In this article:
- What Are Superfoods?
- The Benefits of Superfoods
- Greens and Superfoods
- The Science of Superfoods
- An Ayurvedic List of Superfoods
Anyone and everyone who has an interest in living a healthy lifestyle has probably come across the phrase “superfood.” Most likely, you already have an idea of what this catchy buzzword means.
A superfood is often described as a nutritious food that offers exceptional health benefits, a plant-based substance that gives a superhuman burst of energy, or a greens supplement that fosters robust immune health.
While all of these descriptions are appropriate, you may be surprised to learn that there's actually no official or legal definition of “superfood.” In fact, the term was originally coined as a marketing tool, and a good one!1
Considering this phrase has taken the wellness world by storm, it's worth taking a look at what it means and how herbal superfoods and boosts may greatly support your personal health journey.
What Are Superfoods? An Ayurvedic Perspective
While the mainstream definition of “superfoods” is rather broad, let's start with the general agreement that they refer to nutrient-dense fruits, vegetables, and herbs that confer exceptional health benefits.2
While keeping this in mind, it's important to remember that many common, everyday functional foods offer exceptional health benefits.
Take this famous Ayurvedic proverb, which illustrates the importance of food as medicine:
“When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When diet is correct, medicine is of no need.”
In Ayurveda, an Ayurvedic superfood could be any food, herb, or spice that best serves an individual's specific health needs in the present moment. It's a deeply personal definition rooted in ancient Ayurvedic medicine rather than a fixed list of plant species.
That principle is why Ayurveda doesn't reserve "superfood" status for a select few plant species. The right Ayurvedic superfood for you depends on your constitution and your current state of balance.
With that said, we've created our own definition of an herbal superfood, drawing on ancient Ayurvedic principles and modern scientific research:
An herbal superfood is rejuvenating, nutrient-dense, and offers health benefits above and beyond other foods.
The Benefits of Superfoods
When we look at many of the foods and herbs that are recognized as superfoods, there are several common characteristics from an Ayurvedic lens. Aside from the specific uses and actions of each, here are a few of their shared benefits:
- Nutrient-Dense: Herbal superfoods tend to be nutrient-rich and provide a high quantity of essential vitamins and minerals. Many also boast high levels of antioxidants, fiber, and essential amino acids.3
- Multiple Benefits: A superfood supplement typically offers several distinct benefits and supports the body in numerous ways. Often, herbal superfoods have an affinity for more than one organ or system.
- Rejuvenating: In general, superfoods are nourishing and rejuvenating. In Ayurvedic terms, they act as rasayanas, or substances that renew and regenerate the tissues.4 Often, they also help to cultivate healthy ojas, the body's reserve of vigor and strength.
- Support Immune Function: Superfoods share the trait of helping to build robust immune function. Some directly benefit the immune system, while others indirectly support immunity by cultivating a foundation of overall health.
- Energizing and Vitalizing: Many superfoods have an energizing effect on the body, contributing to a sense of vitality and well-being. Rather than a quick burst of activation, they provide long-lasting, sustainable, and balanced energy.
Along with these impressive shared characteristics, different herbal superfoods have an affinity for different parts of the body, supporting a wide range of more targeted actions and benefits.
To list just a few, they can help to bolster mental clarity and brain function, ground and regulate the nervous system, assist with healthy weight management, and support restful sleep.
Greens and Superfoods
While our focus here is mainly on herbal superfoods, particularly those herbs that fall within the Ayurvedic pharmacopeia, superfoods can refer to a wide range of foods and substances. For instance, people commonly use the term superfood to refer to eggs, salmon, olive oil, quinoa, oats, cocoa, and green tea.5
Think blueberries, broccoli, potatoes, kale, sprouts, and seaweed. Ideally, we should be incorporating these health-promoting foods into our daily meals.
If you need help getting your daily dose of greens, Banyan offers Everyday Greens, a high-quality greens supplement that is easy and convenient to add to your daily routine to ensure you are getting your daily dose of vitamins, minerals, and superfoods.
The Science of Superfoods
While there's no official scientific definition of a superfood, many studies have been conducted to provide scientific evidence of the properties of specific foods and herbs that are commonly given superfood status. Here are a few studies that look at some top Ayurvedic superfoods.
- “The Prebiotic Potential of Nervines and Nootropic Herbs.” Banyan Botanicals. 2022. 6
- “Exploring Ayurvedic Knowledge on Food and Health for Providing Innovative Solutions to Contemporary Healthcare.” PubMed Abstract. 2016. 7
- “Ginger on Human Health: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of 109 Randomized Controlled Trials.” PubMed Abstract. 2020. 8
- “An Overview on Ashwagandha: A Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda.” PubMed Abstract. 2011. 9
- “Biological, nutritional, and therapeutic significance of Moringa oleifera Lam.” PubMed Abstract. 2019. 10
An Ayurvedic List of Superfoods and Super Herbs
Ayurveda recognizes that many common everyday foods and herbs carry exceptional beneficial properties. As mentioned above, the right “superfood” for an individual is simply the substance that will most support their health in the present moment.
With that understanding, here are some of our favorite herbal superfoods from Ayurveda's botanical pharmacopeia.
Amla. Also known as amalaki or Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica), this small sour fruit is one of Ayurveda's most revered superfoods. It supports the immune system, rejuvenates the tissues, and promotes healthy digestion. Amla is celebrated for its powerful antioxidant properties and an exceptionally high quantity of vitamin C, which support skin health, immune resilience, and overall vitality.11
Ashwagandha. Sometimes called Indian ginseng, ashwagandha is one of Ayurveda's most popular herbal superfoods and adaptogens. Ashwagandha root has a rejuvenating quality and helps the body cope with stress, supporting everything from energy and sound sleep to balanced cortisol levels, reproductive health, a calm nervous system.12
Ginger. Ginger is one of the most widely-used spices in the world.13 Its powerful medicinal properties extend throughout the body, kindling agni and supporting healthy digestion, strong immune function, and relief from physical discomfort.14
Moringa. Moringa powder is gaining impressive popularity and renown as a superfood, thanks to its many beneficial properties and essential vitamins and minerals. Not only that, but every part of the plant is edible and protein-rich, making moringa an ideal nutritional source for our growing population.15
Tulsi. Known as holy basil, tulsi is revered in Ayurveda as a sacred plant with adaptogenic and immune-supporting qualities. Holy basil supports respiratory health, helps the body cope with everyday stress, and promotes mental clarity and calm, making it a great daily ally.
Turmeric. Another well-loved herbal superstar, turmeric is a golden spice with natural antioxidant properties and supports a healthy inflammatory response. It's best known for supporting joint health, but it also supports skin health, heart health, immune function, brain function, and digestion.16
Formulas Packed with Superfoods and Boosts
In addition to these single herbs, Banyan carries a selection of health-promoting superfood blends. The following products provide an excellent source of herbal nutrition to support your body and mind in the cultivation of optimal wellness.
Everyday Endurance. Perfect for athletes and those with an active lifestyle, Everyday Endurance is a powerful blend of Ayurvedic adaptogens and superfoods designed to energize the body, calm the mind, and support optimal performance throughout the day.
Chyavanprash. Inspired by a traditional recipe, this Ayurvedic herbal jam is made with a high concentration of amla, alongside honey, ghee, and several other powerful herbs. Chyavanprash is renowned for supporting strong immune function, nourishing ojas, and rejuvenating the body's tissues.
Everyday Greens. In the midst of our busy modern lives, it can feel like a nearly impossible task to eat a sufficient quantity of green, leafy vegetables each day. For those seeking a vitamin and mineral-rich greens supplement, this is the formula for you. Everyday Greens is made with a variety of greens, including spirulina, barley grass, and wheatgrass, to provide your essential daily nutrients.
Immune Health NOW. Featuring turmeric, ginger, amla, and more, Immune Health NOW provides support to the respiratory system and bolsters a healthy immune response.
Shakti Prana. Formulated by Ayurvedic physician Vasant Lad, Shakti Prana is a rejuvenating blend of ghee, honey, and herbal superfoods, including ashwagandha and shatavari. Packed with nourishment, this thick and hearty herbal blend supports balanced energy and replenishes vitality.
Shilajit. Shilajit is a natural mineral substance made from the decomposition of ancient plant materials. It is harvested from mountainous regions when it exudes from the rocks as a sticky substance. Carrying a high content of health-supporting and rejuvenating properties, Shilajit promotes energy and vitality, nourishes the reproductive system, and supports healthy aging.
FAQs: Ayurvedic Superfoods
What are Ayurvedic superfoods?
Ayurvedic superfoods are nutrient-dense herbs, spices, and functional foods that support balance and help the body cope with everyday stress. Common examples include amla (Indian gooseberry, rich in vitamin C), ashwagandha, turmeric, tulsi (holy basil), ginger, and moringa, each prized for distinct benefits, such as balanced energy levels, immune system support, healthy digestion, and rejuvenation.
At Banyan, these herbs are certified organic, fairly traded, and sustainably grown. You can enjoy them as single herbs or as a part of herbal formulas, such as Everyday Greens. Check out all of our superfoods and boosts.
Which Ayurvedic superfood should I start with?
Start with the herb that matches your most pressing need. For stress and steady energy, consider ashwagandha. For daily antioxidant support and immune resilience, try amla or Chyavanprash. For joint health and a healthy inflammatory response, turmeric is a classic place to begin.
If you're new to Ayurveda, taking the dosha quiz can also help you identify your unique constitution and choose herbs that bring your body and mind into greater balance.
How do I add Ayurvedic superfoods to my diet?
Small, consistent additions go further than a full diet overhaul. Stir turmeric and ginger into warm milk or tea, sprinkle moringa powder into smoothies, or take a daily teaspoon of Chyavanprash as a traditional rejuvenative.
For convenience, Banyan offers tablets and powders that fit easily into a daily routine. As always, consult your healthcare practitioner before adding new herbs if you're pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
