If you’re savvy about nutrition, you know the best way to get your vitamins and minerals is by eating a balanced diet heavy on the fruits and veggies.
But if you want to improve on the benefits you get from incorporating fresh produce into your meals, you can easily do so via superfood drinks.
Superfoods with Big Benefits
“Superfoods” is an umbrella term that refers to food rich in vitamins and nutrients along with inflammation-fighting antioxidants. They include leafy greens, berries, seeds, spices like turmeric, and blue-green algae.
The benefits of superfoods are legion: Research has found that the antioxidants and flavonoids can ward off cancer and coronary heart disease, boost immunity, and lessen inflammation and stress. The nutrients in fruits and vegetables increase your energy and help maintain a healthy weight.
Easy to Swallow Superfoods and Powders
Superfood drinks are made from dried, concentrated foods in powder form. They can be bought as single ingredients but are more frequently found as mixes. To get a nutritional boost, just stir a couple of tablespoons into your favorite drink.
Consider these key ingredients:
Put Your Digestion at Ease with Nutrient Packed Greens
Powders made with mixed greens and other vegetables—beets, broccoli, chard, kale, spinach, wheatgrass, and more—support gut health. The phytonutrients, fiber, and antioxidants found in such mixes promote healthy digestion.
Another benefit of the fiber is that it makes you feel full, which can help with weight-loss efforts. Leafy greens are rich in A, C, E, K, and B vitamins, plus carotenoids, calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium. Plants from the sea are in the mix too. The algae spirulina, for one, is 60 percent protein and contains L-phenylalanine and tyrosine, two amino acids that have been shown to promote weight loss.
Berries Brimming with Flavonoids
Blueberries, raspberries, açaí berries, cranberries, goji berries, and tart cherries—all superfruits that are berry, berry good for you—are available in powdered drink form. All are brimming with flavonoids. Açaí berries deliver amino acids and antioxidants. Blueberries provide fiber and manganese. One flavonoid in cranberries helps protect against urinary tract infections.
Superb Bonuses from Superfoods
Add to your berries and green veggies other ingredients found in superfood mixtures, and you’ll have a full spectrum of benefits. Matcha green tea powder, curcumin, flaxseeds, and cacao are among the many add-ins you may find in a superfood powder.
Drink Wisely & Be Mindful of a Healthy Diet
Remember that superfood drink supplements are just that—supplements to a healthy diet. Use the powdered mixes as a way to enhance an already balanced diet rich in whole foods. Check with your healthcare practitioner whenever you incorporate new supplements into your regimen—this is particularly important for pregnant and breastfeeding women or if you are on certain medications.
When you choose a superfood powder, look for quality. Select brands that are organically grown or grown without chemicals and processed by cold pressing or water extraction.
