Superfoods

Nutraceutical Superfoods

Wholesale Nutraceutical Ingredient Solutions

For a complete nutritional profile, superfoods are the perfect ingredients for any formulation. Superfoods are defined as being a nutrient-rich food that is especially beneficial for overall health. These ingredients prove to be both and are the perfect foundation for any product. 

Superfoods are some of the most researched ingredients on the market. Because of their purported health benefits, researchers have put them under their scrupulous eyes and have come back wonderfully surprised.

One such study involves pomegranate juice. In the study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, pomegranate juice may support lowering LDL, or “bad”, cholesterol. According to the study, “pomegranate juice consumption decreased LDL susceptibility to aggregation and retention and increased the activity of serum paraoxonase (an HDL-associated esterase that can protect against lipid peroxidation) by 20%. In E0 mice, oxidation of LDL by peritoneal macrophages was reduced by up to 90% after pomegranate juice consumption and this effect was associated with reduced cellular lipid peroxidation and superoxide release. The uptake of oxidized LDL and native LDL by mouse peritoneal macrophages obtained after pomegranate juice administration was reduced by 20%. Finally, pomegranate juice supplementation of E0 mice reduced the size of their atherosclerotic lesions by 44% and also the number of foam cells compared with control E0 mice supplemented with water.”

Since superfoods were first introduced to market they have grown at a steady pace. According to an article by the BBC News, sales for superfoods have shot up for some foods. Between 2005 and 2007, blueberry and spinach saw an increase of 112% and 31%, respectively. "These are all important to today's health and youth-conscious consumer," said Nielsen business insight director Jonathan Banks.

The trend has stayed hot. As consumers become more informed about the benefits of superfoods, the larger the market share grows. Superfoods hold a large share of the global nutritional market. While the U.S. is still the leading consumer of superfoods, other regions such as the U.K. and Asia are quickly catching on.

Within the superfoods category are super fruits. Super fruits have been a long-time favorite and are only gaining in popularity. According to one report, sales of super fruits between 2007 and 2012 grew from $3.86 billion to $6.5 billion. The report predicts that the super fruits market will be worth almost $10 billion by 2017. 

Due to their versatility and nutrient-rich nature, superfoods are the best ingredients for any number of formulations and products. Once an ingredient is found that fits a formulation, it can be made into virtually any type of nutraceutical product, from functional foods and beverages to supplements. 

Some of our superfood ingredients include:

Dragon Fruit, Pomegranate, Flaxseed, Avocado, Blueberry, Chia Seeds, Acai, Goji Berry, Maca, Spirulina

Hundreds more available. Submit a wholesale request today!

References:
 Aviram M., et al. “Pomegranate juice consumption for 3 years by patients with carotid artery stenosis reduces common carotid intima-media thickness, blood pressure and LDL oxidation.” Clinical Nutrition , Volume 23 , Issue 3, 423 - 433
 Lee EA, et. al. 
 BBC News. (June 9, 2007) “‘Huge Rise’ in Superfood Sales.” Retrieved from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk/6736755.stm
 Starling, S. “April 18, 2013) “Superfruits category is still booming (but care is needed)” NutraIngredients.com Retrieved from http://www.nutraingredients.com/Markets-and-Trends/Superfruits-category-still-booming-but-care-is-needed