Superfood Powders

Over the past few years, superfoods have become very popular due to their rich nutrient, vitamin and mineral content and the associated health benefits these may bring.

The term superfoods is fairly new, the earliest recorded example being used around the First World War as part of a food marketing strategy. But it has only become a more commonly used phrase in the more recent past.

What are superfoods and superfood powders?

Superfoods are mostly plant based foods or drinks which are packed full of, vitamins and minerals and are also low in calories.

Superfood powders are superfoods which have been made into powders, without losing any of their nutritional value.

What are the benefits of superfood powders?

There are a number of benefits of superfood powders, not only nutritionally but also from a convenience point of view.

Superfood powders are a super-easy way to incorporate these high-nutrient foods into your diet as they can simply be added to your smoothies, juices and yoghurts.

Some of them can even be added to hot water and drunk first thing in the morning or last thing in the evening, for a nutritional boost.

Which superfood powders should I try?

There are a wide range of superfood powders available on the market, and the one that is best for you will depend on which vitamins and minerals you would like to incorporate into your usual diet.

For example, you may find that if you are following a vegan diet, it is a challenge to get sufficient protein or iron from your food and so you may want to add some of this in.

Here are some of the best varieties of superfood powders available:

Turmeric powder

Turmeric is used extensively in Ayurveda and is thought to have lots of benefits.

Naturya Tumeric Blend is a combination of turmeric, maca, lucuma and warming spices.

Turmeric is also known for a host of health benefits and this blend is high in manganese which helps contribute to energy-yielding metabolism and  support a active, healthy lifestyle.

This blend is easy to incorporate into you daily diet. It is perfect for adding to your morning lattes, smoothies, or using in your baking recipes.

Chlorella powder

Naturya Organic Chlorella Powder is made from chlorella, a single-celled, green freshwater algae.

This powder is high in protein which is essential for muscle repair as part of an active lifestyle.

It is also a good source of protein for anyone following a vegan diet, where it can sometimes be difficult to get your recommend allowance of protein with the absence of meat, fish and dairy in your diet.

Chlorella powder is also a good source of iron – a healthy boost which contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

Add the powder to smoothies, sprinkle over salads or just drink with water as part of a balanced diet.

Cacao powder

Naturya Organic Cacao Powder is naturally rich in a number of vitamins and nutrients including copper, magnesium, zinc and protein. These have many benefits including contributing to a normal energy-yielding metabolism, and good psychological function.

Cacao powder is made from dried cacao pods which are cleaned, sorted and shelled to leave just the cacao nibs. These nibs are ground into a paste before the butter is removed, leaving just the powder but keeping all of the nutrients.

This superfood powder has a yummy chocolate-y flavour so can be sprinkled on your morning porridge, added into smoothies or even combined with dates and agave nectar to make some energy balls – a perfect post-gym snack!

Maca powder

Maca is a plant that grows in the Andes mountain range in South America.

The roots of the plant are where all the nutrients are and so these are dug out from the ground and left to dry out naturally in the sun for around two weeks.

These are then cut into small pieces, dehydrated and then finely milled to make Naturya Organic Maca Powder.

This superfood is packed full of nutrients such as vitamin B2 and iron. These contribute to the normal functioning of the immune system. Iron also helps to reduce tiredness and fatigue and support cognitive function.

Maca powder has a sweet malty flavour and so is a welcome addition to morning smoothies, yoghurts and porridge.

It could also be made into a mousse for a pudding or used in energy balls as an alternative to cacao powder.