10 natural superfood powders to add to your diet today
It can be hard to work all of the current superfood trends into your daily diet. But natural plant-based powders are an ideal way to add an invisible health boost to your meals. Fortunately, most can easily be found at your local health food store or online.
Take a look at the the top 10 powders, their health benefits, and the best ways to introduce them seamlessly into your routine. Click through the gallery to get started.
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1. Maca powder
Maca is a root that is sometimes called Peruvian ginseng. It has an earthy, nutty flavor.
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Health benefits
Maca is high in many nutrients, including vitamin C, copper, and iron. It’s thought to increase fertility in men, and reduce symptoms of menopause. In addition, it boosts mood and energy.
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Suggestions
The flavor of maca isn’t very exciting, but this makes it ideal to mix into oatmeal, smoothies, or baked goods.
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2. Turmeric powder
Turmeric is another magical root that has become a health food sensation. It contains curcumin, and many studies have proven the incredible health benefits.
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Health benefits
Turmeric reduces the risk of chronic illnesses such as cancer, brain, and heart disease. It’s also a natural anti-inflammatory. Consume with black pepper to aid the absorption of the curcumin into your system.
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Suggestions
Turmeric is commonly used in Indian dishes as a spice, so it’s perfect to add into curries and sauces. A new trend is the ‘golden latte.’ It’s a warm, milky drink with turmeric, cinnamon, and a few other ingredients.
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3. Hemp powder
Hemp powder is made by grinding pressed hemp. It doesn’t contain CBD or THC, but it does have a lot of health benefits!
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Health benefits
Hemp is an excellent source of plant-based, easily digestible protein. It’s often used by gymgoers as a supplement, and is perfect for vegetarians and vegans. It’s also a great source of fiber and is high in phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, and copper.
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Suggestions
Hemp can be blended into smoothies, or used to make homemade protein bars.
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4. Matcha powder
Matcha is a highly concentrated powder version of green tea. This means that the benefits of green tea are magnified in matcha.
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Health benefits
Matcha helps with focus, as it contains almost the same amount of caffeine as coffee. It’s good for your blood sugar levels too, as long as it’s not a sugary processed drink containing matcha! It also has antioxidants that reduce the risk of cancer.
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Suggestions
Matcha lattes are all the rage at the moment, and they’re actually delicious and easy to make. Simply mix matcha powder, milk, hot water, and honey or maple syrup.
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5. Acai powder
Acai powder is made by blending freeze-dried acai berries. This Brazilian fruit is bursting with health benefits, and is actually quite delicious!
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Health benefits
Acai has some vitamins and minerals, but it is most beneficial for its antioxidant properties. Some studies even suggest that acai may be effective in lowering LDL cholesterol.
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Suggestions
Elaborate acai bowls are the Instagram breakfast trend of the moment, but they’re surprisingly easy to make. Blend acai powder, banana, any berries, and water or milk. You can also add any of the other powders from this list for an extra boost!
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6. Cocoa powder
The powder is made by crushing the beans from cocoa trees, and removing the fatty cocoa butter. The remaining powder has a rich, chocolatey flavor, and is packed with healthy compounds.
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Health benefits
Cocoa powder can reduce blood pressure by improving nitric oxide levels. This can also reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke. The polyphenols can improve blood flow to your brain, which supports brain function.
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Suggestions
Where to start! Cocoa powder is excellent for all kinds of baked goods and warm drinks. For a healthier dessert option, you can make vegan chocolate mousse by blending cocoa powder, avocado, almond milk, and a natural sweetener like dates.
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7. Baobab powder
Baobab powder is made by crushing the fruit that grows on the baobab trees in Africa and Australia. The trees have an unusual appearance and grow up to 100ft (30 meters) tall.
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Health benefits
Baobab powder is high in vitamin C, vitamin B6, niacin, iron, and potassium. It’s also high in fiber and useful in weight loss, as it promotes feelings of fullness. In addition, it helps balance blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation.
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Suggestions
Baobab powder has a citrus flavor, so it’s great to add to fruity mixes like smoothies or acai bowls.
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8. Flaxseed powder
If you think seeds are just for birds, then ground flaxseed is the alternative for you! The powder version actually provides more health benefits, as the digestive system can’t break through the hard shells of the whole seeds.
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Health benefits
Flaxseeds are high in many nutrients, such as omega 3 fats, iron, and fiber. They also contain antioxidants that can reduce the risk of cancer. In addition, flaxseeds are also a source of high-quality protein, which may improve immune function and lower cholesterol.
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Suggestions
Flaxseed powder is great in baked goods and granola. An easy and enjoyable way to add it to your diet is to mix it with some peanut butter. Add to your toast, oatmeal, or just eat it off the spoon!
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9. Spirulina
Spirulina is one of the big health food trends that has a bit of a bad reputation. Since it’s an algae, it’s not quite as appetizing as the other options, and is resigned to health fanatics. In reality, the benefits are too good to miss, and there are plenty of delicious ways to use it.
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Health benefits
Spirulina is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on earth. It’s extremely high in protein, iron, copper, and vitamins B1, B2, and B3. It has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can reduce LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and helps with allergy symptoms. It’s magic.
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Suggestions
A green smoothie is the easiest and most obvious way to use spirulina. When mixed with fruits and leafy greens, the taste disappears. If you’re feeling creative, you can add it to homemade pesto, or make these spirulina bites for a quick and healthy energy boost.
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10. Moringa
Moringa comes from a tree found in northern India. Its healthy benefits have been praised for thousands of years. Every part of the tree is used in herbal medicine, but the powder is made from the dried leaves.
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Health benefits
Moringa is rich in protein, vitamin B6, vitamin C, riboflavin, and iron. While scientific studies of its effects are still in the early stages, it’s suspected that it lowers blood sugar, cholesterol, and inflammation.
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Suggestions
Moringa can be added to smoothies, oatmeal, or bread mix. For a weekend breakfast, try mixing moringa powder with eggs and making a spinach omelette.
