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Superfoods are foods considered to be nutrient dense – those that have health benefits greater than the raw food itself…. In other words they’re ‘mega’ healthy.

But ‘Superfoods’ is a marketing term. It hasn’t come from years of scientific research.

They’re fashionable – a bit like perms and mullets once were but thankfully with more health benefits – the only similarity being they need to be approached with caution!

Superfood powders aren’t new. Green powders such as spirulina and chlorella were particularly popular in the 90’s and as algae they are at the beginning of the ecosystem making them nutrient rich.

They’re some of the best sources of antioxidants and enzymes which means they help protect us against free radicals such as pollutants, chemicals in processed foods and oxidative stress in the body.

Beetroot powder and bee pollen are just 2 examples of non-green ‘powders’.

Beetroot powder has good iron and manganese content as well as containing potassium and magnesium. It also contains betaine which can assist in owering LDL cholesterol (the bad one).

At Crucial Food, we use Beetroot powder in dressings and small amounts in smoothies and juices if clients don’t like too much beetroot flavour.

Bee Pollen is rich in carbohydrate, protein and B vitamins and as well as being an energy booster, it supports immune function and has enzymes which help with digestion. You can boost your intake by sprinkling on your food or adding to smoothies.

So this is all great but they still need to be taken with care.

One of the reasons they help fight free radicals is by a process called chelation. Chelators basically carry out toxins by binding to them – for example sulphur binds to mercury. But if we have too much they can also carry out good minerals like magnesium which can lead to deficiencies – not great.

In excess they can also cause loose bowels – which can cause amongst other things deficiencies and dehydration – definitely not great!

So what’s the bottom line (scuse the pun!)?

First of all, get rid of the rubbish in your diet. Refined foods, chemicals, additives – I’m sure you know the drill – and use the superfood powders to supplement your healthy diet. Not instead of.

Use wisely and you’ll no doubt reap the benefits.

Nutrition for Life. Love