If you have walked through any health food or supplement store, you have likely seen green powders on the shelves.
With our on-the-go lifestyle and having limited time to prep salads and sautéed veggies, greens powder is appealing to help meet our needs in a convenient way.
But what are green powders? And do you really need it in your diet?
What are super greens powders?
If you take a handful of green veggies (think kale, broccoli, and spinach), dry them, and then blend them to become a powder consistency, you will have a greens powder.
Different brands will use different combinations of greens, but you can expect to find at least one green leafy in the mix. Other features like prebiotics, probiotics, or adaptogens may be added to offer additional benefits to the consumer.
One unique green that is common in greens powders is spirulina. Spirulina is a blue-green algae that is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Spirulina intake has been linked to exhibiting anti-cancer properties, cholesterol-lowering effects, and as potential therapy for allergic rhinitis (1).
Greens powders also often contain wheatgrass. Wheatgrass is considered a superfood that offers many benefits, such as being an antioxidant and having anti-inflammatory benefits. Some evidence suggests it helps with detoxifying efforts as well.
Greens powder for a busy lifestyle
If you are a person who has the best intentions of eating your servings of green veggies each day but are just too darn busy, then greens powder is a perfect solution.
Greens powders like Naked Greens provides 2+ servings of organic vegetables and grasses per scoop.
If you are a person who knows that you will not meet your greens quota for the day, a product like Naked Greens is a perfect solution. Simply mix with water and enjoy the natural flavor as you run out the door or blend it in a smoothie recipe for some green goodness.
Greens powder boost fiber intake
Fiber is an important component of the diet. It helps keep people satiated and helps keep people regular. But some health conditions prevent people from eating foods that are high in fiber.
Since greens powder is greens in powder form, it only has 1 gram of fiber per serving. If you are following a low-fiber diet but still want to sneak those greens in, greens powder can be a great addition to your diet.
Greens powder for cardiovascular health
Eating certain greens like spinach and broccoli are associated with decreased risk of cardiovascular disease (1).
Greens powder like Naked Greens is made with real organic ingredients that includes spinach and broccoli. Including Naked Greens in your diet if you are focused on your cardiovascular health is a good practice.
Greens powder to boost immunity
Greens are a well-known source of vitamins, minerals, and other components that support a healthy immune system.
Data also suggests that green veggies can literally play a role in chemical signaling in our immune systems and boost our immune defenses (2).
Supporting your immune system takes a lot of moving parts. Along with getting good rest and staying hydrated, eating a healthy diet that includes greens can be a method to help your body stay healthy.
Greens powder may reduce inflammation
One ingredient in many greens powders is wheatgrass, a grass that may reduce inflammation in certain situations (3, 4). Over time, inflammation can be associated with certain cancers, arthritis, and type 2 diabetes.
Additionally, people who are managing conditions like obesity and chronic stress tend to have high levels of inflammation. Eating an anti-inflammatory diet which includes green veggies may help manage inflammation levels in your body.
How do you use a greens powder supplement?
Since greens powder is in powder form, it can be added to anything that protein powder is added to.
From smoothies to baked goods, a greens powder can be mixed into most similar foods. It can also be mixed with water for a quick green beverage.
Does the data support the use of veggie powder supplements?
In one study of 40 men and women, people who took a fruit and veggie powder blend daily for 90 days resulted showed a reduced blood pressure (3).
In another small study, greens food supplements taken daily lowered blood levels of oxidatively damaged proteins (4).
Many people take greens powder for the same health reasons that they eat green vegetables.
What to look for in a greens powder?
The choices when it comes to greens powders seem to be endless. Many brands are hopping on the greens powder bandwagon and offer different varieties of this superfood.
While many greens powders provide powdered vegetables and wheatgrass, they also can provide fillers, artificial flavors and colors, and ingredients that you simply don’t want in your body.
Choosing a green superfood powder that is clean and not loaded with anything artificial is key.
Some features that should be considered include:
- A powder made from organic vegetables and wheatgrass
- No artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors
- Greens as the first ingredient on the ingredient list to indicate that the bulk of the product is greens and not fillers
- Prebiotics and probiotics
- Under 2 grams of added sugars
- GMO, soy, dairy, and gluten-free
Choosing a greens powder like Naked Greens is a simple way to reap the benefits of taking in foods like broccoli, kale, and wheatgrass with very little effort or downside.
A greens powder that contains minimal ingredients and maximum benefits is important to consider if you are in the market for adding more greens to your day.