The Benefits of Functional Food Powders
The following article was written by Heinen’s Chief Dietitian, Melanie Jatsek RD, LD.
Please consult with your healthcare provider before adding a new supplement or functional food powder to your wellness regimen.
As a Heinen’s customer, you may be both intrigued and intimidated by the functional food powders in Heinen’s Wellness Department, and I can’t say I blame you! Who wouldn’t be overwhelmed by strange words like maca, ashwagandha, astragalus, and spirulina?
You may have these common questions about functional food powders:
- What are functional food powders and how can they benefit me?
- How do I know which one is right for me?
- What do I do with them?
My goal is to answer these questions and arm you with the knowledge of how functional food powders can help you meet your personal health goals. For the record, I’ve yet to meet an adult who wouldn’t benefit from adding at least one of these powders to their daily meal plan. Read on to decide if functional food powders are right for you!
What are Functional Food Powders?
Functional foods are those that deliver very specific functionality—beyond their basic nutritional value—to enhance health and wellness. That’s why Club Fx Pillar #6 is dedicated exclusively to functional foods, which includes an array of herbs, spices, fermented foods, mushrooms, and functional food powders.
Functional food powders come from whole fruits, veggies, herbs, and spices that have been dehydrated and ground into a powder. Think of them as supplements, just like probiotics and vitamin D3. In this way, they help fill nutritional gaps and target specific areas of your health you are seeking to improve.
How Functional Food Powders Can Benefit You
The beauty of functional food powders is you only need a small amount of one or two to have a positive impact on your health. For example, my goals are immune health, energy, inflammation support, and detox support, so I add one teaspoon each of mushroom, wheatgrass, turmeric, and spirulina to my daily smoothie.
Check out the various benefits linked to ten of our most popular BareOrganics functional food powders and choose the one best suited to your unique needs. BareOrganics is USDA organic certified, non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free and raw!
*Please consult with your healthcare provider before adding a new supplement or functional food powder to your wellness regimen.
Ashwagandha
Also known as Indian Ginseng, ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb believed to support the body’s natural response to occasional stress. Benefits include:
- Virility
- Energy
- Stress support
Astragalus
Astragalus is a plant native to Northern and Eastern China. It has been used in Chinese folk medicine for centuries to support the body’s immune system.
Beet Root
Beet root delivers betaines, which are the phytonutrients responsible for its vibrant red color. It adds an earthy flavor to food and drinks with these added benefits:
- May increase blood flow and lower blood pressure.
- May support energy and performance due to its ability to increase oxygen uptake.
Chlorella
A close cousin to spirulina, cracked cell wall chlorella powder is a single-celled, nutrient dense, green algae cultivated in fresh water and known for its abundance of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and omega-3 fats. It can support your body in these ways:
- Cleansing and detox support
- Energy
- Vitality
Maca
Maca root was used in ancient Peru as a source of nourishment. It has an earthy, slightly nutty taste with a hint of butterscotch. Maca’s benefits include:
- Hormonal health
- Stamina
- Stress support
- Healthy metabolism
- Energy support
Make a batch of Maca Energy Bars to have on-hand for a healthy on-the-go breakfast, snack or dessert!
Moringa
The Moringa plant is native to the Middle Eastern region and is thought to consist of nine essential and non-essential amino acids, 46 antioxidants, 92 nutrients, and these unique benefits:
- Overall health and vitality.
- May reduce blood glucose levels in people with diabetes.
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Possible cholesterol-lowering properties (decreasing LDL cholesterol and increasing HDL cholesterol).
Try this Chocolate Moringa Powder Granola recipe in your morning smoothies, cereal, or as a snack!
Mushroom Memory
A blend of six mushrooms (Lion’s Mane, Oyster, Chaga, Maitake, Red Reishi, and Turkey Tail) to support:
- Brain health (memory and focus)
- Immune support
- Stress support
- Energy
Sprinkle some mushroom powder into Guacamole for a flavorful and healthy snack!
Spirulina
Spirulina is a blue-green algae considered to be one of the world’s most concentrated sources of functional nutrients, including chlorophyll, trace minerals, vitamins, protein, and antioxidants. Consider supplementing with spirulina if you are in need of:
- Detox support
- Immune support
- Energy
- Overall vitality
Make Spirulina Energy Balls for a midday snack.
Turmeric
Widely used in Indian cuisine, turmeric root is referred to as the “cleanser of the body.” Curcumin is the component of turmeric responsible for its role in:
- Brain health
- Inflammation support
- Joint support
Sneak some turmeric into your diet with a refreshing Golden Hour Smoothie.
Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is a young, nutrient-dense member of the wheat family. This gluten-free functional food powder contains naturally occurring B vitamins for energy and vitamin C to boost your immune system. Add a teaspoon to a smoothie, yogurt, juice, or mix in water for a concentrated shot whenever you need:
- Energy support
- Digestive health
- Immune support
- Healthy hair and scalp
Meal and Snack Ideas Using Functional Food Powders
I’ve found the easiest way to enjoy the benefits of functional food powders is to blend them into smoothies. If you’re looking for more ways to use these supplemental powders, every container of BareOrganics comes equipped with meal ideas and a scannable QR code for additional recipes, but I also recommend you try Heinen’s own recipes linked above.
Key Takeaway
I get excited when I think about the power of food to help me achieve my health goals. It fills me with a sense of empowerment to build a strong, vibrant body for years to come. After all, we are what we eat!
At the end of the day, I believe we’re all seeking the same two things: to feel good and to enjoy good health. If you share these goals too, consider adding one or more of the above functional food powders to a daily meal or snack and get excited about the possibilities.
Please consult with your healthcare provider before adding a new supplement or functional food powder to your wellness regimen.
