What Research Says About Super Green Powders?

There are so many types of dietary supplements on the market, each one seems to offer different claims to improve your health or your athletic performance. 

One of these products is green powder which is said to help provide one or more servings of vegetables. But is it really same as eating vegetables regularly? Is it worth investing in these products or is green powder a waste of money? Let us find out.

Green powders are plant-based supplements that are often added to water, smoothies, or other beverages to help you reach your daily recommended amounts of vegetables. Some people even mix them into homemade salad dressings, sauces, soups, or sprinkle them on top of different dishes.

They are usually made from a mixture of green vegetables, such as kale, spinach, other leafy vegetables, spirulina and other algae, or edible grasses. 

In addition, they usually include other plants such as mushrooms, beets, carrots, berries or tomatoes, as well as probiotics, digestive enzymes, natural sweeteners, spirits and extra fibre.

Most green powders claim many health benefits. These may include immune-boosting properties, antioxidants and other powerful plant compounds, the ability to improve your energy levels, or promote your body's natural detoxification process.

The plant-derived ingredients in the green powder are rich sources of antioxidants and polyphenolic plant compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties and can help neutralize free radicals.

The vegetable mix used in organic super greens powder is often a good source of micronutrients, such as vitamins A, K, and C. They also contain minerals such as selenium, chromium, iron, copper, and iodine, depending on what is used.

A 2011 study published in the International Journal of Molecular Science looked at the effects of taking 10 grams of the green powder daily for four weeks. Ten participants experienced an approximately one-third reduction in blood levels of oxidatively damaged protein, suggesting the antioxidant power of vegetables.

In another study, forty people with high BP took ten grams of green powder daily for three months. Subjects experienced an eight percent reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to no change in the control group.

Although many green powder plants contain beneficial vitamins and minerals, most scientific studies, especially on green powder, have been funded in part by product manufacturers.

There is also concern about possible contamination from green dust. An independent study by Consumer Labs found that four out of thirteen products tested were contaminated with dangerous levels of lead. 

One contained large amounts of arsenic and the other was contaminated with cadmium. With fresh fruits and vegetables, dangerous levels of these heavy metals are less likely to be consumed.

Also, while green powders often claim to increase energy levels, this may be due to the fact that many of them contain additional energy-boosting ingredients, such as green tea extract, caffeine, and catechin polyphenols.

Including a variety of fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts, and seeds in your overall healthy diet is the best way to get the nutrients you need for optimal health.

When you eat plants in their whole, raw form, you get all of their natural fiber, not the fiber compounds that are added to green powders after processing.

While they will never replace a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, green powders are a great choice for people on the go. Having one of these on hand can be helpful when you're traveling and fresh produce is hard to come by.