Everyone Says Superfood Powders Make You Superhuman - So Wee Investigated
By Kaitlyn McLintock. This article originally appeared on Byrdie on April 30, 2019.
There used to be a time when the word "superfood" wasn't a part of our collective consciousness. If you ordered an açaí and goji berry smoothie with a sprinkling of maca powder, people would stare at you speechless and mystified. ("Um… We don't have that.") Nowadays, kale and quinoa are as common as bread and butter—and we love it. Introducing nutrient-dense foods to our diet will only result in healthier selves.
But you don't actually have to eat them; you can drink them, too. That's right, the buzziest way to get your superfood fix is to sprinkle powdered versions of these plants (like the aforementioned maca powder) into drinks like juices, smoothies, coffee, and tea. Take it from registered dietitian and nutritionist Lauren O'Connor. "These powders contain specific nutrients that are meant to help balance our bodies for optimal function and stamina, and can add to our overall nutritional needs." Keep reading to learn more about superfood powders, including the different kinds, what they do, and which ones are expert-recommended.
Açaí
Let's start with açaí berry powder. Açaí berries are one of the most familiar superfoods today. These purple Amazonian berries are purported to have a higher antioxidant content than their other fruity counterparts, including blueberries (which are basically supercharged with antioxidants). According to Dana James, CNS at Food Coach NYC, antioxidants lower oxidative stress in the body. This is important, since "the lower the level of oxidative stress, the slower the aging process."
Açaí also contains healthy fat and fiber. There hasn't been much distinctive research on the health effects of powdered açaí, but many people swear by it for improving digestion, skin quality, energy, and mental clarity, among other things.
As for superfood powders in general, use them in conjunction with a healthy diet, not on their own. "They are best when used within a balanced whole food–based diet and can provide some of the essential nutrients we can't always fit in our daily diet alone," says O'Connor. Dana James agrees, saying, "They won't erase the sins of a bad diet."
Chlorella
Chlorella's dark green color is due to its crazy amount of chlorophyll. "It contains double the amount of chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants, which can boost energy levels," says James. It's used mainly for detoxification of the body, but specifically the digestive tract, as many people take it to cure and prevent a number of digestive ailments.
No matter if it's chlorella, açaí, or a different superfood, do your research and check the ingredients. "First and foremost, it is important to choose a powder that is low in added sugars (if not absent from them) and as minimally processed as possible—that means it doesn't contain a laundry list of ingredients including fillers, harsh chemicals, additives. Ingredients contained should be beneficial to the body and easy on the digestive system," says O'Connor. "In my opinion, keeping the ingredient list short and simple (with mainly whole food ingredients) is the easiest way to know the product is clean."
Spirulina
Spirulina is a derivative of algae (aka seaweed). Before that turns you away, know that it packs some serious nutrition. "It contains protein and amino acids, including GLA, which is an essential fatty acid. It also has a high concentration of iron," says O'Connor. "As we know, proteins are the building blocks of life and are needed to support our daily wear and tear (of our muscles) and support our bodies from the cellular level on up to our physical qualities (e.g., skin and hair). Fatty acids support our heart and brain health (as well as provide shine and suppleness for healthy skin and hair), and can help improve our mood.
Iron is necessary for maintaining adequate oxygen in the blood—deficient levels can lead to fatigue," she continues.
Healthy skin, shiny hair, protein, and energy? Yes, please. It's clear to see why so many people swear by this superfood powder for being the perfect mix of a health and beauty supplement. "It is alkalizing to the body and helps clear pesticides, mercury and other toxins," says James. "My personal favorite is spirulina powder added to a smoothie with blueberries, cacao, almond milk and my beautiFUEL Protein Powder ($55)."
The spirulina and pre- and probiotics found in this formula assist with digestion and detoxification. It's also formulated to bolster the natural beauty of hair and skin, provide energy, and boost immunity. Supermodel Elle Macpherson co-founded the WelleCo brand; she swears by this supplement and takes it every single day. (On a side note, if taking this will help us look half as radiant as she does, we're in.)
Maca
Maca is a plant native to Peru. Although there isn't as much research backing it compared to other superfoods like spirulina, it "contains protein and essential fatty acids," according to O'Connor. "It is known for enhancing energy, stamina, memory and physical performance, and it's suggested to improve menopausal symptoms. Whether or not these claims are fully substantiated, the having enough protein and essential fatty acids in the daily diet is important for our health and well-being," she says.
James says that along with energy, "maca can help support the body's ability to adapt to stress. It can also improve hormonal balance." Its link to testosterone is what boosts energy (and might even "activate sexual arousal").
One of our favorites, Stamba's Creamy Maca Matcha ($45) offers up cold-processed Peruvian Maca and first-harvest Japanese Matcha (and coconut cream, yum), for an adaptogenic, antioxidant rich experience that's as delicious as it is good for you. The coconut's healthy fats and anti-microbial MCTs, along with theanine from the matcha and flavonoids from maca support your mental acuity, mood, and skin health while you sip. "Instead of spike and crash sacrifices obtained from stimulants and high-caffeine sources," explains Asa Siegel, the founder Stamba, "this formula delivers a pick-me-up that is good for you both short and long-term."
Moringa
This superfood powder is derived from Moringa leaves, a plant native to places like India and Pakistan. You might recognize the name since it's found in different cosmetic products for the purpose of increasing skin health (after all, this study shows it's beneficial in skin anti-aging and revitalization). "The most potent form is from the leaves," says James. "There has been some research on its blood sugar lowering properties, and it is believed to increase mental agility and cognition. It can also help protect the liver from free-radical damage."
Baobab
Baobab powder comes from—yes, you guessed it—the baobab tree. Like Moringa, it's been used for ages in traditional medicines in its native Africa, thanks to high concentrations of vitamin C and vitamin B. It also contains a bevy of minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium. According to James, it serves as a prebiotic for the good bacteria in the gut, which can help decrease bloating and support higher energy levels. More energy? We'll take it.
To be clear, there are superfood powder blends that may contain a combination of those listed above. Those are great, too, as long as you make sure they're actually clean. "If I have to decipher a long list or have no idea what an ingredient is, then it’s not worth buying," says O'Connor. She usually sticks to protein powder or a blended greens formula.
"To get an ideal amount of protein in my day, while on a mostly plant-based diet, I rely on a quality protein powder first thing before my morning workout," she tells us. "In fact, I add it to my nut milk for my homemade coffee 'latte.' When I need a little boost in the late afternoon, a greens powder mixed in a smoothie or with some water can certainly help prevent me from over-snacking and get me through to my next meal. I can also get in vitamins and nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin D, potassium, calcium, and magnesium to name a few."
Try PaleoPro Paleo Protein Powder ($40), which "is made with grass-fed lean beef protein and egg protein," or PaleoPro Paleo Recovery Powder ($30), which has sweet potato and egg white protein. "It tastes great simply mixed with water, too!" As for a green powder, she likes Garden of Life's Perfect Food RAW Organic Green Super Food ($27). It's a combination of "farmed green juice blend, antioxidant blend, organic sprout blend, and a probiotic/enzyme blend." It contains wheat grass, barley, beetroot, flax, and spinach, among other things.
Similarly, our senior editor, Lindsey Metrus, is a fan of Olly's Plant Powdered Protein($19). She says of the blend: "Ever since revving up my fitness routine last year, I've been upping my protein intake to help my muscles recover and to fill up when I'm hungry rather than gorging on empty calories and processed foods. My favorite way to take in protein is through a shake, but most powders I came across were super expensive and/or derived from cow's milk, and being that I'm lactose intolerant and perpetually on a budget, I needed something that checked all the boxes.
Enter Olly's plant-based protein powders, which are very low in sugar and high in delicious flavor. My favorite was the now-discontinued chocolate peanut butter flavor (Olly, I beg you, please bring it back!), so I've since switched to plain peanut butter which I mix with frozen bananas and almond milk. Yum."
As for James, "I love Sun Potion!" she says. "Everyone should take a B complex, since we use the Bs to create energy, regulate hormones, metabolize alcohol, and detoxify." A Byrdie favorite is Sun Potion's Mucuna Pruriens Powder ($37).