What To Know About Powdered Greens
Caroline Samuelsen
| 2 min read
Medically reviewed by Shanthi Appelo, MS, RD
Getting your daily fruits and vegetables in can be challenging. Only about 10% of American adults meet their daily vegetable needs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Powdered greens have become a popular trend to add fruits and vegetables into your diet through a blend of freeze-dried and ground fruits, vegetables and greens mixed with water or a smoothie.
Are powdered greens safe? Are they a good substitute for eating fruits and vegetables? Are there health benefits? Learn more about powdered greens and their benefits and drawbacks.
The contents of powdered greens can vary based on the brand, but most brands include:
- Leafy greens such as spinach and kale
- Fruits
- Vegetables such as broccoli
- Seaweed and algae such as spirulina
- Grasses such as alfalfa and wheatgrass
- Probiotics
- Herbs
The greens contain good sources of Vitamin C, calcium, iodine, selenium, chromium and potassium. Mixes can taste earthy or grassy, while some also contain sweeteners like stevia to manage flavor.
Are powdered greens good for you?
Powdered greens are generally safe to consume, per the Cleveland Clinic, but they are not a replacement for a healthy and nutritious diet. Greens don’t have the benefits of whole fruits and vegetables, which are rich in fiber. In the manufacturing process, powdered greens can lose nutritional content such as fiber.
If you’re traveling or struggling to eat enough fruits and vegetables, greens can be convenient, temporary source of nutrients. Powdered greens often have prebiotics and probiotics, which promote a healthy gut biome, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
While powdered greens can contain 100% of recommended vitamins and minerals, consuming excessive amounts of vitamins can cause minor discomfort like nausea to serious heart problems.
Research on the health benefits of greens is limited. Like all supplements, powdered greensand the claims brands make about them are not regulated by the U.S Food and Drug Administration. If you are buying a package, check to see if they have been tested by organizations such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) or USP to ensure the ingredient list is accurate.
Vitamins and supplements can interact with medications like blood thinners. Before adding supplements to your diet, talk to your doctor.
Related:
- Superfoods for Seniors and a Delicious Smoothie Recipe (ahealthiermichigan.org)
- 4 Easy Ways to Get More Vitamin C (ahealthiermichigan.org)
- Is There a Healthy Energy Drink? (ahealthiermichigan.org)
Image: Getty Images
