You've probably heard all about magical health foods like kale, quinoa, and goji berries (even chocolate has had a superfood moment). But forget filling up your shopping basket and refrigerator with bulky produce that won't last a week; the latest health food craze is all about maximising vitamin and nutrient intake by adding health-boosting powders to your diet. Here's our pick of the top 10 superfood powders to help you feel energised, cleansed and gorgeous.
Maca
This powdered root has been traditionally used in Peruvian medicine for hundreds of years, most commonly for its energy-giving and libido-boosting abilities. Recent studies have also found that Maca could also reduce the symptoms of menopause. Try adding a spoonful of powder to your morning smoothie for an extra kick-start to the day.
Hemp
Forget what you think you know about hemp, the distant cousin of marijuana. The truth is that hemp powder is full of good-for-you protein and essential fatty acids – important for preventing heart disease and overall health. Hemp seeds also contain all essential amino acids (something not commonly found in plant protein sources), which makes them a great addition for people on a vegetarian or vegan diet. Try sprinkling a tablespoon over cereal or fruit for a nutty zest.
Spirulina
This blue-green algae is a vitamin and protein powerhouse, touted for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory benefits. Spirulina is also naturally high in iron, which makes it a great supplement for iron-deficient women or vegetarians. Some people find the taste of spirulina slightly unpleasant, so try combining with fruits or vegetables in a juice to mask the flavour.
Acai
Like many dark purple fruits, the Brazilian acai berry is chock full of antioxidants, which help protect your body against cellular damage. It's also high in Vitamin C, an important nutrient for boosting collagen and protecting the skin. Younger looking skin? Yes, please! With its berry and chocolate flavour, this powder makes a great addition to any fruit smoothie.
Baobab
Another antioxidant-rich superfood, this powdered African fruit can help your body fight off infections and diseases. Plus, with more calcium than a glass of milk, it's also great for keeping bones healthy and strong. Try sprinkling some powder over cereal or adding to yoghurt.
Elle MacPherson Super Elixir
This supermodel-approved powder promises to increase energy levels and help alleviate the impact of stress, fatigue and premature ageing. A blend of 45 ingredients, including super greens, Chinese herbs, digestive enzymes and members of the maitake mushroom family, Elle MacPherson swears by it. Add to your morning juice or breakfast food and reap the benefits all day long.
Stevia
Want all of the sweetness of sugar but without the calories? Try stevia – a natural sweetener with zero calories. Apart from benefiting your waistline, this powder from the South American leafy plant of the same name could also help fight diabetes and tooth decay. Use the same way you would use regular sugar – but be careful, it's 200 times sweeter!
Lucuma
Another natural sweetener, lucuma is a rich source of beta-carotene (the same pigment that gives carrots their colour) – vital for healthy skin and eyes. With its deliciously caramel flavour, this powdered South American fruit makes an excellent addition to desserts and sweet treats.
Wheatgrass
The ultimate juice superfood, wheatgrass is high in chlorophyll, the dark green pigment in plants and algae that may be helpful for removing toxins from the blood. A spoonful of wheatgrass powder in your green juice is also a great way to boost your fibre intake – a key player in healthy bowel function and weight loss.
Raw Cacao
Good news - eating chocolate can be good for you (just not your average store-bought chocolate bar, mind)! Raw cacao powder is made by cold-pressing unroasted cocoa beans, which keeps nutrients intact and removes fatty cacao butter. The leftover powder is high in antioxidants and may also increase serotonin (the happy hormone) so you can eat chocolate, fight disease and become happier all in one go! Mix into drinks, desserts and baked goods - but just be aware that the flavour is denser than usual chocolate.
