Remember when simply drinking water or a smoothie was all you needed to feel healthy? But now with all the nutritious supplements, it almost feels like you’re not doing enough by drinking plain water or a simple fruit smoothie. And for good reason, honestly. You can get incredible benefits from adding a small scoop of [enter natural supplement here] to water, smoothies, tea, whatever.
Since there are so many options out there—and really weird names—I wanted to breakdown a handful of my favorite options. Also, since you do need to research when buying products, I’ve linked to a legit option for each. These are natural supplement staples (and super foods) in my pantry that I grab when I need a boost…so everyday:
Spirulina: A natural algae powder. Sounds gross, but it’s one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, so you gotta suck it up. For example, it has a ton of iron and protein (especially great if you’re a vegetarian and aren’t getting any from meat), calcium (26x more than milk), vitamins that help with energy and digestion, and antioxidants. It also contains chlorophyll which is wonderful for immunity and helps rid toxins in the bloodstream.
Cacao: A little scoop of raw organic cacao into a banana + almond butter smoothie is heaven. Plus, this pure form of chocolate is crazy good for you. It’s actually one of the highest sources of magnesium of ANY food. Pretty crazy! It’s also full of calcium, iron, antioxidants, and is a natural mood boost. Perfect for grumpy Monday mornings.
Maca: This is actually a root but it doesn’t taste like one. I started using this “super food” to help balance hormones—great for PMS too, then learned it’s also amazing at upping energy levels, promoting your sex drive (you’re welcome, husbands everywhere), and improving memory. The list is long, but it has a good amount of: amino acids, good-for-you healthy fat, vitamins, potassium, zinc, etc.
Acai: Obviously made famous by acai bowls, but those can have a ton of sugar. If I’m trying to watch my sugar intake, acai powder is the perfect compromise. Acai in general helps to lower cholesterol, makes our cells stronger, is amazing for radiant and clear skin, helps with digestion because of the fiber, and has soooo many antioxidants. A beauty girl’s dream addition to her water!
What natural supplements do I need to try next?
18 comments
I always hear good things about these supplements but have yet to try them out because I’m so lazy. That said, I really need to try spirulina. It really does sound amazing.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
I’ve been super interested in learning more about Ashwaganda! I’ve been seeing it creep up a lot lately. Seems to be the next big trend.
xo, Nicole @ http://simply-nicole.com
Thanks for sharing this! I’ve been seeing these different supplements popping up all over Instagram but don’t know anything about them. Especially interested in maca!
http://www.wonderlandsam.com
I’m also a big fan of raw cacao powder and use it almost every day!
daydreamdancing
I hear MSM and Gelatin powder are really good for your hair and skin! Garden of Life also makes an awesome green super food supplement. I love your suggestion to make a smoothie with a banana, almond butter and cacao powder that sounds so good!
Link to supplement: https://www.gardenoflife.com/content/product/why-choose-perfect-food-raw/
I love cacao and acai! I’ve never tried maca, but really want to start incorporating it into my daily routine.
http://www.modernbeautygirl.com
This is so helpful! Been wanting to know more about Spirulina. How do you normally take it and do you have all these supplements everyday or do you split it up?
Thanks for the extra advice!
I never really thought of adding supplements to my smoothies or anything like that! I’m definitely going to try this out.
http://www.zealofstyle.com/
Daisy
I totally need to get on this train!! I’m trying to get healthier and have really been looking into supplements like these. Thanks for sharing!
Xo,
Megan at Lush to Blush
So helpful! Out of the 4 I have only tried cacao and I am obsessed. I add cacao nibs to my smoothies, to my oats, to healthy desserts or even just with just plain yogurt and nothing else. Need to try the maca and acai next (still on the fence with spirulina though! haha:) )
This is such a great idea to add these natural supplements instead processed supplements sold in health stores. I would love to see smoothie ideas in which you incorporate some of these?
-Danni
http://activehabitat.blogspot.com/
You would love the Vega One nutritional shake. I have the berry flavour and it’s amazing! It’s made with spirulina, maca root, pea protein, flaxseed, and the list goes on and on… I highly recommend.
This is a great list–I use and adore them all! I also love love love Vital Proteins Collagen and MCT oil.
Thanks for sharing!
Intersting post! The raw organic cacao combo you mentioned with the banana sounds really yummy. I really need to start thinking about adding more organic foods into my diet.
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Hi! I am also trying to monitor my sugar, I looked at my yogurt and saw there was 9 grams of sugar in it! Is that “too much sugar?” What’s a good rule of thumb when trying to determine how much sugar is appropriate for a meal?
Thanks!
I laughed at “you’re welcome husbands everywhere”! I completely agree that supplement powders are needed. I want to try the algae one. I currently love the alkalizing powder from Well Co. It’s delicious and has so many different nutrients.
https://kerielaine.com
Keri Elaine
Thank you for this. I’ve used maca but have struggled – it seems to actually cause PMS symptoms in me! Have you had experiences with this Geri? Or anyone else? Would love to hear more <3
HI!
Great post! Could you possibly post ways you use the spirulina? Thanks