Give your taste buds and your health a boost with these superfoods for smoothies! These healthy superfood powders are loaded with nutrients to boost your gut health and immune system.
While not intended to replace healthy, whole foods, these superfoods can definitely give your body a boost.
What Are Superfoods?
The word "superfood" has been tossed around so much that it's almost a moot point. Technically, all fruits and vegetables are superfoods.
Superfoods are exactly what the name implies: a superior food.
For the purpose of this blog post, we're going to be focusing on superfood powders (though ingredients like chia seeds and hemp seeds are definitely awesome!). These powders are nutritionally dense and loaded with immune support.
However, we're also going to be focusing on the plain superfoods and not combos.
There are a zillion "green" powders out there you can purchase. And while many of them are amazing, as a Certified Nutrition Coach, these superfoods that I focus on are of the actual food (or root, herb etc).
Remember though: these supplements are not listed to diagnose or heal. I am not a doctor. I use these superfood powders myself to improve my health.
What Are The Healthiest Things To Put In A Smoothie?
There is no perfect food. The healthier foods are ones that you'll eat consistently!
Thus, when learning to build healthy smoothies, you want to focus on superfood powders, quality protein, and healthy fats (coconut milk is great in smoothies!) that you'll enjoy and ones that will improve flavor.
These are the ingredients that will also help regulate blood sugar.
Tip: try not to mix and match your superfood powders in a smoothie. Many powders are potent in terms of flavor and mixed together will create an ungodly taste.
All of the powders below can be worked into a smoothie and taste delicious especially in conjunction with a healthy fat.
However, like any other food source, remember to rotate! You'll get the best bang for your health if you use a variety of ingredients.
Where To Buy Superfoods For Smoothies
You can buy superfoods just about anywhere nowadays! However, remember to choose quality brands.
My favorite brands are below:
- Organic Traditions (can be bought at your local bulk store, health food store, or online)
- Nativas
- Perfect Supplements (use code mamabear10 to save!)
Cacao Powder
Cacao powder not only makes everything chocolate but it also boosts magnesium, iron, and calcium!
Learn more about the benefits of cacao powder and the best ways to use it.
Cacao powder is chocolate in one of its purest forms. The powder itself is bitter-tasting. However, mixed with maple syrup or honey it's utterly delicious.. and healthy!
This superfood powder works well in smoothies but also in oatmeal, overnight oats, chia pudding or a late-night protein pudding!
Our favorite way to use it: Chocolate Peanut Butter Bomb Smoothie
Turmeric
Turmeric is a root that has been studied time and time again. Its most potent benefit is that it's anti-inflammatory (learn more about the benefits of turmeric)!
You can use turmeric powder in anything from eggs to smoothies and lattes to easy dinner recipes.
It does have a potent flavor, almost spicy so don't throw it in without some consideration. Likewise, start small (¼ to ½ a teaspoon).
Our favorite: Peach Turmeric Protein Smoothie.
Source: health benefits of curcumin.
Chlorella Or Spirulina
Both of these superfoods are freshwater algae. Which are one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. They can help with energy, muscle recovery, and your immune system (learn more about why you should include algae daily!)
You can grab both the powders from Perfect Supplements and start adding them into your smoothies.
However, some of the reading talks about chlorella being "too much of a good thing". Basically, be careful taking a lot of this superfood if:
- You're pregnant
- Have iodine allergies
- Have clotting disorders
Do your own research!
Both powders are potent if you smell them and very potent taste-wise. If using them for a smoothie, you only need about ¼ of a teaspoon.
Our favorite: Chocolate Cherry Smoothie
Matcha or Moringa
By now, you've probably heard of Matcha Tea! Matcha is a POTENT tea full of ECG's and so many other vitamins and minerals.
It's been shown to help boost the metabolism, detox your body, perk you up, lower cholesterol.
One of the easiest ways people consume Matcha is by drinking it. And don't get me wrong, a coconut matcha latte isn't too bad. However, sometimes it's just easier to add matcha (or Matchinga which is matcha + moringa) to a smoothie.
You can grab Matchinga from Perfect Supplements and read more about its benefits. Or, hit up your local tea store for authentic Matcha!
Mushroom.... Coffee!
Adaptogenic coffee is used in a tasty smoothie or chilled coffee. You can even add some protein powder to give it more of a fueling boost.
Mushrooms are loaded with health benefits (antioxidants, immune system boosts, etc). However, coffee with lions mane and chaga also has an added benefit of needlepoint focus.
Mamas, if you need some extra energy check out the Chaga & Lions Mane blend from Four Sigmatic.
You can learn more about why to include this superfood in your smoothies (or just daily life) as well as just what kind of potency it can provide.
Collagen Powder
Ideal for smoothies, dairy-free yogurt, oatmeal, or anything else you can think of.
One of the reasons homemade bone broth is so good for you is because it's full of collagen. Bone broth is actually one of the three best foods for toddlers and this is why.
This superfood helps your skin and nails grow and replenish. It heals your gut, it improves your joints, the list goes on.
Learn more about the difference between collagen and bone broth and why I put collagen in everything.
Sourced from grass-fed cows, collagen powder gives you 20 grams of protein in just two scoops. Amp up your protein, help out your gut, and reap the benefits of silky hair and strong nails by adding it into your diet.
Why Not Just Use Bone Broth?
While using bone broth would work also, it can be demanding to make and not the best choice for a smoothie (with the exception of this bone broth smoothie).
Collagen is a pure source of protein, it has no flavor or odor. I get my collagen powder from Perfect Supplements because it's sourced from grass-fed cows (quality is important!).
Collagen works as an addition to just about everything (it makes energy balls much more fueling!) so don't hesitate to add it.
Our Favorite: Energizing Breakfast Smoothie or collagen donuts.
Ashwagandha
This medicinal herb is a powerhouse for women!
Ashwagandha can boost brain function, help lower cholesterol but is most known as a hormone balancer. It's classified as an adaptogen and essentially helps manage stress.
It has a bit of an off-flavor so pair it with sweeter smoothie ingredients. However, it works well in both chocolate, green or fruit-based smoothies!
Don't forget to pin these Superfoods For Smoothies!
Other Amazing Superfoods To Boost Health
While these superfoods for smoothies are geat health-boosters, they're not the only ones!
Below are a few other common superfoods that can help give your body the nutrients it loves.
- Tulsi (Holy Basil) tea
- Maca root powder
- Acai powder
- Beet crystals
Likewise, foods like chia seeds, hemp seeds, and goji berries are wonderful additions.
And both chia seeds and hemp hearts add a dose of healthy fats. Just know that they'll change the texture of a smoothie slightly.
Chia seeds especially are one of the three foods I think every toddler should have in their diet.
Smoothies To Supercharge Your Energy
Ready to take your energy to a whole new level? I’ve gathered 15 of the best, superfood-based smoothie recipes perfect for busy moms who need a boost.
These recipes are:
- Dairy and gluten-free
- Superfood packed (think cacao, turmeric, etc)
- Made from whole foods for a natural energy boost
In a day in which you’re super busy, stay fueled on the go with these recipes! Grab your copy of Superfood Smoothies now for just $4.
How To Use The Superfoods In Smoothies
Using these superfood powders is easy! All you need to do is learn to build a healthy smoothie and then add in your chosen superfood.
These superfoods can be added to any smoothie. Though it's best to use a small amount, to begin with. Superfoods tend to have very strong flavors and can change the flavor of the smoothie.
And for ingredients like chia seeds, know you might need a bit more liquid as they absorb quite a bit!
Just keep in mind that color isn't always an indicator of a wicked smoothie! Green smoothies don't always have anything extra in them. Look for smoothie recipes that are nutrient-dense, not just bright.
Megan Stevens
I use some of these daily as well, especially collagen. Thanks for sharing your choices!!
fitasamamabear
Collagen is so perfect! Works in so much 🙂
Rachel
These are all fantastic!! I've heard of most of them but had forgotten about some of them.... Except cacao, turmeric, and collagen.... Use those on the daily 😉 But now I really want to get the others and incorporate them into my diet! Thanks for sharing =)
fitasamamabear
Haha I think I may live off of cacao.... my favorite! Hope you got some new ideas!
Daniela
What a powerhouse of nutrients all in one post! This is a wonderful list of so much goodness! 🙂
fitasamamabear
Definitely out favorites!
Raia Todd
I love that the first one listed is cocao powder. Haha! 'Cause it's NECESSARY for life.
fitasamamabear
Haha it's definitely necessary to my life! 😀
Gina Badalaty
Such a good list! I can't add supps to my diet without doctor approval, but fortunately I have an appointment this week. I want to add collagen and maybe Chorella! Thanks for sharing
fitasamamabear
I'm so so happy to hear you talk to your doc about superfoods! Just because they're natural doesn't mean everyone is ok taking them. I love collagen because it's such a killer natural protein- and it goes well in everything!