The supplement category has changed quite a bit over the past decade. What used to be a straightforward selection of multivitamins and vitamin C has expanded into an overwhelming array of powders, gummies, and extracts that promise support for everything from energy levels to immune function. Winter tends to draw folks toward these products, a season when shorter days and colder weather make the body feel like it could use extra help.
Understanding what these products actually do, versus what the packaging suggests they might do, requires sorting through quite a bit of information. Some have research backing specific uses, while others rely more on traditional practices or anecdotal support. Supplements and superfoods can play a role in winter wellness, though that looks different for each person.
What Makes Something a Superfood
The term "superfood" doesn't have a strict scientific definition. It generally refers to foods that contain notably higher concentrations of certain nutrients compared to more common options. These aren't magical, but they do offer efficient ways to get particular vitamins, minerals, or beneficial compounds.
Kale powder is a great example. Wilderness Poets' kale powder packs roughly two-and-a-half pounds of fresh organic kale into a concentrated form that mixes easily into smoothies, soups, or even just water. For folks who find it hard to eat enough greens during winter, when fresh salads feel less appealing, this offers a workaround that still delivers nutrients. The flavor is mild enough that it disappears into other ingredients rather than dominating them.
Hemp seed hearts from Bob's Red Mill bring omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and a pleasant nutty flavor to yogurt, oatmeal, or baked goods. Their subtle taste makes them easy to incorporate regularly without getting tired of them. Edison Grainery's black chia seeds work similarly, delivering omega-3s, fiber, and protein while easily blending into almost anything.
These concentrated foods don't replace the benefits of eating whole vegetables and fruits, but they can fill gaps when schedules get hectic or when winter's limited produce selection starts feeling repetitive. They work best as additions rather than substitutions.
The Supplement Scene
Supplements occupy a different category than concentrated whole foods, though the boundary between the two isn't always clear. Some supplements address specific, measurable needs. Vitamin D during winter months, for instance, compensates for reduced sunlight exposure that affects many folks in northern climates. The body produces vitamin D when skin is exposed to sunlight, so winter's shorter days and tendency to stay bundled up can create genuine deficiencies.
Other supplements take a broader approach to wellness support. Functional mushroom products have gained attention recently for their potential benefits. Microjoy's "Motivate" gummies combine cordyceps mushrooms with maca root and vitamin B12, aimed at supporting energy and alertness during times when fatigue feels harder to shake. Whether these work varies from person to person.
Digestive comfort becomes particularly relevant during winter, when heavy holiday meals and changes in eating patterns can leave stomachs feeling unsettled. The Ginger People's soft lozenges use fresh ginger plus concentrated ginger extract to potentially address digestive discomfort. Ginger has been used for centuries across different cultures for exactly this purpose.
Copina Co.'s vegan collagen boost creamer takes a different angle, using plant botanicals to support the body's natural collagen production rather than providing collagen directly. Mixed into coffee or other beverages, it offers an easy way to add a collagen boost to your daily routine. Cure's electrolyte drink mix can help with hydration that plain water sometimes can't meet when the body has lost both fluids and electrolytes, particularly after exercise, travel, or illness.
Dose's wellness shot for liver support combines turmeric, milk thistle, and dandelion — ingredients with long traditional use for supporting liver and digestive function. The shot format makes it quick to consume, though the combination of orange and ginger gives it enough flavor that it doesn't feel medicinal.
Making Sense of It All
For folks curious about trying supplements or concentrated superfoods, starting with one product at a time makes it easier to notice whether it creates any noticeable difference. Keeping a mental note of energy levels, digestion, or whatever the product aims to support helps showcase its actual effects.
Winter asks the body to function with less sunlight, often less fresh air, and the accumulated fatigue of a year winding down. Supplements and superfoods offer one way to provide additional support during this demanding season. They won't fix everything, but for many folks, they become useful tools for staying well when the season makes it harder than usual.
How To Add Farm Stand Products to Your Delivery:
CSA members—head on over to our online Farm Stand Market to customize your upcoming delivery. Market is open from noon on Thursday until 6 pm on your cutoff date. After you confirm your produce items, click the orange button "Confirm and Continue To Other Farm Products" to add the products to your delivery.
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The statements made above about specific products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness or disease. No content on this website, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Consult with a health care provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have existing health conditions.
