Superfood Powders: Truth vs. Myth

Separating Fact from Fiction: Powdered Superfoods Explained

The world is filled with many amazing foods that provide superior nourishment levels and may have potential medicinal or tonic properties. 

One of the terms used to describe these types of food is SUPERFOODS. 

While there is no legal definition, a superfood is a food rich in compounds considered beneficial to a person's health. It contains a very high nutritional density and a meager calorie count. 

Modern research confirms the importance of adding various foods with bright, vibrant colors that include a wide range of potent polyphenolic compounds to support the repair process from the damage caused by stress, helping to create a more balanced internal environment. 

Z Natural Foods is dedicated to providing our customers with a diverse range of these high-quality foods in their most versatile forms. However, the world of “superfoods” is not immune to the many myths and misconceptions that can mislead consumers. 

Today, we examine some of the most

Common myths and misconceptions about superfood powders and provide clarity on misleading concepts

Myth #1: Superfood Powders can’t replace whole fresh foods

While consuming wholesome, fresh foods is always a better choice, the idea that we can’t replace fresh food with a powder superfood (especially during times of crisis) to nourish our bodies is untrue. 

Unfortunately, the short shelf life of fresh foods and the need for proper temperature control of fresh and frozen foods create barriers to unlimited versatility. It is no secret that the water content of fresh food is its worst enemy because it creates an environment for mold, fungus, and bacteria to grow easily. It is true that when the water is removed to create a powder, you lose some of the nutritional value of that specific food. However, through that process, you also get many of its other beneficial compounds in more concentrated levels. 

Superfood Powders:

When foods are picked at the perfect ripeness and properly frozen or processed through a suitable drying method to create a powder, they offer an outstanding nutritional profile that, in some ways, surpasses that of the fresh version. 

As we have emphasized in many of our previous articles and product descriptions, powdered superfoods offer unique advantages over their fresh counterparts. 

Their versatility is unmatched, allowing for the creation of new and exciting products. 

In some cases, this versatility can offer opportunities that were not possible with the original food. Whey protein powders are a great example of this concept. An individual who can’t drink milk or eat whole dairy foods may be able to use whey protein because all of the “stuff” that was difficult to digest has been removed. 

What's left is pure, clean food that's easy to digest.

Finally, what makes superfood powders superior in times of increased nutritional need is their ability to provide ten to a hundred times more with a fraction of the size and calories. 

So, to clarify this myth, while you can replace whole fresh foods with superfood powders, it should only be in case of emergencies. However, incorporating them into a wholesome nutrition plan is better, as there is no replacement for real wholesome food.  

Myth #2: All Powdered Superfoods are Equal in Quality

It is vital to understand one of the most important processes that ultimately determines the quality of superfood powder: 

The drying process 

It is no secret that air and moisture are powdered food’s greatest enemies. Thanks to modern technology, we can create a powdered food product without adding preservatives and chemicals, creating a more versatile end product. Ultimately, these processes remove the water, fluid, or some other aspect of the food to produce the powder that makes them more nutrient-dense.

However, it is essential to note two critical points. 

1. The quality of the raw materials at the beginning predominantly determines the final product, often determined by soil quality and growing methods. 

2. It's often believed that freeze-drying is the best method for all foods, but this is a misconception. Not every food responds the same to these different methods. 

• For example, berries respond very well to freeze-drying. 
• In contrast, carrots and apples do best when air-dried, and 
• cheese and butter powders respond well to spray-drying. 

Therefore, using the correct method for each food is vital to get the best result. 

Unlike many other food preservation practices, where unhealthy preservatives are added, freeze-drying and air-drying are all about what is removed: The water. 

• Freeze-dried and dehydrated products have an average of only 3% or less moisture content. 

• Air-dried products have an average of less than 10% moisture content.

• Spray-dried products have an average of less than 5% moisture content.

Therefore, all of these drying processes allow for greater versatility of the end product due to more accessible storage options and blending capability, as well as supporting the natural flavor profile of the fresh food version. In the end, it creates a high-quality, nutrient-dense product. 

There are five primary advantages to creating a powered food using these methods.

• They create the closest end product when presenting a whole food complex. 

• They create a food product closest to the smell, taste, and texture of the fresh version of a food.

• They allow you to customize your needs when creating a product. For example, freeze-dried foods can be left whole, chopped, or milled into a powder, all of which will still offer the nutritional value that comes from the fresh version. 

• Air-drying specific foods like apples better retains cellular texture and creates a better mouthfeel.

• The end product allows for greater versatility.  

A randomized control trial looking at the effects of consuming freeze-dried strawberries to lower serum cholesterol and lipid peroxidation in adults with abdominal adiposity and elevated serum lipids determined the following. 

• The group that received a high dose of freeze-dried strawberries experienced a more significant decrease in total and LDL cholesterol. 

• Both dosage groups showed a similar decrease in markers of cellular oxidative damage.

Myth #3: Superfood Powders Detoxify Your Body 

In order to discuss this myth, let’s take a quick look at what the term detoxification means. The technical definition of detoxification is the removal of harmful substances or the effects of such substances from the body, rendering them harmless. To be clear, the only thing that detoxifies the body is the body itself. 

Our bodies have natural detoxification processes that happen daily through every organ system—the liver, kidneys, lungs, bowels, etc. However, it is believed that as we age, over-consuming ultra-processed foods and other environmental factors, our detoxification pathways may become compromised, for example, constipation. Therefore, ingesting foods and herbs that contain many compounds that support our detoxification pathways is a good idea. 

Polyphenols are a term used to describe a general category of compounds found in a broad spectrum of fruits, vegetables, and tea that work as “reducing agents” along with other compounds known as antioxidants to support a healthy inflammation response and the body's ability to protect and repair damaged tissue caused by oxidative stress. 

While over 8,000 polyphenols have been identified, some of the most common are flavonoids, flavonols, and anthocyanins. The importance of discussing these various compounds allows you to more clearly understand the wide range and complexity of nourishment you are getting from these powerful foods. 

These various polyphenolic compounds have been shown in study after study to have widespread, powerful effects on human physiology. It is believed that one of their primary attributes is how they affect the inflammation pathways. 

So, do superfood powders detoxify the body? The answer is that you will be getting the raw material that supports various aspects of our detoxification pathways by consuming superfoods.

Myth #4: More is always better

While it is tempting to answer this statement with a simple yes, I would be remiss in not pointing out some very vital facts. The amount of anything you consume is based on many factors. 

• Your intended use and desired goal for using a food or herb as medicine

• The form in which the food or herb is presented (extract or whole herb), because concentration levels can vary greatly. 

• Knowing your body and understanding the responses your body has to compounds in food and herbs.

• Your intended timeframe for using specific food and herbs as medicine

• Your level of commitment regarding consistency and compliance

However, while taking significantly more than what has been shown or proven to provide optimal results is not necessarily harmful, it is often wasteful. I say “significantly more” because we are all different and have many individual factors for how we respond to things. For example, someone larger may need more to create an optimal result. As an herbalist, I have seen people half my size take significantly more than I do to obtain the same results. 

Finally, it is essential to tie the previous section about detoxification with this concept. If someone were to take ten heaping tablespoons of a superfood powder (which is incredibly excessive and is never recommended), that individual would most likely purge out what the body was unable to handle through the bowels. This is an excellent example of how our body detoxifies itself. Therefore, the idea that more is better is a relative concept. 

Myth #5: An Organic Label Always Means It Is Healthier 

While organic foods (specifically whole,  minimally processed foods) are generally a better choice, that doesn't mean buying everything organic or certified organic is necessary. 

Before I dive into this question, let’s look at where “organic” tends to make very little difference. In a world filled with highly processed foods, the organic industry always comes out with “healthier” alternatives for things like Doritos and Cheese Doodles. However, while these products may be made with “better” ingredients, they are still highly processed junk with no nutritional benefits. 

Furthermore, they eat away at your valuable calories if you're a calories-in versus calories-out kind of person. 

Now, let's look at where organic shines regarding lifestyles focused on whole foods. Is buying only organic when purchasing nuts, grains, fruits, and vegetables necessary? 

Regarding nuts, seeds, and grains like rice, purchasing and consuming these foods with as few chemicals and pesticides as possible is a better choice, especially if you live in the United States. 

However, it's best to follow the “Clean 15” and “Dirty Dozen” lists regarding fruits and vegetables. These lists look at the foods with the highest and lowest levels of pesticides and their residues. It's best to review lists for the current year and compare them to the previous year. 

Some of the most common foods recommended for buying organic include berries, apples, leafy greens, peppers, pears, grapes, peaches, and cherries. It is important to note that every country may have different standards for defining organic and the level of pesticide residues considered safe for consumption. 

The above suggestions are a good guide and starting point when choosing what to purchase organically. Therefore, it is in fact a myth that just because something is labeled organic, it is healthier. 

Myth #6: Superfood Powders Are Always Safe For Everyone

There will always be exceptions to what is considered generally safe for everyone. While most people tolerate most things they consume daily reasonably well, that does not mean you will. 

Therefore, if you are aware of any allergies or sensitivities to superfoods or are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should consult with a healthcare provider before consuming them. One final note on this myth is that the form in which the superfood is being presented and consumed may be why an individual presents issues with it. Therefore, before completely discarding the food or herb as bad, try other forms of the same herb or food to evaluate the results. However, if your reaction is anaphylaxis shock, this rule goes out the window.   

In conclusion, while the superfood industry has many great qualities, examining and understanding the intricate details is essential. 

Don’t be misled by buzzwords and terms used in over-generalized contexts, as you might be led to believe something is better or worse than it is. If you base your decision on the value foods play in specific situations, you are more likely to make good choices. 

For more information about our Freeze Dried Superfoods, go here: Freeze Dried Superfoods

For more information about our Mushroom Powders, go here: Mushroom Powders

For more information about our Super Greens Powders, go here: Super Greens Powders

For more information about our Dairy Powders, go here: Dairy Powders

For more information about our Superfood Blends, go here: Superfood Blends

About Michael Stuchiner, Master Herbalist
Michael Stuchiner is a Master Herbalist and proud graduate of The School of Natural Healing and has worked in different areas of this field for over 25 years. He is a retired elite-level powerlifter who competed for 27 years. As an avid international traveler, he is passionate about the use of medicinal and tonic herbs, as well as foods traditionally found in local markets in the 35 countries he has visited. Michael brings you his years of experience as a Master Herbalist, traveler, and athlete through the hundreds of articles he has written and his YouTube channel (A Master Herbalist Perspective). He is considered a true educator in this field. For more articles written by Mike, go here: Master Herbalist.