By Rachel Stewart, Women’s Health & Lifestyle Specialist (see Rachel’s professional credentials here)
So many people today are sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. As a result of this growing societal health crisis, more and more people are feeling unwell, frustrated, and at a loss of how to improve their overall health and day to day functioning. While diet and the foods we intake are not always the end all solution to every health problem we face, they certainly have the potential to help us feel a lot better and even potentially help us heal and recover on a far greater level. So where does someone start when deciding to embark on this type of dietary change? Quality fresh produce can be expensive or unavailable during certain times of year or within certain markets. Growing your own food may be too expensive, time consuming, or also not an option due to an individual’s residence or local environment and weather conditions. So, this leaves an individual with the next best option, which is to supplement their diet with the use of vitamins, minerals, and over the counter supplements. It can be hard to know what to buy, where to buy it, how to consume it, and the differences in both quality and value between the many options. In this article we will go over some of the incredible super powders available, the benefits of these powders, how to consume them, and even some pro tips of what to consider when shopping for these powerful resources. Please enjoy learning more about some of my favorite super powders and how you can benefit from them, so you can take this information into consideration when next speaking with your doctor or nutritionist when planning or making changes to your diet plan.
SPIRULINA
This is a lesser known powder and can come with a bit of an adjustment period, but these freshwater algae that is microscopic in size is a powerhouse powder with massive potential health benefits. Spirulina is loaded with protein, iron, antioxidants, and provides anti-inflammatory effects. The pro’s to consuming this super powder vastly outweigh the con; however, it should be noted the con of intense flavor can be enough to turn some health enthusiasts away. Spirulina can have a strong fishy taste that may be averse to some, but fortunately this powder is a great companion to your morning juice or smoothie. Simply add a tablespoon of Spirulina powder to your morning fruit/vegetable juice or smoothie and you will find that it does not overwhelmingly alter the flavor and is quite well masked by other flavors in your beverage. Spirulina can be found at most health food or supplement stores. Many health foods stores such as Trader Joes and Sprouts often have team associates that are knowledgeable on the store’s vitamins and supplements and area great resource when shopping for these types of products for the first time. A higher quality version of this product should be stored in the refrigerator and kept properly sealed and stored when not in use.
SEE THE BENEFITS OF SPIRULINA FOR YOURSELF! (link below)
Support my work and shop on Amazon for a brand of Spirulina I enjoy: https://amzn.to/3iE0XKB
GREEN POWDER
Green powders and juices are a dime a dozen within the marketplace, but are unfortunately also commonly loaded with unnecessary additives, processed sugars or artificial sweeteners, and or other harmful products that serve as a degradation to the potential super health benefits these products can deliver. In modern western society where people often do not grow their own food, live and work on the go, and are not supplied with adequate nutritional composition within the average foods sold within the grocery stores, they are left with two options in order to attempt proper nutritional intake. These two options are to eat copious amounts of produce or supplement their diet with the use of over the counter vitamins and supplements. When shopping for this type of nutritional supplement, opting for a high-quality green powder will provide the highest probability for pure nutrients where trace amounts of the various plants’ fiber has also actually been maintained within the product. These types of powders can come packed with disease-fighting nutrients and many of the body’s essential needs. These are nutrients such as iron, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, critical water-soluble vitamins like A, E, and K as well as many other essential minerals and vitamins. If you are going for high value and a nutrient packed powder be sure to look for one void of additives and other flavorings and opt for just the greens which will likely require preparation and consumption similar to the Spirulina listed above where by mixed with some juice or smoothie and you would never even know it’s there.
SEE THE BENEFITS OF GREEN POWDER FOR YOURSELF! (link below)
Support my work and shop Amazon for a brand of green powder I enjoy: https://amzn.to/3lrEJgH
COLLAGEN
This super powder is an excellent choice for your skin, nails, hair, bones, joints, and digestive tract. The proteins found in this powder may repair the cartilage in joints and potentially help protect them from the stressors placed upon them during athletics or other physical activities. Many women are remarkably familiar with the presence of and benefit of collagen within their beauty products but have no idea that they can benefit even that much more by consuming it in powder form. Additionally, the glycine found in collagen, which is a helpful amino acid, has been reported to aid in digestion, prevent heartburn, and decrease constipation among other GI related issues. One of the superb benefits to this type of super powder is that it does not have a strong taste and can be added to one’s diet in a myriad of says. Stir it into your protein shake, juice and smoothies, or morning bowl of oatmeal. An important thing to consider when shopping for this type of powder is to examine the type of proteins found within the product. Many collagen powders on the market contain only one type of protein and fail to contain the proper combination of both Hydrolyzed Type 1 & 3 collagen. A final pro tip for you is to be aware that collagen peptides will clump in cold water so when you desire to consume your collagen powder within a cold liquid, it is helpful to mix the powder into a room temperature first and then add ice and or add the room temperature mixture to your cold drink.
SEE THE BENEFITS OF COLLAGEN POWDER FOR YOURSELF! (link below)
Support my work and shop Amazon for a brand of collagen powder I enjoy: https://amzn.to/3nvGzPE
INSOLUBLE FIBER
With people frequently eating a diet low in fiber, among other dietary concerns, society has unsurprisingly also seen a rise in GI related issues and concerns. Even many people who do not have a diagnosable gut disorder still find themselves commonly suffering from issues such as constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, or bloating. Many health food products include phrases such as “High in Fiber” on their packaging. However, what the average consumer is often unaware of is that there are two different types of fiber and both serve a slightly different purpose. These two types of fiber are soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber contains plant pectin and gums and dissolves in water whereas insoluble fiber includes plant cellulose and hemicellulose and does not dissolve in water. Most plants contain both types of fiber in varying ratios and are digested and absorbed accordingly within the body during the process of digestion. However, when taking fiber in isolated powder form it is important to understand the difference between the two types and the potential impact within the body. Soluble fiber is very helpful in the process of digestion, and the regulation of both cholesterol and glucose levels. While soluble fiber is essential to the body, if consumed incorrectly can potentially create the opposite effect for someone looking for relief from constipation. Therefore, when looking to improve bowel flow, insoluble fiber powder is the way to go. Insoluble fiber works as a natural constipation aid by the fact that it attracts water into the stools which makes them softer and easier to pass and generally more regular. When shopping for this type of powder it is important to note that not all powders are tasteless and not all can be added to warm foods or beverages. By choosing a product that is tasteless and can be added to a variety of drinks or meals, it is possible to easily add in a daily dose of fiber into not only your daily nutrition but even that of your families’ or the other people that you may live with.
SEE THE BENEFITS OF INSOLUBLE FIBER POWDER FOR YOURSELF! (link below)
Support my work and shop Amazon for a brand of insoluble fiber powder I enjoy: https://amzn.to/36SZIF4
MACA
This super powder is derived from the root of a Peru native born plant. If you have been battling low energy, overall fatigue, or issues between the sheets, then this just might be the super powder for you. Maca powder is fully loaded with essential nutrients such as calcium, iron, copper, vitamin C, and includes protein. A reason why this super powder may benefit those dealing with libido issues is that the macamides found in Maca powder have been found to aid people with increased sex drive and more enjoyable sex with their partners. This may be particularly helpful for those who take various forms of anti-depressant pharmaceuticals which are notorious for wreaking havoc on patient’s sex drives. Aside from bringing more pleasure to the bedroom, the very same potent macacides have been reported to have additional potential benefits to circulation by increasing blood flow which allows for more oxygen and nutrients to be delivered to your muscles. Like the spirulina and other green powders, maca powder can have a less desirable taste and may be more enjoyably consumed with combined with fruit-based juices or smoothies.
SEE THE BENEFITS OF MACA POWDER FOR YOURSELF! (link below)
Support my work and shop Amazon for a brand of maca powder I enjoy: https://amzn.to/3nvnQnh
PROTIEN
There are likely as many kinds of protein powders as there are different kinds of crackers. With so many options to choose from and a wide array of pricing to top it off, it can be confusing for the consumer to know what to buy and what not to buy. Protein powder is an excellent way to boost one’s protein intake throughout the day without adding too many additional calories or fat that comes with many other alternate sources. Having adequate protein in one’s diet is vital to many bodily functions, hormone levels, weight loss, lean muscle gain, brain function and so much more. Unfortunately, many women do not ingest enough protein in their diet. This can create significant health issues for them and may even be a primary contributing factor to a stalled metabolism. Much like the bang-for-your-buck type benefit of green powders, protein powders are a powerful tool for aiding individuals in consuming a large amount of a resource without the challenge that might be faced if consuming the same amount of that resource in its equivalent physical state such as the equivalent amount of vegetables and in regards to protein, the equivalent amount of meat portions. When shopping for protein powder it is important to take into consideration what type of protein powder you desire. Protein powders come in either plant or animal base and typically come in three common forms: concentrates, isolates, or hydrolysates. There are varying benefits to each of the different forms and those who may be older adults, suffering illness, or have other specific health concerns may want to check with their doctor as to which type of protein powder may be best for them.
SEE THE BENEFITS OF PROTIEN POWDER FOR YOURSELF! (link below)
Support my work and shop Amazon for a brand of vegan chocolate flavored protein powder I enjoy: https://amzn.to/3jKL5av
Support my work and shop Amazon for a brand of vegan vanilla flavored protein powder I enjoy: https://amzn.to/2GKjSpY
MAITAKE MUSHROOM POWDER
This commonly unknown super powder can have wonderful potential health benefits such as natural weight loss support, blood sugar and insulin regulation, as well as help with digestion. Maitake mushroom powder is loaded with beta glucans, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, antioxidants, amino acids, proteins, peptides, lectins, polyphenols, flavonoids, selenium compounds and other micronutrients. When shopping for this powder be aware of whether the product is certified organic and does not contain GMO’s as not all mushroom powders are created equal. Maitake powder can be put inside a juice or a smoothie; however if you are someone who enjoys a good earthy flavor in your coffee or teas then adding a teaspoon or two to your morning cup of coffee can serve as both a powerful health boost as well as a delicious morning brew.
SEE THE BENEFITS OF MAITAKE POWDER FOR YOURSELF! (link below)
Support my work and shop Amazon for a brand of maitake mushroom powder I enjoy: https://amzn.to/2Fj1BQk
If you are looking for more information on how to expand your health regiment, or you are in need of assistance to reach your health goals, and transform your life today, then please book a COMPLIMENTARY private success strategy session with me today! Book your free strategy session by clicking HERE:
