small white bowls with superfoods in each bowl

Superfoods 101

What is a superfood?

A superfood is a food that is especially nutrient-dense, meaning it has a high ratio of nutrients to overall calories. Superfoods include certain fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and herbs.

Navitas Organics superfoods are always plant-based. We have two reasons for this: certain nutrients in plants are vital to our long-term physical health, and growing regenerative organic plants significantly improves the health of our earth.

Every superfood is different. Some contain high amounts of essential nutrients that are rarely found in plants—like complete protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Others provide unique and uncommon nutrients—like L-theanine in matcha and curcumin in turmeric.

A couple using Navitas Organics hemp seeds for their salad

What makes a Navitas Organics superfood different?

Quality & Certifications
Minimally Processed Foods
Sourcing

There are superfoods, and then there are Navitas Organics superfoods. We show up with integrity to every step of the process – from sustainable sourcing to ethical labor practices to quality processing. It’s the heartbeat of how and why we do what we do!

We invest heavily in third party lab testing for every bag we sell. All of our superfoods are certified USDA Organic, and are inherently non-GMO and gluten-free. Whenever possible, they’re also certified Kosher and Fairtrade.

We believe in the wisdom of nature and its ability to support our best health. Whole foods contain an array of nutrients that work together in our bodies in ways that synthetic or isolated nutrients do not. That’s why we keep the processing to a minimum.

From day one, we’ve worked hard to seek out smallholder farms and co-ops that use organic, sustainable and regenerative practices. We pay a premium for their products so that their farm workers and food processors earn a living wage. Because, to us, superfoods aren’t just about taking care of our own health; they’re about taking care of our earth and taking care of each other.

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Superfood Benefits

Anti-Inflammation

The body's inflammatory response is a natural safeguard that helps combat internal stressors, including viruses, bacteria, and highly processed foods. It's a healthy bodily function that is happening all the time! Inflammation only becomes problematic if it goes into overdrive, which happens when our bodies are chronically stressed. Consuming an anti-inflammatory diet consisting primarily of nutrient-dense, plant-based foods, such as turmeric powder, works in two ways: it helps prevent inflammation and helps our bodies combat it when it occurs. All Navitas Organics superfoods are naturally free from gluten, dairy and refined sugar, making them a great foundation for a natural anti-inflammatory diet. Our superfoods that are rich in antioxidants are especially powerful in promoting a healthy, balanced inflammatory state in the body!

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Brain Health

Did you know that the human brain is 60% fat?! In much the same way our bodies need protein to build muscle, our brains need healthy fat to replenish brain cells. In particular, foods rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids are vital to brain health, fighting inflammation and supporting brain structure. Antioxidants are also important; they work to repair damage that our brains incur from oxidation over time, which helps prevent cognitive decline. Lastly, the brain benefits from nootropics, a special class of foods that can boost brain function by stimulating the nervous system in unique ways. These foods—which are used to improve memory, increase focus and support creativity—include adaptogens, medicinal mushrooms, and caffeine-containing superfoods.

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Detox

Eating whole foods and superfoods rich in fiber, antioxidants and chlorophyll will prime your detoxification system (which includes your liver, kidneys, digestive tract, and skin!) to do its best each day. Fiber is a complex carbohydrate that sweeps up toxins as it moves through our digestive systems and helps our bodies eliminate that waste. Antioxidants are fighters: they combat unstable or damaged molecules in our bodies, helping protect our tissues and cells. Chlorophyll, the molecule that makes plants green, is a cleansing champion. It neutralizes toxins and helps to flush heavy metals out of the body. The potent nutrients in chlorophyll also support healthy liver function and build oxygen-rich blood, which are both paramount in detoxification processes.

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Energy

Whether we think of energy as “calories,” “fats,” or by another name, our bodies rely on a regular supply of it to keep us functioning at our best. But it's not just about the macronutrients; the creation of healthy cellular energy relies on a whole host of micronutrients as well! Without vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to support the process, the creation of energy becomes less efficient and creates more cellular waste (it's like fueling with fossil fuels instead of green energy). This is where nutrient-dense superfoods come in! In addition to being jam-packed with micronutrients, many superfoods contain natural stimulants that help increase energy, like small amounts of caffeine, certain amino acids, or adaptogenic compounds.

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Immunity

The immune system is a complex web in the body that is impacted by many factors—including sleep, exercise, and of course, what we eat. Antioxidants, minerals, and essential fatty acids are all crucial nutrients to a fortified immune system. Antioxidants—including immunity superstar vitamin C—support the immune system by combating unstable molecules called free radicals. Minerals aid in the formation of cells and tissues, making them integral to our overall health and recovering from illness. Finally, essential fatty acids manage proper immune response in addition to brain and nervous system functioning. Superfoods are amongst the most potent sources of these nutrients as found in nature!

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Stress & Mood Support

While we often think of stress as impacting us mentally and emotionally, it has a profound physical impact as well. Stress kicks our nervous systems into "fight-or-flight" mode, causing our heart rates to accelerate, blood pressure to rise, muscles to tense and blood sugar to spike. Thankfully, we can fight the effects of stress through a variety of ways—including by what we eat. Certain superfoods contain potent minerals and adaptogens that combat stress-based side effects. Supporters of muscle agility and relaxation, minerals contribute to the body's ability to relax and decompress—like magnesium. Adaptogens are a category of plants that work with the endocrine system to help the body “adapt” to stressors. They promote resiliency, energy, and help bring our bodies into balance.

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Library of Superfoods

Acai
Cacao
Chia
Goji
Hemp
Maca
Matcha
Turmeric

Known as the Amazonian “beauty berry," acai is beloved for its abundance of antioxidants and plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, which support healthy skin, hair and nails. The unique antioxidants in acai are called anthocyanins; they give acai its dark purple hue! Anthocyanins are known to provide multiple health benefits, including supporting the regeneration of our cells, reducing inflammation in the body, and helping the body maintain health over time.

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Cacao is one of the most nutritionally dense and complex foods on the planet—offering antioxidants, minerals, fiber, nourishing fats, and unique plant compounds (called polyphenols). Together, these nutrients make cacao a wonder superfood that supports the health of our cells, brain, mood, energy and more! The natural bitterness of cacao is due to the powerful nutrients it contains (which is true of other highly nutritious foods, too—like arugula and dandelion greens!).

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Named after the Mayan word for “strength,” chia is a tiny seed that contains a host of beneficial nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, essential minerals (magnesium, calcium, iron), and fiber. Chia seeds absorb an incredible amount of liquid when soaked, expanding and becoming gel-like; this quality, coupled with their fiber content, make chia a great superfood to support satiety and detoxification in the body!

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A sweet-savory berry that is indigenous to China, Goji berries have been used as a healing food in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. Surprisingly, gojis are part of the nightshade plant family—making them a cousin to tomatoes, tomatillos, eggplant and peppers! They're an excellent source of nutrients, including dietary fiber, essential minerals (iron and potassium), and antioxidants, particularly vitamin A. Just one serving provides 140% of the recommended daily value!

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One of the oldest crops cultivated in the West, hemp seeds are a rare source of plant-based complete protein (meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids that make a protein “complete,” which is not often found in plants!). They also contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the ratio that is ideal for our bodies (1:3) and are a great source of minerals including magnesium and iron.

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Maca is a root that grows in the Peruvian Andes at 14,000 feet above sea level, withstanding blistering heat, severe wind and frigid nights that make it one of the most resilient plants in the world. Maca is a member of a class of medicinal plants called adaptogens. Adaptogens work with the body's endocrine system, which regulates our hormone levels and their functions—including energy, mood, sleep, metabolism, and more. Maca was used by ancient Inca warriors to support energy and stamina; today, we turn to maca to help our bodies body cope with the effects of everyday stress. It supports energy, resiliency and overall vitality!

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Matcha is a finely ground, whole leaf green tea. Traditional matcha preparation dates back to early China, more than 900 years ago. It was then adopted by the Japanese in the 11th century and has been at the heart of the Japanese tea ceremony ever since. Matcha contains a unique compound called L-theanine which activates mental alertness alongside grounded energy; this explains why matcha was ceremoniously consumed prior to meditation! It also contains a unique antioxidant called EGCG, which studies have shown helps reduce inflammation and support neurological health.

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A deep orange root most commonly recognized as a culinary spice in its powdered form, turmeric has been used as a healing plant in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It contains a unique compound called curcumin, which is revered for its anti-inflammatory benefits.

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