Greens powders are dietary supplements that can be added to water or other liquids. As their name suggests, these powders are often green and they usually have a grassy taste.
There are different brands of greens powders, but they usually contain a combination of the following ingredients:
The produce used in these supplements is usually dried then ground into powder. Sometimes, ingredients are juiced and then dehydrated while other components of the whole food are extracted. (Related: Spirulina extract can prevent the increase of fat in the blood by inhibiting lipid metabolism and absorption.)
Alternatively, ingredients are fermented or sprouted to boost their vitamin levels and to help break down compounds that may interfere with mineral absorption. Most greens powders are vegan, non-genetically modified, and organic. Always check the product label to confirm these details.
Depending on the ingredients used, greens powders can cost about 22 to 99 cents or more per scoop (about 10 g or two tablespoons). Since the ingredients of greens powders vary by brand, most products have different nutritional values. Generally, a scoop of greens powder contains vitamins A, C, and K. These powders can also contain minerals like calcium, chromium, iodine, iron, potassium, and selenium.
Greens powders are usually low-calorie, but combining them with ingredients other than plain water may add calories. Some greens powders are formulated as meal replacements and they are more nutritionally complete and higher in calories.
Powders are often full of polyphenols and other plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions. Listed below are the other health benefits of greens powders.
Since greens powders are made with plant compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, they can help lower your risk of chronic diseases.
According to a four-week study in 10 healthy people – published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences – two tablespoons (10 g) of greens powder taken daily helped lower blood levels of proteins that had oxidative damage by 30 percent. Reducing damage to blood proteins like enzymes is crucial since they perform functions that protect you from cancer and chronic diseases.
Some greens powders can boost your energy because they have compounds that promote alertness and energetic feelings. For example, green tea extract contains caffeine.
Data from a three-month study published in the Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research revealed that participants who took a tablespoon (10 g) of greens powder with green tea extract daily reported significant increases in energy, compared to the placebo group that didn't report any changes.
Consuming greens powders can support detoxification. To illustrate, as the liver detoxifies certain compounds, the process produces harmful free radicals. Greens powders are full of antioxidants that fight these free radicals.
Here are other things to keep in mind before you start adding greens powders to your diet.
If you're tired of adding greens powders to juice, milk, milk substitutes, smoothies, or water, here are other ways to consume them.
Follow a healthy diet and consume nutritious greens powders made from spirulina and other superfoods to boost your overall well-being.
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