No time for 10 servings of fruits and vegetables every day? These superfood powders might be the convenient and nutritious way to supplement your diet.
Elle Macpherson The Super Elixir
This is the hybrid of the super green powder world. For a start, The Super Elixir’s got model credentials – Elle Macpherson, no less – while the science bit comes from disease prevention expert Dr. Simone Laubscher. It contains 45 ingredients, which outdoes most top restaurant dishes, and supports 11 systems, including digestion, hormonal, nervous, circulatory and integumentary (hair, skin and nails). So if you’ve ever wondered how Macpherson’s appearance belies her 50 years, it might just be worth giving this super food a go. www.welleco.com
Spirulina
It smells vile – like algae or fish food at best – and tastes of seaweed, which isn’t an appealing combination, but it is good for you. It’s a superfood juggernaut with 60-70 percent complete protein (higher than beef, chicken and soybeans) and includes other healthy components such as vitamin B12 and chlorophyll.It’s the Goody Two-shoes of the powder world that is easily digestible, protects the immune system, aids in mineral absorption and reduces cholesterol. But here’s some food for thought: All this goodness still doesn’t change its taste and flavor. www.nuts.com
James Duigan Body Brilliance Powder
Personal trainer James Duigan’s powder has more ingredients than a Twinkie. It really has got a bit of everything: banana fruit powder, wheat grass, alfalfa grass, nettle leaf, broccoli sprouts, organic yam. The contents read like a witch’s shopping list. To get the most out of this feel-good dust – crammed with antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and probiotics – mix with water, milk (any variety) or into a smoothie. www.bodyism.com
Bee pollen
There’s been a lot of buzz about bee pollen since Victoria Beckham announced that she was a fan earlier this year. It’s no surprise that the mother of four and fashion designer is happy to hum its praises, considering bee pollen’s reputation as an energy enhancer, skin soother and immune booster. To get in on the celebrity craze, a spoonful of the stuff is best served with a piece of fruit at breakfast time. www.vitaminshoppe.com
Maca powder
Known as Peruvian ginseng, maca powder is a strong all-arounder: It’s proved to increase libido and endurance as well as help rebalance hormones. Maca is also recommended for menstrual issues and for menopausal women, as it can alleviate cramps, hot flashes and mood swings. Experts believe the powder works as a mood mediator, with anecdotal evidence that it can help those suffering from stress, anxiety and depression. www.nuts.com