What Are The Benefits Of Greens Powders?

Greens powders have been growing in popularity recently, and are now a staple supplement for many people. Greens powders contain a mix of vegetables, and sometimes fruits and other herbal supplements - but what exactly are greens powders good for? Continue reading to find out! 

What Are Greens Powders?

Greens powders are a mix of different vegetables and sometimes fruits and herbal supplements that have been pulverised, the powder is generally consumed by mixing with water to create a juice type drink. Greens powders on the market usually contain ingredients like spirulina, chlorella, wheatgrass, and other “superfoods”. They come in flavoured and unflavoured varieties, and can be sweetened or unsweetened. The nutritional content of greens powders will vary as different brands will use different varieties of plants as well as different amounts, therefore, the effects that the greens powders will have will vary depending on the brand you choose!

Do Greens Powders Reduce Bloating?

Greens powders are generally high in fibre, which is beneficial for digestion, and having a wide variety of fruits and veggies are also associated with better gut health. Some greens powders also contain digestive enzymes that can aid digestion further. However, most greens powders have not been specifically trialled and tested in a clinical setting to determine if it does have any effect on bloating - it’s therefore always good to take these claims with a pinch of salt.

What Are The Benefits Of Greens Powders?

Greens powders are generally not well researched, and some claims made are mainly down to individual ingredients rather than the products as a whole. Supplementing with fruit and vegetable concentrates can increase serum levels of antioxidants such as beta carotene, selenium, folate, vitamin C, and E. One study which was conducted on a specific greens powder found that it may be effective in reducing oxidative stress and preventing chronic diseases, due to the high antioxidant content of the greens powder. Greens powder supplementation has also been found to reduce blood pressure in individuals with hypertension.

Greens powders are generally low in calories, and will therefore not be considered a good source of energy - however some greens powders will contain ingredients such as green tea which can increase energy due to its caffeine content. This effect will differ depending on brands and active ingredients used. 

The Bottom Line

Because of the importance of fruits and vegetables, and the nutrients they contain, incorporating a greens powder into your diet or supplement routine may be beneficial for overall health - however, greens powders alone cannot substitute the inclusion of whole fruits and veggies in your diet. Because of the nutrient and antioxidant contents of the greens powders, they may reduce the risk of chronic disease and can help lower blood pressure, and the extra fibre may be beneficial for digestion. Due to the lack of research when it comes to greens powder supplementation, claims made for certain products should always be taken with a pinch of salt and it’s always important to do your own research! 

Do you take a greens powder supplement? Let us know in the comments below!