With more superfood powders popping up in the health and fitness world, protein powders aren’t the only thing you can add to your smoothie. According to a market research report published in October 2022, the category should grow by more than 10% yearly. Current projections also show that sales are expected to reach almost $9 billion by 2027.
But the question remains, are superfood powders worth a shot? You can read this article to find out how they work and the best ones.
What Are Superfood Powders?
Superfood powders are manufactured to give you a health boost, and they can be in the form of vitamins or minerals designed to give you energy and improve gut health. Amy Kimberlain, a representative for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, says, “These powders are made from dehydrated whole foods that are generally fruits and vegetables, herbs or other botanicals.”
How to Use Superfood Powders
If you’re using superfood powders for the first time, it’s best to go with trusted brands like Navitas or Bob’s Red Mill. You can also look for certifications from third-party companies that aren’t affiliated with the brands, e.g., USDA Certified.
Six Impressive Superfood Powders
If you’re looking for the best superfood powder for your diet, try these out:
Acai Powder
Acai berries come from Central and South America and contain anthocyanin, and this antioxidant can lower oxidative stress and inflammation, thus promoting brain health. Acai powder can also help blood sugar levels, but you must be careful if you have diabetes. This is because it makes your blood sugar levels very low and makes diabetic medications less effective.
Baobab Powder
The fruit from the Baobab tree is rich in fiber and can help prevent constipation. As a bonus, it could have a positive effect on weight management.
Cacao Powder
Cacao powder is made of dried and fermented cacao beans, and it contains flavonoids that can improve your heart function and reduce inflammation. Studies were also conducted on the plant regarding its cardiovascular disease benefits.
Mushroom Powder
Mushroom powder blends can give you a variety of health benefits. This is thanks to their antiallergic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. You can add the mushroom powder to tea, smoothies, or lattes. However, it must be done in moderation, as too much can lead to nausea.
Turmeric Powder
Turmeric powder (curcumin) is a popular product thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also positively impacts illnesses like type-2 diabetes, obesity, and cancer.
When choosing your turmeric powder, it’s best to choose one with black pepper as a listed ingredient, increasing the absorption level.
Goji Powder
Goji powder has health-promoting and antimicrobial properties. A study in 2021 showed regular consumption could delay age-related macular degeneration.
Before adding goji powder to your diet routine, it’s important to consult your health provider for possible negative medication interactions.
Conclusion
Superfood powders offer a lot of health benefits for regular consumers. That’s because many of them come from natural sources, so you don’t have to be concerned about artificial flavors and chemicals. That said, it’s important to consult your primary health giver to know if the chosen powder can negatively affect any health conditions.
