The Benefits of Fruit and Vegetable Powders
Revitalise from Within
We all know that eating your fruit and veg is not just good for you, but essential for optimal health and energy. But, getting all that fruit and veg into you isn’t an easy task! This is where powders seem like a good idea, but what are the benefits of fruit and vegetable powders? Is it all hype?
In this post, we look at the keys to unlocking the anti-aging secrets of fruit and vegetable powders (like our NEW Super Powder trio). You'll discover how and why these concentrated gems of goodness work for a healthier you.
Fruit and Vege Powders Contain Concentrated Key Nutrients
Fruit and vegetable powders are dehydrated, powdered versions of the whole fruit, leaf or root. There is no heat involved, so the only thing lost is water. All the nutrients remain, but in a more compact form. Here are some of the key nutrients you’ll find in fruit and vegetable powders.
Key Nutrients for Detoxification
When we say ‘detoxing’ we mean two things. The first is reducing toxin exposure. The second is supporting the liver to neutralise substances that cause us to feel sluggish, or become unwell. Liver detoxification happens in two phases. The second phase is heavily supported by some of the phytonutrients found in the green powders.
Green powders have the benefits of natural folate from leaves. Those that contain broccoli sprout powder also have sulphoraphane. Folate is an essential cofactor for 'methylation', a process by which heavy metals are detoxified and removed from the body. Folate also supports healthy liver enzymes levels and can help reverse fatty liver.
Sulphoraphane enhances the activity of glutathione S-transferase, a major phase II detoxification enzyme. Phase II enzymes are essential for removing carcinogens and drugs from the body.
Key Nutrients for Skin Health
There are three main ways that fruit and vegetable powders help keep you youthful.
- They contain high amounts of vitamin C. Vitamin C is necessary for synthesising the collagen that keeps your skin both firm and supple!
- Antioxidants! Berry powders have very high levels of brightly coloured antioxidants known as anthocyanins. These potent compounds help protect your skin from within. Their antioxidant properties protect cells from environmental toxins and help DNA repair processes.
- Fruit and vege powders contain carotenoids. Also called ‘provitamin A’, carotenoids are the precursor from which your body makes the key skin nutrient retinol.
Key Nutrients for Vascular Health
Those same anthocyanins that keep your skin radiant also help you stay well. One of the effects of anthocyanin intake is relaxation of the blood vessels. This has many benefits, including lowering blood pressure. The antioxidant capacity of anthocyanins also has an anti-inflammatory effect on the vessels. The combination of vascular and anti-inflammatory effects may account for a range of beneficial effects including increased exercise endurance, improved cognitive function and protection against age-related neurodegeneration.
Key Nutrients for Energy and Immunity
Fruit and vege powders contain an array of vitamins and minerals that support immunity and energy production in a more general sense. As well as the nutrients previously mentioned (folate, vitamin A, vitamin C and anthocyanins), plant powders contain decent amounts of B2, vitamin K, iron, manganese, magnesium and calcium. It is unsure which of these contributes to the well known fatigue-busting and immune enhancing effects of fruit and vege powders. In truth it is likely a combination of them all. Think of the benefits of fruit and vegetable powders as a synergy of nutrition to keep you vibrant and well.
Convenience of Superfoods Powders: The Key to Consistency
Understanding the benefits of plant foods is one thing. Making plants happen on the daily is something else. This is where fruit and vegetable powder benefits come into their own. You just can’t beat them for convenience. Further, convenience leads to consistency, which is where you reap the benefits of any healthy habit.
Shelf stable and thrives on neglect
No, we’re not talking about your sad house plants, but let’s get discuss the veges in your fridge. Green vegetables in particular are the veg most likely to be purchased, then thrown out in a slimy heap two weeks later. And berries? They last three days before becoming soft or mouldy. Dried powders do not have this problem. While they are not immortal, they do have a shelf life of more than a year. This is so handy if you’ve been away, or not managed to shop. Fruit and vege powders are there for you.
Tasty and Easy to Prep
Did you know, the main reason people don’t get their 5+ a day is not finances or knowledge, but time pressures and tiredness? Some days, the thought of prepping vegetables for dinner is enough to have you phoning it in. Breakfast is a great time to add fruit, but sometimes cutting up that apple is too much to ask of yourself at 7 am. Having some fruit and vege powders on hand is an easy way to boost your intake. There is nil preparation beyond mixing it into water, or scooping it into your smoothie.
So, let’s round up what we’ve covered here around the benefits of fruit and vegetable powders. To answer the question about whether fruit and vegetable powders are as good as the hype, the answer is yes! They are convenient enough to become a tasty habit, and contain concentrated nutrients. These nutrients support detoxification, skin health, vascular health, immunity, energy production and wellbeing. As with any supplement, these powders are not a replacement for a balanced diet. However busy lives often leave nutritional gaps, and a daily dose of concentrated fruit or veges might be just what you need to feel your very best.
Why not give them a try? Here are some we prepared earlier, with a Super You in mind!
View Puraz superfoods powders