By Ginger Cochran, MS, RDN CDCES, CEP-ACSM
Superfruits exemplify Mother Nature's immense desire to heal and promote longevity. Superfruits are fruits with medicinal benefits above and beyond other fruits. They are the superheroes of the fruit kingdom, packed with an exceptional array of nutrients and antioxidants that can supercharge your health.
In this blog, we’re diving into superfruits and how to incorporate them into your diet plan. These nutritional powerhouses are known for their remarkable density of nutrients and unique blend of health-promoting phytonutrients (plant chemicals). Let's dive into what these superfruits are.
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Blueberries
Blueberries are a small but mighty brain-empowering nutrition powerhouse. Research shows that anthocyanins in blueberries positively enhance brain function, improve memory and cognitive performance. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that drinking blueberry juice enhanced memory and learning in older adults (1).
Blueberries are excellent in muffins, smoothies, and on top of plain Greek yogurt. Designer Wellness enhances the nutrient density of our products by including blueberries in many of our products, including Designer Plant, our plant-based protein powder, and two of our protein-on-the-go Protein Smoothies, Mixed Berry, and Blueberry Vanilla.
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Gojiberry
Goji berries are a staple in traditional Chinese Medicine and are highly researched for their health benefits. Goji berries contain a potent antioxidant called zeaxanthin that promotes eye health by reducing age-related macular degeneration and improving overall vision (2).
Goji berries are great to add on top of oatmeal or yogurt or added to energy bars,
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Passionfruit
Passionfruit has traditionally been a natural remedy to help improve sleep and anxiety. The passion fruit extract has a soothing effect, helping to promote relaxation and aid in rest. These superfruit compounds work with neurotransmitters in the brain to cause a calming effect (3).
You can enjoy passion fruit anytime in our Designer Wellness Raspberry Passion Fruit Protein Smoothie. Our Protein Smoothies make the perfect on-the-go protein snack for any adventure.
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Mango
Mangos are superfruit due to their abundance of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that promote skin health and boost immunity. Mangos' high vitamin C contents encourage collagen production, which helps skin elasticity and youthful appearance. Mangos contain vitamin A and beta-carotene, which helps protect the skin against sun damage improving skin texture (4).
You can find mangos, Designer Wellness grab-and-go Protein Smoothies, Peach Mango, and Tropical Fruit. You can also enjoy mango in homemade smoothies. Try this Mango Lassi Protein Smoothie recipe here.
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Pomegranate
Pomegranates are a powerful antioxidant-rich fruit high in a unique antioxidant called punicalagin, which is exclusive to this particular fruit. Studies show pomegranate juice has higher antioxidant activity than red wine or green tea. These antioxidants protect cells from damaging oxidative stress and reduce inflammation (5).
Adding pomegranate juice to your diet has been shown to improve blood flow, reduce blood pressure, help exercise recovery, and help heart health. You can easily add pomegranate juice to your Designer Wellness smoothie or freeze it into ice cubes and add it to water.
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Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit is a stunning exotic fruit that is bursting with vitamins. Dragon fruit contains more than 30% of our recommended daily Vitamin C. Vitamin C is crucial in building the immune system, collagen production, and skin health. Dragon fruit is also high in fiber, promoting a balance of blood sugar and energy and enhancing good gut health (6). Dragon fruit tastes great alone, in smoothie bowls, or as summertime popsicles.
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Acai Berry
Acai berry is a medicinal antioxidant-rich berry native to the Amazon rainforest. It contains ten times more antioxidants than grapes. Antioxidants help capture and eliminate free radicals in the body that are notorious for contributing to chronic diseases. These mighty berries can promote longevity and are rich in healthy fats and fiber that promote gut health and healthy digestion. (7)
Acai is amazing in smoothies and mixed into desserts. Add some frozen Acai to your next Designer Wellness smoothie for an extra potent drink.
Superfruits are nature’s medicinal gift. Designer Wellness Super Fruit Variety Pack includes Blueberry Vanilla, Raspberry Passion Fruit, and Peach Mango. Each Protein Smoothie contains superfruits, 12g of highly absorbable whey protein isolate, and medium-chain triglycerides. Packs do not need to be refrigerated, so grab and take them with you on every adventure!
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