Daily Greens Powder – Is It Necessary?
I rarely advocate for daily vitamin supplements for clients unless they exhibit a specific deficiency. Most products, like multivitamins, contain a little bit of everything without sufficient amounts to make a substantial impact—what we term a therapeutic dose.
However, I have recently been reconsidering the use of a daily greens powder. These products have significantly improved in terms of quality and taste. Unlike earlier versions that tasted like consuming bitter grass or cow food, the current offerings on the market showcase a considerable amount of research and nutritional science in their ingredient combinations.
What is a Greens Powder?
Simply put, it is exactly what it sounds like – a green powder that comes in a tub. You add water to a scoop full and drink it. Greens powders typically comprise 25-40 or more ingredients, including seaweed, leafy greens, grasses, fruits and vegetables, nutritional extracts like green tea, prebiotic fibres, and digestive enzymes.
Potential Benefits
While health claims abound, such as boosting immunity, improving energy, and lowering blood pressure, the scientific evidence is not definitive. Anecdotally, clients who consume a daily greens powder report a reduction in the frequency of colds and flus. Greens powders are low in calories and contain essential vitamins and minerals supporting health, including chromium, selenium, iodine, and vitamins A, C, and K, along with antioxidants.
To Take or Not to Take?
On balance, I believe a daily greens powder is a good idea—not necessarily for specific health benefits, but to bridge the nutritional gap that may exist due to an inadequate diet. In our hectic modern lives, achieving optimal intake through the recommended 2 servings of fruit and 5 servings of vegetables per day isn’t always feasible. Green powder can help fill that gap. Various brands, such as Vital Greens, Nature’s Way, and Athletic Greens (AG1), are available, but choice should factor in cost, as prices vary widely.
Warning!!
A greens powder is not a meal replacement, lacking sufficient nutrition, especially protein, for such use. It cannot substitute real food, including the daily intake of fruits and vegetables. Ingredient compositions can vary significantly, so it’s crucial to read the ingredient list and ensure the product’s website commits to quality control. There have been reported concerns about contamination with heavy metals such as lead. Additionally, due to the high level of Vitamin K, individuals on blood thinners like warfarin are advised against consuming greens powder.