Raise your hands if you’ve been consuming enough greens. Nobody? Well, what kind of supplement retailer would we be if we didn’t have the solution for you?
Greens Powders!
Did you know that according to data from the 2020-21 National Health Survey (NHS), about 9 in 10 (91%) of Australian adults didn't consume the recommended number of serves of vegetables (96% in men, 87% in women)? Plus, 55% didn’t consume the recommended number of serves of fruit (59% in men, 52% in women) (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2022).
If you can find yourself in that margin, it’s time to change your diet. Consuming enough greens is pivotal to your health, so if you’re working hard in the gym and trying to take care of your body, don’t overlook the value of greens.
Greens and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals and fibre while remaining low in calories. A greens-rich diet can offer a range of benefits, helping to reduce the risk of weight gain, high blood pressure, and mental decline (Enloe, A. 2018).
Greens powders can spike your intake, helping you reach your recommended daily intake of vitamins and minerals that fruits and vegetables can offer. Greens powders can support your immune, mental, digestive, and gut health.
So, what are Greens Powders?
You can probably take a good guess, but we’ll get into the gritty details for you.
Greens powders are supplements that can help you boost your body’s immunity, energy, detoxification and gut health. What are they made of? Well, they usually contain around 25-40 different ingredients like:
- Leafy greens (spinach, kale and parsley)
- Seaweed (spirulina and kelp)
- Vegetables (broccoli, carrots and cabbage)
- Grasses (barley and wheatgrass)
- High-antioxidant fruits (blueberries, raspberries and acai berries)
- Nutritional extracts (green tea extract and grape seed extract)
- Plant-based digestive enzymes (amylase, cellulase, lipase)
- Herbs (holy basil and echinacea)
- Mushrooms (maitake mushroom and shitake mushroom extract)
- Extra fibre (rice bran, inulin and apple fibre)
These ingredients are usually dried and ground into powder and are mostly organic and vegan-friendly (McCulloch, M. 2018).
Greens powders will normally contain prebiotics, which are specialised plant fibres that promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. They also often include probiotics that can add to the population of healthy microbes in the gut (Mayo Clinic. 2021).
Which one should I choose?
Ultimately, that will depend on your goals, but we’ve put together an easy list for you with the best greens supplements to support you in 2023!
Evolve Green Machine
You won’t find many better greens formulas than this! Evolve Green Machine is a complete and powerful formula that provides a full dosage of greens, including alfalfa grass, broccoli, kale, spinach, wheat grass powder and more. It also harnesses a ProDURA bacillus coagulans probiotic that promotes intestinal and gut health.
This formula contains a multivitamin and mineral complex that includes vitamin A, B vitamins, Magnesium, Zinc, Calcium, and more to support immune function, muscle recovery, energy and overall well-being. Green Machine is entirely plant-based, gluten-free, and gentle on your gut.
Red Dragon Greens Gut + Immunity
Red Dragon has created an advanced gut health and immunity formula that contains reds, greens, and antioxidants. Greens Gut + Immunity contains Arabinogalactan, LactoSpore, Digezyme, and probiotics to optimise the balance of your gut flora and aid in healthy digestion.
This blend targets immunity in addition to gut health, harbouring CellCharge, Echinacea, and Picorrhiza to improve your energy, mood, liver health and immune system health. This formula offers key vitamins and nutrients to support your body and contains fermented Glutamine to support your gut microbiome and aid in weight loss.
White Wolf Greens Gut Health & Immunity
Greens formulas are excellent for your gut health, and White Wolf has made a point of procuring an effective greens formula that emphasises gut health and immunity. White Wolf Greens + Gut Health & Immunity has incorporated a blend of anti-parasitic essential oils with gut-supporting organic whole foods to boost your nutrient absorption and enhance your gut health.
Citrus Bioflavonoid, Bromelain, Quercetin, and Zinc Citrate offer anti-inflammatory benefits, while LactoSpore, N-Acetyl Glucosamine and other ingredients contribute prebiotic and probiotic support. Larch Arabinogalactan can promote increased intestinal bacteria, while oils like thyme, oregano, clove and peppermint can offer anti-microbial assistance.
Vitality Switch
If you’re looking for a formula that is boosted with a collagen-boosting blend to support your natural collagen production, Vitality Switch has you covered. This award-winning antioxidant blend contains 35 ingredients and 5 blends that support your immune function and gut health. This blend uses sustainably-farmed greens, so you know you’re only consuming the cleanest ingredients, and it contains a digestive enzyme blend to help you break down and absorb nutrients.
Vitality Switch contains a specifically-selected 3-strain heat-stable probiotic blend to support your stomach, while an organic polyphenolic blend offers over 70 minerals, amino acids, and organic acids that help your body.
PranaON Super Greens
PranaON has a greens formula designed to help you revitalise your inner health and boost your immunity. Super Greens inner health contains 7 sources of greens from potent sprouts, grasses, and algae to support your well-being. This blend is antioxidant-rich, with spirulina and chlorella, on top of gut-friendly digestive enzymes to provide you with a healthy dose of daily greens.
This organic formula is easy to digest and absorb, contains GMO-free ingredients and is blended with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to detoxify your body and replenish your energy.
So, that’s greens
Greens formulas can play a vital role in boosting your gut health, digestive health, inner health, and overall well-being. They’re easy to mix, quick to prepare, and refreshing in flavour.
Make daily greens your late New Years' resolution and take your immune health to the next level.
If this blog hasn’t helped you enough, and you need a few more pointers to choose the best greens formula for you, head in-store or contact us online, and our friendly team can help you find the perfect greens formula to rejuvenate your inner health. You can also book a FREE 15-minute consultation with our team of nutritional supplement experts, who can help you find the right products for you!
Stay FIT!
FAQs about Greens Powders:
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Are greens powders worth it?
As we all strive to live a healthier lifestyle, greens powders have become increasingly popular. But are they really worth it? Greens powder is a supplement that contains a blend of nutrient-rich green vegetables, fruits and sometimes added protein and fibre. It is vital to note that greens powders should not be used as a substitute for proper nutrition from whole foods. However, they can be a helpful addition to a healthy diet for those struggling to meet their daily recommended vegetable intake. These supplements can help you achieve your vitamin and mineral RDI while supporting immune function, gut health, and energy levels (Paul, D. 2022).
Paul, D. 2022, ‘Greens Powder: Are there Health Benefits?’ WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/diet/greens-powder-are-there-health-benefits
If you want to learn more about greens powders, check out our blog on the Best Greens Powders In Australia.
2. Do greens powders work?
Greens powders contain a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants derived from leafy greens, superfoods, and fruits that can help to improve digestion, boost energy, and support overall wellness. Greens powders can complement a healthy lifestyle by delivering concentrated nutrients, aiding in detoxification, and reducing inflammation. Greens powders are bioavailable and can improve the concentrations of vitamins C and E, as well as antioxidants. They may also support improved focus and cognitive function and may reduce inflammatory markers (Fundaro, G. 2023).
Fundaro, G. 2023, ‘So… Do Greens Powders Actually Work? Here’s What The Science Says’, BarBend, https://barbend.com/greens-powders/
3. What is the best greens powder?
Among the best greens powders at FIT Nutrition, you will find White Wolf Greens Gut Health and Immunity, which supports gut repair, offers prebiotic and probiotic support and contains an anti-inflammatory blend.
Evolve Green Machine is another comprehensive greens formula that offers immune support, promotes connective tissue health and energy metabolism with a plant-based blueprint that contains 12.5g of active ingredients per serve.
4. When to take greens powder?
Unlike pre-workouts and other performance-specific supplements, the window to take greens powders is pretty flexible, as long as you keep it consistent. Most people choose to start their morning with greens, but it can also be taken in the afternoon to help you beat that midday slump. You may even choose to consume it in the evening to promote relaxation; the key factor is finding what works for you (Snell, R. 2023).
Snell, R. 2023, ‘When Should You Take Your Greens Powder?’ Unstoppabl, https://unstoppabl.com/blog/nutrition/when-to-take-greens-powder
5. What's in greens powders?
While each greens powder will follow a different blueprint, they generally follow the same core ingredients. As the name suggests, greens powders contain a mix of various green vegetables and superfoods that are packed with essential vitamins and nutrients. Think leafy greens like spinach and kale, as well as wheatgrass and spirulina. Some greens powders may also include additional ingredients like probiotics, digestive enzymes, and antioxidants. Additionally, these formulas contain fibre, herbs, high-antioxidant fruits and natural sugar alternatives (McCulloch, M. 2018).
McCulloch, M. 2018, ‘Super Greens: Are Greens Powders Health?’ Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/super-greens
6. Can I take greens powder while pregnant?
Greens powders should generally be safe during pregnancy, particularly because of their convenience and nutritional profile. While they are generally fine, it is important to check the nutritional panel in case any of them contain ingredients that aren’t suitable. For instance, some may contain herbs like ashwagandha, which is not recommended during pregnancy. The best greens powders contain nutrient-rich plants that are important for pregnancy and avoid harmful ingredients (Ryan Snell. 2023). But with any supplement, it is best to check with your trusted healthcare professional before use.
Ryan Snell. 2023, ‘Best Greens Powders for Pregnancy: Top Picks for Mothers-to-be’, Unstoppabl, https://unstoppabl.com/blog/nutrition/best-greens-powder-for-pregnancy#:~:text=Yes!,based%20on%20your%20individual%20needs.
References
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2022, ‘Diet’, Australian Government, accessed 6 January 2023, https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/diet
Enloe, A. 2018, ‘The 13 Healthiest Leafy Green Vegetables’, Healthline, accessed 6 January 2023, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/leafy-green-vegetables
McCulloch, M. 2018, ‘Super Greens: Are Greens Powders Healthy?’ Healthline, accessed 6 January 2023, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/super-greens
Mayo Clinic Staff. 2021, ‘Prebiotics, probiotics and your health’, Mayo Clinic, accessed 6 January 2023, https://www.mayoclinic.org/prebiotics-probiotics-and-your-health/art-20390058#:~:text=Prebiotics%20are%20specialized%20plant%20fibers,as%20fiber%20and%20resistant%20starch