Red Superfood Powder For Optimal Health: A Dietitian’s Guide

Red superfood powder is a concentrated blend of antioxidant-rich red fruits and vegetables. It is a convenient way to boost your intake of essential vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds that may support overall health and well-being.

The term “superfood” has become a common descriptive term in the health and wellness industry for various products. The term itself originated in the early 20th century from the United Fruit Company as a strategy to market bananas as a convenient, inexpensive source of nutrition and apparently, it stuck. (Source)

Ergo the rise of superfood products. While “superfoods” themselves don’t actually exist, it can be a fitting term for many foods that contain a rich nutrient profile. Some common superfoods include berries such as goji berries, algae such as spirulina and chlorella, and foods such as leafy greens, avocados, nuts, and seeds such as chia seeds or flaxseeds.

All of these foods contain a rich source of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, as well as beneficial plant compounds that can help boost overall health and prevent chronic disease.

Because these foods are so good for us, many companies have begun including them in their supplements, known as superfood powders.

Many popular superfood powders include certain genres of foods, such as red superfood blends.

These contain antioxidant-rich red fruits and vegetables that can provide specific benefits such as boosting heart health, enhancing exercise stamina and performance, reducing inflammation, and even providing more radiant, youthful-looking skin.

These powders take large doses of these nutrient-rich foods, remove the moisture, and create a concentrated powder that can be easily used to supplement your diet and fill in any nutritional gaps where needed. However, many people aren’t familiar with superfood powders or what they can do for you, especially specifically targeted ones such as red superfood powders.

If you’ve come across these products in stores, you may have some questions. Don’t worry, we have all the answers below. Let’s dive in.

What Are Red Superfood Powders?

Red superfood powders are powdered nutritional supplements that contain a blend of antioxidant-rich red fruits and vegetables, mainly those that are of “superfood” status. 

The exact ingredients in red superfood powders will vary by brand; however, common ingredients include acai berries, goji berries, cherries, beets, pomegranates, cranberries, and others.

These supplements provide a concentrated source of nutrients that would be difficult to obtain from diet alone, particularly those that are high in antioxidant compounds.

Antioxidants are compounds found mainly in plants that can help to protect our cells against free radicals, which have been connected to a variety of health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. (Source) 

Red superfood powders offer an easy, convenient way to boost nutrient intake when fresh produce is not always available. It can help fill in any nutritional gaps that may be present in the diet.

These supplements are typically available in single-ingredient products as well as those that contain proprietary blends. These are specially formulated ingredient blends that were created for a specific purpose. For example, one product may contain an immunity blend and another may contain a gut-health blend. Many brands contain a variety of different proprietary blends in their products.

It’s important to note that the quantities and ratios of ingredients in proprietary blends are not revealed on supplement labels as they are considered a “trade secret” to each brand of products.

This can make it difficult to assess if a red superfood powder contains adequate dosages of ingredients to support their health claims. Because of this, it’s recommended to avoid these types of products as they may provide deceiving information on their labels. (Source)

Other red powders may have additional ingredients added to them that don’t necessarily fall into the “reds” category but that may help to provide additional benefits. Some commonly added ingredients are adaptogenic herbs, probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, and many others.

What Is Human Tonik Super Reds?

If you are interested in trying out a superfood red powder, consider Human Tonik Super Reds. Super Reds is their flagship superfood powder which is packed with over 21 organic superfood fruits and veggies. It is rich in antioxidants for immune support, heart health, and cognition. Super Reds also contains added probiotics and enzymes that help aid in digestive health.

Super Reds powder is sweetened with low-glycemic coconut sugar and is only 25 calories per serving. Human Tonik Super Reds is third-party tested, made in the USA, and offers full transparency of all of their ingredients and dosages. This means they do not have any proprietary blends that don’t disclose the ratio of ingredients provided in them.

Their products have been featured on CBS, NBC, and ABC with many happy customers claiming this superfood powder has changed the supplement game.

Evaluating Quality And Safety

When it comes to choosing a red superfood powder, it’s imperative to consider the quality and safety of the product.

While all superfood powders out there will boast a variety of health claims, these products are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as medication but rather as a food. While this doesn’t sound like a big deal, it means that supplements are not held to as high of standards as they should for what they may be claiming on their label.

In fact, the FDA does not approve dietary supplements for safety or effectiveness or their labeling before they are sold to the public. Instead, it is the supplement companies themselves that are responsible for making sure their products are safe and accurately labeled.

The FDA will only get involved to remove products from the shelves if there is an adverse health effect reported. Keep in mind that some adverse effects may not be reported and items can continue to be sold in stores. While this doesn’t mean that supplements are bad, it does mean you need to choose your supplements wisely. (Source)

It’s important to scrutinize ingredients, their quality, and sourcing. Choose superfood supplements that are made from organic, non-genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and whole-food ingredients that are free of added sugars, preservatives, fillers, and artificial ingredients. Additionally, look for products that offer third-party testing for purity and potency of ingredients.

This is when they use an organization that is not associated with the supplement company to test their products and vouch for their quality. And, as always, look for reputable brands that offer full transparency and high-quality standards with their products. Taking these precautions can help to ensure you are getting everything you are looking for in your products along with an additional piece of mind knowing you are putting only high-quality, healthy ingredients into your body. (Source)

Potential Benefits Of Red Superfood Powders

So, why would you want to take a red superfood powder over any other superfood powder? Turns out, the ingredients in many red superfoods can help provide different health benefits.

Many of these benefits can be enjoyed by anyone while other benefits may be special for certain population groups, such as those who are working on body composition or improving their overall physical fitness levels.

One of the biggest perks of red superfood powders is their impact on improving blood flow and heart health. Common ingredients in red superfood powders include those that are rich in nitrates, which convert to nitric oxide in the body. 

Nitric oxide can help to reduce blood pressure and improve exercise performance in some individuals and is found in rich amounts in foods such as beets. Nitric oxide helps to increase blood flow, providing more oxygen to your muscle tissue which gives you more energy and stamina during your workout. (Source)

You can find high-nitrate foods in green powders as well. These commonly include dark leafy greens such as kale, arugula, swiss chard, and spinach. While they provide similar benefits, these green ingredients contain different ratios of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants compared to red ingredients. Because of this, many might take both green and red powders to get a balanced intake of both beneficial mixtures. (Source)

Red superfood powders contain a rich source of antioxidants that help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. These ingredients can also help support heart health, immune function, cognition, energy levels, and more.

Antioxidants are found in plant foods, such as fruits and vegetables, and can be difficult to get in adequate amounts in the standard American diet. Taking a red superfood powder can help to ensure you are getting enough of these important nutrients to enjoy their many benefits.

Additionally, red superfoods tend to be rich in essential vitamins and minerals including vitamin C and iron which can help enhance skin health, promote gut health and body detoxification, and may even support weight loss by boosting metabolic function.

Who Can Benefit From Taking Them?

Almost anyone can benefit from taking a red superfood powder but they may be specifically helpful for those who struggle to eat adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables.

Similar to a multivitamin, these powders can help fill in any nutritional gaps to make for a better, more well-rounded diet and avoid any potential nutrient deficiencies or areas that could use improvement.

Red superfood powders are an easy and convenient way to boost your overall nutrient intake. They can also be helpful tools for athletes and active individuals as a way to boost their antioxidant intake and potentially improve their exercise performance and recovery.

Because red superfood powders contain ingredients such as beets which are rich in nitrates, they can help to boost exercise performance by providing a boost in blood flow and oxygen to your muscle tissue during exercise.

Additionally, individuals who struggle with low energy levels, poor immune response, increased inflammation, or who have a family history or increased risk for developing heart conditions will likely benefit from taking a red superfood powder. The ingredients in these powders can help to support improvements in all of these essential areas of health and then some. 

How To Add Red Superfood Powders To Your Diet

Red superfood powders are exceptionally convenient and work well on the go for those with busy schedules. You can mix these powders easily into either foods or liquids. It can even be used as a topper for smoothie bowls, yogurt parfaits, oatmeal bowls, and more.

Simply add red superfood powder to your smoothies, juices, protein shakes, or other beverages.

These powders typically dissolve easily in a shaker cup, blender, or with a frothing tool. You can also mix it straight into water or plant milk or mix it in with your oatmeal or yogurt.

Red superfood powders typically have a mild taste and some may even be flavored depending on the brand. If you are partial to certain flavors or find that you are picky when it comes to the taste of your superfood powders, be sure to read the label and look for brands that offer a variety of flavors to ensure you enjoy your superfoods.

Additionally, red superfood powders can be baked into many baked goods, added into homemade energy bites or granola bars, mixed into chia pudding or even sprinkled on top of breakfast bowls, or mixed into nut butter and spread on toast. The possibilities are endless.

Recommended Intake And Timing

The recommended intake for red superfood powders will vary by brand. Most brands recommend starting with 1 tsp daily and working up to 1-2 tbsp each day or per the product’s recommendations which can be found on the supplement label.

Always read the product recommendations to avoid taking too much of one supplement as there are concentrated doses of vitamins and minerals that could be harmful if over-consumed.

You can take red superfood powders at any time of day but some prefer to take it in the morning as this is the best time for many to add it consistently into their routine without forgetting. Additionally, taking red superfood powders in the morning may help boost your energy levels and can be a great way to start the day off right.

If you struggle with taking the whole dose of concentrated red superfood powder, you can split the dose throughout the day by adding smaller portions to your food or drinks. Just make sure to keep track of your intake to avoid going over the recommended dosage per day.

You can take red superfood powder on an empty stomach or with food per your preference. It may be best to consume it with food as some may experience an upset stomach when taking it without it but it is not a requirement.

Potential Side Effects And Precautions

Most red superfood powders are well tolerated however, it’s best to test out a small amount of this supplement before taking the full dose to assess your personal tolerance and avoid any potentially uncomfortable side effects.

When taking red superfood powders, common ingredients may alter the color and appearance of your urine and stool. For example, beetroot powder is a very common ingredient in many red superfood powders and it may temporarily make your urine and/or stool red in color which can cause panic if it’s unexpected.

Red superfood powders are not recommended for individuals who are prone to or frequently suffer from kidney stones or who have compromised kidney function. Many red superfood powders are high in oxalates which can build up and increase the chances of developing kidney stones.

Children as well as women who are pregnant, nursing, or trying to become pregnant should avoid taking red superfood powders out of an abundance of caution due to the limited research available on these populations.

Speak to your doctor or healthcare provider before starting a red superfood powder supplement, especially if you are taking any medications for a chronic condition as some of the ingredients in these powders could result in a medication interaction in some cases or potentially exacerbate certain medical conditions.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to superfood powders, reds can pack an impressive nutritional punch. With a wide variety of health benefits ranging from improved energy levels, increased exercise performance, improved recovery, reduced inflammation, improvements in heart and immune health, and even improvements in gut health, if you haven’t taken one yet, you may be missing out.

Red superfood powders contain a concentrated dose of essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and beneficial plant compounds from a variety of red fruits and vegetables, such as beets, pomegranates, acai berries, goji berries, and more. These red plants provide a hearty dose of nutrition in a convenient, read-to-go concentrated powder that can be easily mixed into any liquid or beverage of your choosing.

While there is no ideal timing for taking your red superfood powders, many enjoy taking it first thing in the morning so they can create a consistent routine with their supplements, while others enjoy the energy-boosting and recovery benefits by taking it either right before or right after exercise. The exact time you choose to take your red superfood powder will depend on your personal preference.

It may be ideal to take your superfood powder daily, if not at least a few times a week to get maximum benefits. Taking red superfood powders sporadically may not give you the wide range of health improvements it would if you took it consistently.

Remember, red superfood powders are created to help complement the diet and should not be used in place of a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

Red superfood powders are not recommended for individuals who are prone to or frequently suffer from kidney stones or who have compromised kidney function. Children as well as women who are pregnant, nursing, or trying to become pregnant should avoid taking red superfood powders due to the limited research available on these populations.

Speak to your doctor or healthcare provider before starting a red superfood powder supplement, especially if you are taking any medications for a chronic condition as some of the ingredients in these powders could result in a medication interaction in some cases or potentially exacerbate certain medical conditions.

The dose of red superfood powders you take will vary by brand. Always read your supplement labels and choose products that provide transparency with their ingredients.

Avoid supplements that contain proprietary blends as the quantities and ratios of these ingredients are not revealed on supplement labels. This can make it difficult to assess if a red superfood powder contains adequate dosages of ingredients to support their health claims. Additionally, choose your supplements from trusted brands that offer third-party testing for quality and purity. This way you know you are getting a good product.

Red superfood powders can be a great addition to many people’s routines however, it is not for everyone and individual results may vary. If you aren’t sure if you should include a red superfood powder into your daily routine, consider speaking with your doctor or a Registered Dietitian to determine if this might be right for you.

If you are already taking a green superfood powder, you can still incorporate a red superfood powder. While not all supplements will complement each other well, some can provide additional benefits on top of what you are getting from just your green powder.

It’s worth it to give these powders a shot as they can make a life-changing difference for many individuals. Whether it’s just a noticeable change in energy levels, improvements in their workouts, or a dramatic improvement in lab values, you can’t beat the ease and convenience of these products, especially when combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Super Reds Powder FAQ’s

1. What Are Super Red Powders?

Super red powders are powdered nutritional supplements that contain concentrated doses of antioxidant-rich red fruits and vegetables that can provide specific health benefits. Common ingredients found in red superfood powders include acai, goji berries, cherries, beets, pomegranates, cranberries, and more.

They’re popular nutritional supplements due to their benefits for heart health as well as providing benefits for immune support, gut health, athletic performance, and more. The specific benefits that red superfood powders will provide will vary based on brand due to differences in ingredient profiles and doses.

2. What Are The Benefits Of Taking A Super Red Powder?

The benefits of taking super red powders vary by brand and ingredients but most can provide benefits such as boosting heart health, enhancing exercise stamina and performance, reducing inflammation, and improving skin health.

The specific benefits will depend on the ingredients. For example, many super red powders that contain concentrated doses of beetroot will boast benefits for improving blood flow, heart health, and athletic performance due to the concentrated dose of nitrates in beetroot powder.

3. How Are Super Reds Different From Green Powders?

Superfood red powders differ from green powders mainly in their ingredient composition. Aside from the obvious, green powders contain mainly green ingredients such as leafy greens while red powders contain mainly red, such as berries and beets. These different fruit, vegetable, and plant compounds provide additional health benefits that may warrant choosing one of the other depending on the individual’s goals.

These two different types of powders can also often be combined to create a well-rounded and convenient powdered supplement; however, use caution with which powders you choose to combine if you do decide to do this.

Some powders complement each other well while others may interact or contain high doses of vitamins and minerals that can increase the risk of developing a toxicity. Always speak with your doctor or healthcare provider before adding a supplement to your routine, especially if you are taking any medications for a chronic condition.

4. When Should I Take Super Red Powder?

You can take red superfood powder at any time of day and see benefits. Many consumers report enjoying taking red superfoods first thing in the morning as it helps to provide energy for the day.

It’s also a lot easier to get into a consistent routine with taking your red powder if you take it first thing in the morning. Some consumers also enjoy taking red powder before or after a workout for additional energy and recovery benefits; however, the timing really comes down to personal preference.

5. What Is The Recommended Dosage For Super Red Powders?

The recommended dosage of red superfood powders will vary by brand. Most brands recommend anywhere from 1-2 tsp to 1-2 tablespoons per serving. You can find the recommended dosage for your red powder directly on the supplement label. Be sure to become familiar with these dosages as it is recommended to avoid consuming past the recommended amount.

6. Do Super Red Powders Interact With Medications?

Whether or not a super red powder will interact with medication depends on the ingredients in the red powder and the medication. Some super red powders contain adaptogenic herbs that can interact with many varieties of prescription medications.

For example, reishi mushroom is a common adaptogen in many green and red powders which can interact with many blood pressure and diabetic medications. It may also interact with certain cancer medications. (Source)

7. How Long Does A Container Of Super Red Powder Last?

Like any food or supplement, red super powders will expire however, they typically have a long shelf life because they are dried and concentrated. Most green and red superfood powders contain an average shelf life of about 2 years. Some of these may be safe to consume after the expiration date if it has been stored correctly and there are no signs that it has gone bad.

Red super powders should be stored in an air-tight container in a cool, dry environment such as a kitchen pantry away from the oven or stovetop. Any exposure to moisture can cause red superfood powders to clump and go bad sooner.

Signs that your red super powder has gone rancid include a lumpy/clumpy powder, foul odor, and changes in color or flavor of the product. If you notice any of these changes, be sure to toss your red super powder and order a fresh container. However, if you use these powders consistently, you aren’t likely to experience any challenges with the product expiring due to its lengthy shelf life.

8. Should You Take Super Red Powder Every Day?

You can take super red powders daily. In fact, it may be best to consistently take these supplements as they help to create a balanced intake of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that we may be lacking in our diet. Keep in mind that red super powders were created to complement the diet and not to take instead of consuming balanced meals.

Getting into a routine can help to ensure you are taking your red super powder every day. It helps to plan to take it around the same time daily so that you get into a habit of taking it. This is why many who take red powders prefer to take them first thing in the morning or right before or after exercise because it can easily become a part of their routine.

If you do decide you don’t want to take red super powders daily, you can still get the benefits from taking them a few times a week. For example, if you are mainly taking them for the benefits of exercise performance and recovery, you can take your red super powders only on the day that you exercise just be sure that you are in some sort of consistent routine to get the best results from these products.

This means if you are someone who only works out every once in a while, you may want to take your red superfood powders at a different time.