Just adding a serving of a quality greens supplement powder may help flood your body with vital nutrients
Green certainly is the new black when it comes to what’s in vogue in the wellness world. Green smoothies, kale salads, avocado with everything, and – yep, you guessed it – green powders that promise super health promoting effects just from taking 1-2 teaspoons a day.
So can adding a greens powder to your daily regime really supercharge your health? “A green powder supplement is like a multivitamin on steroids,” nutritionist Teresa Boyce told Body and Soul. “They offer you all the vitamins and minerals of a multi but with added nutrients such as probiotics, prebiotics, detoxification nutrients and disease-protective antioxidants.” So in a nutshell, yes, regular us of a greens supplement can certainly be worthwhile.
How it works
Green powder supplements are usually made of freeze-dried nutritious foods, such as vegetables, sprouts, grasses and algae, plus an array of ingredients such as trace minerals, digestive enzymes and cultured beneficial bacteria. This provides a very concentrated serve of vital ingredients that our bodies need every day in a conveniently small serving size. Basically, you can get in a lot more of the good stuff by taking a greens powder since it allows you to ingest higher quantities than you could eat if it was in the form of fresh produce.
Make sure it contains algae
Green algae such as spirulina and chlorella are key ingredients you should look for when choosing a greens supplement, with research backing up the positive impact these foods have on our health. A 2009 Japanese study found that chlorella could be an effective tool in combating serious lifestyle diseases. It was shown to reduce body-fat percentage and blood-glucose levels, as well as helping those suffering from type 2 diabetes, obesity or heart disease.
These algae-based foods are also bursting with vitamins, minerals and are exceptionally high in protein, boasting more per calorie than most other foods on the planet.
Choosing a quality greens powder
Not all greens supplements are created equal, so make sure you take a good look at the ingredients before making your purchase. You want to avoid ones that are bulked up with fruit powders such as apple, instead opting for supplements that are made up with majority of green vegetables and other low-sugar green foods, with a good variety of ingredients. Prebiotics, probiotics, enzymes and herbs are a great addition that can make a greens powder even more nutritious, so look out for these.
How to take it
It’s the latest nutrition essential and sounds ideal: mix two teaspoons a day into water, milk or non-acidic juice, drink and then rest assured that your body is getting the nutrients it needs.
Don’t skip the fresh produce!
Greens powders can be beneficial whether you have a healthy diet or not, but the aim should always be to use them to supplement a diet rich in fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, wholefood carbohydrates and lean protein.
Get the most out of it
Do your research; select a quality green powder with low sugar and a variety of nutrients. After that, it comes down to consistency. Take the recommended daily dose and make it part of your everyday routine to get the maximum benefit.
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