antioxidants that help protect your skin from harsh UV damage and other age-related damage. They are also shown to help with mental sharpness as you age.
5. Superfoods support digestive health
Because of their high nutrient content, superfoods can help regulate digestive health. Many superfoods are high in fibre and contain prebiotics and probiotics all of which help support and regulate your digestive system.
The Best Superfood Powders
There are many superfoods and superfood powders to choose from and they each have unique properties that support and enrich your diet. The following are some of the best superfood powders you can easily begin incorporating into your diet.
Matcha
Matcha is high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties helping to support the immune system. Additionally, studies have shown that Matcha helps lower blood pressure and that drinking just one cup of tea a day is associated with a 10% lower risk of coronary artery disease.
Compared to other teas, Matcha green tea has a lower caffeine level but is still higher than green tea. Matcha is a great alternative to coffee in the mornings as well, providing you with a burst of energy while helping to reduce stress and anxiety.
Our Recommendation: Organifi - Green Juice
Spirulina
Spirulina is a blue-green algae hailed as a true superfood due to its high concentration of vitamins such as vitamins A, C, E, and B vitamins and minerals including calcium, zinc, selenium, and magnesium. Spirulina is also a great source of plant-based protein containing 60% protein content.
Spirulina is also a powerful antioxidant containing phycocyanin - its main active component. Phycocyanin can fight free radicals that damage cells causing illness and ageing, providing exceptional antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
A great way to incorporate spirulina into your diet is by adding it to your smoothies.
Our Recommendation: KIKI Health - Organic Spirulina
Cordyceps
Cordyceps are a type of fungi that contain numerous health benefits. They have been shown to improve exercise performance by increasing the body’s production of ATP. The high antioxidant properties of this superfood may also contribute to anti-ageing.
Like many superfood powders in this list, you can simply add this powder to your favourite recipes like smoothies, soups, yoghurt, and more.
Our Recommendation: Hifa Da Terra - Cordyceps Vital Powder Superfood
Chlorella
Chlorella is similar to spirulina in that it is a sea vegetable and provides a great source of plant-based protein and Vitamin B12. This superfood is especially great for those with a Vitamin A or iron deficiency as just 1 oz of chlorella meets twice the recommended daily dose for these nutrients.
Chlorella also receives high praise for its detoxification properties and its ability to bind heavy metals. This powder is a great addition to your savoury dishes like soups or an omelette.
Our Recommendation: Sun Chlorella
Berries
While eating berries in their whole form is probably the most enjoyable way to consume them, a berry superfood powder can easily be added to a smoothie or yoghurt bowl for a punch of extra flavour and nutrients.
Berries are high in antioxidants like anthocyanins, ellagic acid, and resveratrol which help to protect your cells and reduce the risk of disease. Antioxidant ellagic acid may help decrease signs of skin ageing related to sun exposure. Additionally, berries are high in fibre and provide many nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin K1, manganese, copper, and folate. Berries also have high anti-inflammatory properties while also lowering cholesterol levels, helping to decrease the risk of heart disease.
Our Recommendation: Super U - Berry Beauty
Conclusion
Incorporating more whole foods into your diet is the best way to achieve optimal health, however, adding superfood powders to your favourite recipes is a great way to meet your nutritional needs and add a powerful boost of nutrients. Supergreens powder and superfood supplements are an easy and powerful way to add variety and nourishment to your body.
