All about these four vegetable powders that promise to boost your nutrition
The buzz around superfoods continues and changes almost monthly. If you’re health conscious, you’ll want to learn more about these herbal powders that are sure to boost your nutrition.
Cocoa Powder
For some time now, we have been hearing about the nutritional richness of cocoa powder. Health-promoting compounds in cocoa include phenylethylamine, an organic compound known to improve athletic performance, decrease depression and improve weight loss, and antioxidants such as flavonols which reduce blood pressure and improve health. cardiovascular. A tablespoon of cocoa contains nearly 2 grams of fiber – always a good thing – and it’s also known to help with weight loss.
Choose natural or raw cocoa, rather than cocoa processed in the Netherlands – processing could compromise valuable antioxidants.
Cocoa works well in chocolate flavored recipes, and it can also be added to spice rubs or marinades for meat.
hemp powder
If you’ve heard of the health benefits of hemp powder, but are hesitant to use it due to its “great” reputation, here’s what you need to know: Although hemp is the same genus of plant – cannabis – than marijuana, hemp contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight and will not cause any psychoactive effects.
Rich in protein and a host of amino acids that support muscle recovery and growth, hemp offers plenty of fiber, magnesium (essential for optimal bone health) and heart-beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. It is also known to improve gastrointestinal health.
Add hemp to oatmeal or quinoa and post-workout smoothies. You can also replace some of the flour in the pancakes with hemp powder.
flax meal
Linen lives up to its popularity. It tastes great and the healthy fats it contains help lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol and promote heart health. Flax lignans have been reported to balance hormones and may be linked to a lower risk of breast cancer. Because its soluble fiber helps slow digestion, it may also aid in appetite control and weight loss. Research has shown that it also helps fight depression and improve immunity.
Grinding hard-shelled whole flax seeds into a powder releases its nutrition to be easily absorbed. However, grind in small quantities because flax goes rancid quickly; you can store it in the fridge or freezer to keep it fresh for a while.
Flax meal is a great addition to homemade energy bars and cooked vegetables. It can also be used instead of breadcrumbs.
Beet powder (main picture)
Beets contain nitrates, which are converted into nitric acid in the body. Nitric acid works to widen (vasodilate) your blood vessels, increasing blood flow to your muscles as they work and helping them to work more efficiently.
Beet powder offers more concentrated nitrates than whole beets.
Blood pressure numbers have also been shown to be kept within a healthy range by the same nitrates that occur naturally in beets, and they also fight inflammation in the body.
Whisk beetroot powder into smoothies or yogurts, add it to brownies and other baked goods, and drink it — mixed with water — half an hour before hitting the gym.
Images: Shutterstock
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