Key Things to Look for When Buying Superfoods
Concentrated nutrition is more important than ever: it used to be that people needed 5 servings of fruits and veggies, now experts are recommending 10.
Fruits and vegetables are rich in compounds called phytonutrients that give these plant foods their deep hues. Phytonutrients are superfoods for our bodies – they improve blood flow and nerve cell communication in the brain, enhance energy production within our cells, and provide our bodies with antioxidant protection.
A great way to increase your intake of these critical phytonutrients is through a superfood supplement. But with so many to choose from, how can a consumer make an informed decision? Here are 3 things to look for when buying your next superfood powder:
#1 – Fermented
We have our ancestors to thank for learning to harness the process of fermentation. Besides being an ancient food preservation technique, fermentation partially breaks down foods, leading to greater absorption and bioavailability of nutrients. When superfoods are fermented, the nutritional quality and strength of the phytonutrients is amplified! Look for a fermented superfood powder that contains a wide array of plant ingredients to reap the benefits of a diverse group of phytonutrients. Let’s not forget that fermentation also improves digestion and can help encourage a healthy gut microbiome. Find a superfood product that is fermented using artisanal methods to ensure peak phytonutrient potency.
#2 – Gut health benefits
Nutritional research has come a long way. One of the most exciting recent discoveries is that the plant foods that provide our bodies with nutrition from phytonutrients are also good for our gut ecology.
Polyphenols are a type of phytonutrient known to contribute to overall health and slow the aging process – and research has recently identified that polyphenols help to support a diverse microbiome and nourish the gut lining. In fact, polyphenols encourage the growth of “good” bacteria 30- 40% better than inulin! It also turns out that the love is mutual – gut microflora act on dietary phytonutrients, transforming them into structures called metabolites, which are more powerful and better absorbed. Simply put, they are better together!
#3 – Prebiotic fiber
Some superfoods go the extra mile by including unique ingredients to support whole body health. And where does whole body health begin? In the gut! Look out for superfoods that include fermented prebiotic fibers. This is an extremely well tolerated organic prebiotic fiber that helps to encourage the growth of good bacteria – so you get all the benefits and none of the bloating! The more food, or prebiotics, that you provide for probiotics in your gut, the more efficiently these live bacteria work and the healthier your gut will be.
Not all superfoods are created equal and it can be challenging to sift through the dozens of options on store shelves. Rest assured that by using these tips you can feel confident in selecting a superfood powder that nourishes every cell and system in your body, while supporting a healthy and happy gut!
At Genuine Health, we are so fortunate that we have the opportunity to change people’s lives every day, and we take that responsibility very seriously. What we do matters, what we put in the bottle matters, how we treat the planet matters, and providing you with the latest credible information matters, so that you can make the best choices for your health.
