Superfood powders are a great way to add a quick punch of flavor and nutrition to your diet. From smoothies to cereals, they’re easy to use and each bring a unique set of benefits. Here are 5 of our favorites:
1. Raw Cacao – Chocolate lovers rejoice! With more antioxidant flavonoids than any other food tested thus far, raw cacao powder makes a tasty and nutritious addition to smoothies, raw and baked desserts, homemade energy bars, and cereals.
Raw cacao powder is made from the cacao bean, which, in its natural state, contains plenty of essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium, and is a good source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Raw cacao powder (as distinct from regular cocoa powder sold in the baking aisle) is the best source of these beneficial antioxidants and nutrients. Look for it at natural food stores or online fromNavitas Naturals or Wilderness Family Naturals.
2. Mesquite - Mesquite powder is ground from the pods of the mesquite plant, a leguminous plant found in arid regions including parts of South American and the southwestern United States. The powder has a sweet, caramel-like flavor, making it an excellent addition to smoothies, raw and baked desserts, or hot/cold cereals.
Mesquite powder is rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc, and has a relatively high dietary fiber and protein content. With a relatively low glycemic index, mesquite helps maintain constant blood sugar levels and is often recommended for diabetics. For more information about this super powder, check outMesquite Powder: Health Benefits, Tips and Recipes.
Want to try it? Mesquite powder is available in the bulk or baking aisles of many natural foods stores, and is widely available online. Look for versions from Navitas Naturals and Raw Power Organics.
3. Maca - Maca is a highly nutritious root vegetable that grows in the mountainous regions of the Peruvian Andes. Maca powder is rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and phytonutrients, and its use has been linked to a number of energy, immune system, strength/stamina, and fertility benefits.
Roasted maca has a sweet, butterscotch-like flavor, and is often used in smoothies, energy bars, and raw desserts. Look for it at your local natural foods store or online, from Navitas Naturals, Amazon Therapeutic Laboratories Maca Magic, or Now Foods.
4. Wheat Grass - Wheat grass is another extremely nutrient-rich food, with over 70 vitamins and minerals and an impressive profile of amino acids and antioxidants. Wheat grass powder is also surprisingly high in protein, composed of over 87 percent protein by weight.
Wheat grass powder can be mixed with water, juice, or your favorite non-dairy milk, or can be blended into smoothies for an added nutritional punch. Look for brands like Amazing Grass Organic Wheat Grass Powderor Navitas Naturals Wheatgrass Powder.
5. Açai – The açai (ah-sigh-ee) berry grows on the Açai Palm in the Amazon region of Brazil. This dark purple berry is one of the most antioxidant-rich foods in the world, and is thus regarded as a powerful anti-aging and health-promoting superfood.
Açai powder also contains a unique blend of dietary fiber, healthy fats, and phytosterols that promote cardiovascular and digestive health, as well as a wide spectrum of amino acids and trace minerals.
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