As people lead busier lives, they find it harder to enjoy their daily recommended portions of fruits and vegetables. One report found that only 33% of adults in the UK hit their daily target.
More people are turning to supplements such as greens powders to support their health and help fill nutritional gaps. This article explores the viability of greens powders, what to look out for, and whether they’re worth a spot in your diet.
Greens powders are dietary supplements designed to help people fill nutritional gaps. The ingredients in green powders are formulated to contain high levels of antioxidants, nutrients, vitamins, minerals and fibre. Greens powders are a viable option to ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs. Typically, a greens powder product might contain:
If you lead a busy life and struggle to get your daily vitamins and minerals, greens powders could provide you with nutritional support to help you maintain your health.
Additionally, the powders might benefit:
There is no evidence suggesting that greens powders are harmful to healthy individuals, but there are some considerations you should take into account before using them.
Greens powders are a supplement, not a replacement to your recommended five-a-day. Try increasing your daily dose of fruits and vegetables, as they are the best way to get the necessary nutrients.
Speaking with your doctor or a dietitian before taking supplements is always recommended. Certain supplements can exacerbate conditions and interfere with your nutritional intake if you have a medical condition. Your doctor will advise you on whether or how a supplement will affect your health.
Greens powders are a growing health trend, which means most dietitians worldwide have had their say on the question, “Are greens powders worth it?” Countless dietitians agree greens powders are an effective way of closing the nutritional gaps in our diets.
However, they advise getting nutrients from fruits and vegetables before taking supplements. It’s important to remember that super greens powders do not replace your five-a-day quota but exist to support it.
Getting a greens powder that suits your needs and health goals is essential to getting the most out of the supplement.
Identify Your Nutritional Needs
Assess your diet to work out which vitamins and minerals you might lack. Some people do this by keeping a food diary and tracking what they eat and drink. You can identify what food groups you might be missing and determine which nutrients could be absent from your diet. For example, if you don’t eat a lot of leafy greens, you might lack vitamins A, C, E and K.
Consider Your Health Goals
Some greens powders offer specific benefits. For example, sports enthusiasts or athletes might be more interested in greens powders that support energy or vitality. These products might contain ingredients such as matcha, chlorella or spirulina. Other green powders are designed to support the immune system. These powders might offer enhanced vitamin C and zinc levels and selected antioxidants such as polyphenols.
Read the Ingredients
It may seem like a simple tip, but ingredients in greens powders vary from product to product. So it’s important to read the label so you’re aware of what’s included before making a purchase. For example, if you’re sensitive to caffeine, you might want to shop for a greens powder that doesn’t contain green tea or matcha extract. For maximum health benefits, it is best to choose a greens powder without added sweeteners, fillers, thickeners, or artificial ingredients. Some greens powders also contain artificial ingredients and added sugar, so they might not be as healthy as they seem at first glance.
Review Sources and Quality
Super greens powders vary in ingredients and quality. Review the ingredients for red flags, such as artificial sweeteners, colourings, thickening agents and fillers. It can also help to read up on third-party reviews so you know what you’re getting. Many influencers endorse super greens powders, but customer reviews give you a clearer insight into product and brand reputations.
Consider What Other Supplements and Medication You Take
Consuming super greens with other supplements, such as multivitamins, is not generally advised, as you might risk exceeding your upper intake limits of specific vitamins. Super greens often contain high levels of vitamin K, which is usually present in medication used to treat cholesterol and may interfere with each other.
Avoid Greens Powders If Breastfeeding or Pregnant
Most greens powders are not designed for nursing mothers. While greens powders are a convenient way to get nutrients into your body, some contain high levels of caffeine and other stimulants that pass through breast milk.
When enjoyed to fill nutritional diet gaps, a good, high-quality greens powder can significantly help ensure your body gets what it needs. Convenient for those with busy lifestyles, they offer a quick source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients. What’s more, greens powders are highly cost-effective and usually cost around 46p to £3.23 per portion, depending on how much you buy (bulk purchases help you spread the cost across the shakes).
If you’re still asking, “Are greens powders worth it?” the answer is that they could be for you if you’re looking to bridge some nutritional gaps in your diet. Remember, however, you should be aiming to include whole foods in your diet and super greens are best enjoyed with a fit and active lifestyle.