What are super greens?
![Super greens are a dietary supplement made from different types of greens that have usually been dried or dehydrated and ground into powder. The benefits of super greens powder include lower blood pressure, reduced risk of chronic disease, increased alkalinity, and extra nutrition for not many calories.](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/article/main_image/matcha-powder-bowl-whisk.jpg?output-quality=75)
Super greens powder is a supplement that’s been tackling an age-old battle: getting people to eat their greens.
We know the importance of eating enough fruits and veggies, but it can be a daily struggle. Fortunately, super greens can be a convenient way to reap the benefits of greens in a pinch.
Read on to learn more about greens powders, their benefits, and if they might be right for you.
Super greens are a variety of dietary supplement. This supplement label says it's composed of different types of greens, depending on the brand you buy. These greens have usually been dried or dehydrated and ground into powder. The powder is usually colored green. It's typically mixed with water or juice and consumed as a drink.
Most super greens products contain about 25 and up to 40 ingredients. They often combine everyday fruit and vegetables like apples and broccoli with less common ingredients like spirulina and chlorella.
Regardless of its content, super greens powder isn’t a substitute for real fruits and vegetables. Still, it can act as a type of nutritional insurance in your diet. Even if you don’t take it every day, it can be convenient to have on hand if you find yourself running a bit short on vitamins.
You can even find variations to fit your dietary needs, like vegan, soy-free, dairy-free, and non-GMO supplements.
What are super greens made of?
The composition of most super green blends on the market today contain the following ingredients:
Fruits and vegetables. This can include apples, lemon, carrot, sweet potato, broccoli, spinach, leek, beetroot, parsley, peach, mango, cabbage, and cranberry.
Antioxidants. Ingredients can include cinnamon bark powder, milk thistle, marigold extract, green tea extract, and heavily antioxidant berry extracts.
Greens. The greens category can include powder made from any nutrient-packed green vegetable. Some common inclusions are wheatgrass, barley grass, chlorella, alfalfa, oat grass, and dandelion.
Enzymes. Most super greens powders have an enzyme mix. These are meant to promote healthy digestion. Enzymes can come from animal or plant-based sources. If you’re on a vegan or vegetarian diet, make sure to do your research about the enzymes in a greens supplement before purchasing it.
Probiotics. Some greens supplements contain healthy bacteria, also known as probiotics. They promote efficient functioning of your gut.
Fiber. Different types of fiber are typically added to super greens blends. Rice bran and apple fiber, as examples, can aid digestion.Benefits of super greens
Being a convenient way to get your veggies and fruits in, super greens offer some significant health benefits affecting your:
Blood pressure. Incorporating a greens supplement into your diet can lower your blood pressure, as one study that took place over the course of 90 days demonstrated.
Risk of chronic diseases. According to at least one study, it’s possible the high level of antioxidants in super greens powder can reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases.
Alkalinity levels. Eating a plant-based supplement has been shown to reduce acid levels in urine, which can help prevent painful kidney stones.
Caloric intake. Eating or drinking super greens won’t increase your calorie intake by much. One serving of most powders on the market today will add about 30 to 50 calories to your diet.
Things to consider before taking super greens
It’s best to consult your healthcare provider before adding any supplement to your diet. They could give advice about what to watch out for in a greens powder or even recommend one.
Here are some factors they might advise you to consider:
Allergens. If you have allergies, make sure to read the product label before taking any supplement. Super greens powders have lots of ingredients, so take care to read the ingredients list thoroughly.
Conflicting medication. Some active plant compounds can interfere with medication or a medical condition. For example, taking a supplement with green tea extract may not be suitable for someone who needs to avoid caffeine. Green tea extract contains caffeine.
Additionally, vitamin K, which is present in some greens supplements, is known to interfere with blood thinning medication. Blood thinners are often taken by people with heart or blood circulation issues.
Can’t replace veggies. It might seem surprising that a greens supplement can’t take the place of fruits and vegetables, but whole produce has distinct nutritional advantages. For instance, you get water and fiber by eating fruits and veggies. Chewing them also helps your body and brain to process that you’re eating and promotes feelings of fullness.
Bloating from enzymes. It’s possible that certain digestive enzymes contained in super greens will cause stomach bloat when you start taking the supplement. This is just another reason to ask your doctor for their opinion before you start taking a new supplement.
Pregnancy. If you're pregnant you should talk to your doctor before taking any supplements. A daily prenatal vitamin is often recommended for pregnant people and has been shown to improve the outcome of a pregnancy.
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The American journal of clinical nutrition: "Efficacy of a green tea extract rich in catechin polyphenols and caffeine in increasing 24-h energy expenditure and fat oxidation in humans."
Greens+: "Organic Superfood Raw."
International journal of molecular sciences: "In vitro and in vivo antioxidant properties of the plant-based supplement greens+™.”
Johns Hopkins Medicine: "Digestive Enzymes and Digestive Enzyme Supplements," "Daily Multivitamin Improves Pregnancy Outcomes in South Asia, JAMA Study Suggests."
Journal of chiropractic medicine: "The effect of fruit and vegetable powder mix on hypertensive subjects: a pilot study."
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition: "Plant based dietary supplement increases urinary pH."
Mount Sinai: "Urine pH test."
Natural Healthy Concepts: "Biopharma NanoGreens 10."
NIH: "Vitamin K."
Physiology & behavior: "Effects of chewing on appetite, food intake and gut hormones: A systematic review and meta-analysis."
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