You'll find superfoods everywhere—from smoothies to protein bars, overnight oats to supplements. But did you know 'superfood' is really just a marketing term? The catch-all term is used to describe nutrition-dense foods that are consumed with the intention of sparking specific health benefits. These benefits can include anything from boosting immunity and detoxifying the body naturally, to increasing your energy levels and even sexual stamina. But sometimes best superfood powders can be confusing to identify.
Although it may seem like it's a new trend to add maca or spirulina to a wellness routine, these plants have been used by indigenous cultures thousands of years. So instead of thinking of superfoods as a fad, think of them as tried-and-true plant medicines that have been used to heal and nourish generations of our ancestors.
Superfood powders are the most convenient way to add a large amount of nutrients to things you already eat and drink on a daily basis. To make the most of your superfood powders blend them into smoothies, lattes, soups, baked goods and yogurt and enjoy throughout the day!
How to choose the best superfood powders
Superfoods are categorized as supplements and as such, they are not regulated by the FDA the same way that food and medicine is. However, there are some basic rules of thumb when choosing a quality product in this category.
- Always opt for quality brands with high production standards. We recommend doing some research to identify companies that practice responsible sourcing, both environmentally and when it comes to labor practices. If a company is a certified B Corp, you've struck gold—it means they meet the highest standards for social and environmental practices, transparency, and legal accountability in creating an inclusive global economy.
- Your superfood powder should consist of one ingredient only—the superfood in question.
- Avoid products with fillers, artificial flavors, or added sweeteners. Since superfoods can be expensive, it's ideal to get more of the good stuff with less of the filler.
- When possible, choose certified organic powders to optimize their health benefits.
When shopping around for the right superfood for you, look beyond the branding and into the company itself.
Below is a list of our favorite superfood powders, based on quality. We've included a list of superfoods suitable for everyday use by almost anyone.
Our 11 top-quality superfood powder picks
1. Further Food's Superfood Turmeric
Turmeric has major anti-inflammatory benefits and is often used for inflammation-related conditions like arthritis and joint pain. While this is the only product in our lineup that contains additional ingredients beyond the actual superfood, it's all for good reason. Black pepper increases the absorption of the nutritious parts of turmeric (circumin) exponentially, while the addition of other anti-inflammatory superfoods like cinnamon and schisandra berry further boosts these benefits.
2. Bob's Red Mill's Hemp Protein Powder
Hemp is an excellent source of plant-based protein—its seeds contain about 14 grams of protein per 1/4 cup. So you can think of Bob's Red Mill hemp powder as a two-in-one superfood and vegan protein powder that doesn't contain any of the strange fillers many other protein powders do. It also provides a boost of iron and fiber. Beyond using it as a protein powder in smoothies, you can use it in baking. Because of its mild taste, you can swap up to 25 percent of your flour amount with it, and it won't throw off the flavor profile at all, while adding extra health benefits. And just so we're all ultra clear, hemp has no psychoactive side effects.
3. Kuli Kuli's Moringa Powder
Moringa may be a lesser known superfood in the bunch, but it absolutely deserves an inclusion on our all-star superfoods list—nutritionally, it even beats out kale. The powder comes from ground leaves of the moringa tree, and is said to have potent cardiovascular heath benefits (like improving blood pressure and blood sugar levels). You can sprinkle this powder into your morning latte or in a bowl of soup. We love Kuli Kuli's moringa because it is sustainably sourced from small farms and women's coops around the world. The brand is also directly involved in the reforestation of areas it sources from, so they're giving back to nature as much as they're taking from it. Swoon!
4. Thrive Market's Spirulina Powder
This blue-green algae powder is a favorite for smoothies and smoothie bowls, much like acai. Spirulina is considered one of the most nutritious foods on the planet, thanks to its high amounts of chlorophyll, plant-based protein, as well as minerals like manganese, zinc, and iron. Spirulina has been lauded for its immuno-supporting properties, so we recommend adding it to your routine during fall and winter months when you're trying to avoid cold and flu.
5. Matcha Love's Matcha Powder
Matcha, a premium green tea powder hailing from Japan, needs no introduction. In the last several years, it has become a fixture of food and wellness scenes and pop culture, found in desserts, lattes, and even cocktails. But with all that hype around it, it's almost easy to forget the true source of its star power, which are its incredibly potent health benefits. It contains a high amount of antioxidants and flavonoids, and can boost your metabolism, help burn calories, detoxify the body, and calm the mind and the body. Matcha can be whisked with hot water and taken as a tea, or added to a variety of other foods like yogurt. We love the matcha from Matcha Love because it comes in convenient single-serve packets, and doesn't contain any additives or sugars.
6. Love Beets' Beet Powder
Yes, those beets you have in your fridge are a superfood in their own right. The humble beet contains high levels of vitamin C and manganese, and using the powdered form is an easy and mess-free way of getting those nutrients daily. The ingredients list on the Love Beets' beet powder only lists one ingredient, and 1 tablespoon equals the nutrition of 3 medium-sized beets. Add it to water, sauces, oatmeal, or smoothies for heart health and circulation benefits along with stamina and endurance.
7. Navitas Organics' Maca Powder
Maca (not to be confused with matcha) is a Peruvian root vegetable that's been cultivated as a crop for 3000 years. It is considered to be an adaptogen—a natural plant compound with an ability to regulate your body's responses to stress by adjusting hormones and maintaining homeostasis. It is known for its nutty, earthy taste that mixes well with soups and smoothies. Keep in mind that maca is energizing, so prioritize it in your morning routine but avoid it in the evening.
8. Carrington Farms' Goji Berry Powder
Goji berries are another antioxidant-rich superfood, considered to have health benefits as well as beauty and anti-aging properties. They usually come in dry berry form, but the powder is as potent and a good combo with nut butters in overnight oats or energy bites. The Carrington Farms brand is certified USDA organic and non-GMO, which is why we swear by it.
9. Navitas Organics' Camu Powder
Camu-camu is a small berry from the Amazon, often used in folk medicine. Extremely high in vitamin C (exponentially more than an orange) as well as potassium and manganese, this little berry yields an aromatic red-orange powder. A power player often used for immune-supporting functions, this is a great staple if you're looking for a boost during the cold and flu season. Navitas' powder is another certified-organic, non-GMO, single-ingredient winner.
10. Nuts.com's Organic Acai Powder
Acai feels like the OG superfood—remember when the Acai bowl first made its debut into the mainstream in the '90s? Acai is actually a berry with a wonderful sweet-yet-tart flavor, making it a popular addition to smoothies and other healthy wellness treats. Its deep purple color is due to anthocyanin, a plant compound with antioxidant properties. Not every superfood needs a brand name. We love Nuts.com's generic brand products that are just as good!
11. Moon Juice's Lucuma
Lucuma is a South American superfood fruit. While you likely won't ever see the whole fruit in an American grocery store, but the powdered form known as a sweetener with natural maple-like flavor. It's considered a good low-glycemic alternative to sugar, so it's perfect for those monitoring their blood sugar levels. Otherwise, it's rich in antioxidants as well as B-complex vitamins. Add it to lattes and energy bites for a hint of sweet with benefits.
No comments:
Post a Comment