We've been told countless times throughout our lives about the importance of concerning enough fruits and veggies.
After all, fruits and vegetables are packed with fiber, essential vitamins and minerals, and essential polyphenols that possess a wide range of valuable activities (e.g., antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, etc.).
Unfortunately, due to a combination of today's constant on-the-go nature and the general lack of enthusiasm that most people have towards vegetables (especially dark green varieties like spinach and kale), a significant portion of the population isn't getting enough plant foods.
Greens and reds superfood supplements are created to help you increase your daily vegetable intake.
No doubt you've seen greens powders available in the grocery store, as well as an endless stream of super greens powder advertisements online.
But, do they do anything, and are they even worth considering?
Let’s discuss.
What Are Super Greens?
As the name implies, super greens are dietary supplements made using dehydrated and pulverized plant foods, mainly green foods.
Something important to remember is that while these products may be called super "greens" very frequently (almost always), they will also contain other assorted fruits and vegetables red, blue, yellow, and/or purple.
This is because while greens are micro nutritional powerhouses, other plant foods are also rich in key vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and polyphenols.
Plus, let’s be honest, powdered greens can taste like leftover grass clippings when eaten on their own.
Adding in some other dehydrated plant foods and some sweeteners can do wonders to improve the palatability of the product, which ultimately helps individuals make sure they consume it each day.
Each green product that you see on the shelf will be slightly different, but generally speaking, they'll contain a mix of the following plant foods:
- Kale
- Spinach
- Spirulina
- Chlorella
- Barley Grass
- Broccoli
- Beets
- Cabbage
- Sweet Potato
- Blueberry
- Strawberry
- Pineapple
- Cherry
- Pomegranate
Given the rise in popularity of greens supplements, many companies have also begun to add other beneficial supplements to them, such as probiotics, prebiotic fiber, mushrooms, adaptogens, and/or digestive enzymes.
The end goal is to provide a dietary supplement that offers quality nutrition to support active individuals performing, recovering, and feeling better.
Potential Health Benefits of Greens Powders
Supports Immune Function
As we mentioned before, plant foods contain countless vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, and antioxidants that support health, wellness, and performance when combined with proper diet and exercise.
For instance, many fruits and vegetables are high in vitamin C, supporting the immune system and antioxidant function.[1]
Prebiotic fiber and probiotics support gut health, which plays a key role in nutrient absorption and immune function.
Supports Cardiovascular Health
Many of the plant foods included in super greens supplements, such as grapes, blueberries, or cherries, contain important polyphenols (such as anthocyanins) that have been found to support nitric oxide production and blood flow.[4]
Supports Detoxification
Chlorophyll is what gives plants their vibrant green color.
But did you know that chlorophyll and its related compounds can activate a whole host of endogenous antioxidant enzymes that help combat free radicals and oxidative stress?
Chlorophyll also supports detoxification by helping to eliminate heavy metals and other harmful compounds.
Increased Energy
The micronutrients found in plant foods play a key role in helping the body produce ATP -- the cellular currency of energy production. Not getting enough of these key nutrients can impair the body’s natural ability to produce energy, leading to feelings of lethargy and fatigue, not only during intense exercise but during regular parts of the day, too.
Supplementing with greens powders may help increase the intake of the essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, aiding ATP production and thereby greater energy levels throughout the day without the need for endless cups of coffee or energy drinks.
Who Can Use Super Greens Supplements?
Do you have trouble eating enough fruits and veggies each day? Are you looking to augment your nutrient-rich plant foods intake further and increase your intake of important polyphenols and antioxidants?
Then, we’re happy to say that you’re an ideal candidate for super greens supplements.
And really, just about everyone out there can benefit from super greens products. You don’t have to be a powerlifter, physique competitor, or weekend warrior to use or benefit from greens products!
Super greens supplements aren't just about improving your 1-rep max or time trial performance. It's about supporting the body down at the cellular level to combat oxidative stress and inflammation and promote cardiovascular health.
Which Green Powder Supplement Is Right for Me?
We know there’s a lot of green powder supplements on the market, which can make it rather difficult to find a quality option.
As with pre-workouts, protein powders, and just about any other dietary supplement, there are better options than others. But, how is the average individual supposed to figure this out?
Luckily, you don’t have to.
We’ve created an ultra-premium super greens supplement that’s not only packed with nutrition but also tastes great!
Steel Greens™ contains over a dozen superfoods along with digestive enzymes and probiotics to support total body health and wellness.
Part of what makes Steel Greens™ so great is its versatility. It can be taken any time of day, on its own, or blended into your smoothie or morning oatmeal.
With Steel Greens™, you no longer have to dread eating your greens. Dare we say that you'll look forward to having your daily serving of greens?!
References
- Carr AC, Maggini S. Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients. 2017 Nov 3;9(11):1211. doi: 10.3390/nu9111211. PMID: 29099763; PMCID: PMC5707683.
- Slavin J. Fiber and prebiotics: mechanisms and health benefits. Nutrients. 2013;5(4):1417-1435. Published 2013 Apr 22. doi:10.3390/nu5041417
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Probiotics-HealthProfessional/
- Barona J, Aristizabal JC, Blesso CN, Volek JS, Fernandez ML. Grape polyphenols reduce blood pressure and increase flow-mediated vasodilation in men with metabolic syndrome. J Nutr. 2012 Sep;142(9):1626-32. doi: 10.3945/jn.112.162743. Epub 2012 Jul 18. PMID: 22810991.
