Super Greens - Is Green Superfood Powder Good For You?

According to the CDC, only 8.9% of U.S. adults meet the recommended intake of 2 to 3 servings of vegetables per day, with only 13.1% meeting the fruit intake recommendation of 1.5 to 2 cups daily. Increasing fruit and vegetable intake is essential to good health: The CDC also reports eating a plant-heavy diet can reduce the risk of many health issues, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and some types of cancer. Super greens powder is a healthy, nutrient-dense fruit and vegetable supplement designed for those not getting enough fruits and vegetables in their diet. Continue reading to find out more about green superfoods powder.

What Are Greens Powders?

Greens powders are dietary supplements that provide a convenient and straightforward way to add more fruits and vegetables into the diet. They tend to contain a powerful blend of greens, spices, herbs, and other highly nutritious superfoods such as broccoli, kale, alfalfa, ginseng, chlorella, barley, grass, and green tea extract. (A “superfood” is a food rich in various nutrients and considered beneficial for good health and overall well-being).  As a result, each contains a unique mix of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Benefits of Green Superfood Powders

Green powders contain a wide assortment of superfoods that can vary from brand to brand. The vital nutrients they have can provide the body with many health and nutritional benefits.

May Boost Energy. Some green powders can help increase alertness and boost energy. Depending on their specific ingredients, they could be healthier options instead of energy drinks, which are often high in sugar and other artificial ingredients. Green powders may help reduce acidity in the body, allowing it to increase the intake of nutrients. This reduction in acidity could help the body become more efficient, converting food to energy quicker and readily used by the body.

Help maintain a healthy weight. In addition to the high fiber content, green powders are low in both fat and calories. Consuming them in place of other high fat, less healthy foods, snacks, and drinks could shedding excess weight. Excess weight is to many health issues, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, back pain, joint pain, etc.

Might decrease the risk of chronic disease. A typical western diet is low in antioxidants and high in unhealthy fat, sugar, sodium, and calories. On the other hand, green powders are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Antioxidants are a crucial component of a healthy immune system. They may protect healthy cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free Radicals contribute to chronic diseases such as cancer, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension.

Could promote healthy skin. Green powders often contain vitamins A, C; vitamin E. Vitamin A can stimulate collagen production, unclog pores, and help exfoliate the skin. Vitamin C helps the skin maintain its firmness and strength. Vitamin E can help reduce UV damage and protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are one of the primary causes of premature aging of the skin. It can damage collagen, leading to increased wrinkles, dryness, and less elasticity of the skin.

Convenience. Before eating, some vegetables need to be chopped, cleaned, or cooked. Many people lead hectic lifestyles and don’t have the time to prepare healthy meals consistently. Others may not have access to certain foods, don’t know how to properly prepare them, or simply don’t like them. Green powders are tasty, offer the convenience of eating healthy while on the go, and provide the body with critical nutrients to maintain good health.

How Do I Take Greens Powder?

Greens Powder Side Effects

Even though green powder has many health benefits, potential side effects are possible in some instances:

Interact with medications. Individuals should notify their physician about their green powders’ consumption if they are taking medication or given a new prescription. Some foods and nutrients can interfere with medications, which could make them less effective.

Thyroid issues. Some brands of green powders may contain higher levels of nutrients, such as selenium and sodium. The thyroid contains the largest concentration of selenium in the body. A selenium deficiency could lead to issues like hypothyroidism. Individuals with thyroid issues should let their physician know they are consuming green powders: the excess selenium from the dietary supplement could interfere with the prescribed medication or possibly affect the thyroid.

Pregnant and lactating women. Green powders haven’t been tested on pregnant and lactating women. It is unknown if green powders are suitable for pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it’s best to consult with your doctor. 

Digestive issues. Green powders may have ingredients a person doesn’t normally consume. Trying them for the first time could shock the system for some, potentially causing digestive problems such as bloating or gas. In other instances, a person may be allergic to an ingredient in the green powder. For example, some green powders may contain herbs. Those allergic to herbs may experience itching, rashes, or hives. To decrease the risk of digestive issues or allergic reactions, try smaller serving sizes to let the body get used to the new blends of foods and minimize any potential allergic reactions.

Find The Right Vegetable Supplement

While green powders are an excellent way to increase the intake of veggies and other healthy foods, they should not replace eating the actual food. For example, green powders have significantly less fiber and water content than the actual vegetable. Fiber is essential for regular bowel movements, improved gut health, and good health overall. The average man needs 38 grams of fiber per day, while women need 25 grams.  The average green powder has 1-2 grams of fiber, with some brand adding extra fiber as a benefit. Instead of looking at green powders as a way to stop eating natural fruits and veggies, view them as an excellent addition to the diet.

There are many green powders on the market with a variety of ingredients. When choosing green powders, opt for those that are USDA-certified and organic. These products are free of pesticides, GMO’s, and other potentially harmful chemicals.