You know the power of an “apple a day.” Maybe you consciously incorporate salmon and other brain boosters into your diet and automatically reach for carrots when you think about your vision. Keep it up. You’ve learned well! But, it’s time to take an adventure and tap into…
Super Powders!
Check out matcha, cacao, turmeric and maca powders for starters. Turmeric has been hanging out on spice racks for a while and is extremely accessible. The other three are increasingly easier to find.
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4 Super Powders that Give You Superpowers
1) Matcha
When you consume matcha powder as opposed to drinking regular green tea, you consume the entire tea leaf instead of just letting the leaves steep in water. Matcha source says that delivers 137 times more antioxidants to your system than a common cup of green tea. Matcha is also a solid source of Vitamin C and minerals like selenium for thyroid health, chromium to regulate blood sugar and metabolism, magnesium for muscle and nerve function and immune system boosting zinc. Some people report a calming effect on body and mind from matcha and better mental focus. If you want to give it a go, the Minimalist Baker has a simple Vegan Matcha Latte recipe you can try for starters.
2) Cacao
Raw cacao differs from processed cocoa and chocolate. It’s more potent. Why? Raw cacao powder is not subjected to the same high temperatures required to produce its processed counterparts. Cacao has more antioxidant power than powerhouse fruits like blueberries. That means cacao can be a go-to tool to zap free radicals in your body that result from environmental pollutants and stress. Cacao is also thought to be a mood elevator because it raises serotonin levels. Use cacao in your favorite smoothie or hot chocolate recipe. Or, incorporate it into a more substantial meal like Lil’ Vienna’s Cacao Banana Smoothie Bowl.
3) Turmeric
The golden powder called turmeric is the boiled, dried and ground rhizome of turmeric plants. Turmeric is rich in curcumin, a potent antioxidant that can help your body clean up free radicals. Turmeric also has properties that can help you deal with inflammation. If you want the full effect of the curcumin that’s found in turmeric you can couple it with black pepper when you cook, according to Healthline. In addition to regularly cooking with turmeric, try this 5 Minute Turmeric Tea recipe by Wellness Mama.
4) Maca
You’d have to go all the way to the Andes to find maca in its natural habitat. Fortunately, though, this tasty, potent root has made its way out of Peru and onto store shelves in powdered form. Maca is rich in calcium which promotes bone, blood, nerve and muscle health. In addition, maca root reportedly helps balance hormones and boosts energy. It also boasts a fair amount of other vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, selenium, copper, magnesium, potassium and Vitamin B’s, C and E. Check out Paleo Mama’s Maca page for 14 different recipe ideas. It includes everything from Bliss Balls and Ice Cream to more simple maca beverages.
