In 2023, there are many ways to get your greens. You could throw some veggies into your morning smoothie, stop by a salad bar on your lunch break, or opt for a scoop of greens powder. The latter is certainly the trendiest means to support that inside-out wellness approach—but what exactly can they do in your diet?
It’s not uncommon to see formulas by Athletic Greens or Sakara stocking the pantry of the wellness-obsessed—many of its users claim that the leafy elixirs are the secret to looking and feeling good. Is it a fad, or can the best greens powder actually make a difference in our overall health? Here, two acclaimed nutritionists, plus two brand founders leading the supplement charge, explain the benefits of greens powders with some helpful guidance on choosing the best for you.
What are greens powders and why are they so beneficial?
Sakara’s coveted greens powder supports the brand’s philosophy that greens should be featured in every single meal. Danielle DuBoise, certified holistic health coach, nutritionist, and founder of Sakara, notes that the standard American diet under-delivers an adequate amount of daily greens. “They are critical for promoting beneficial bacteria in the gut, providing essential minerals and antioxidants and sulfurous compounds that bind to toxins and help the body eliminate them,” she says, citing research on how greens can support not only natural detoxification but modulation of oxidative stress—plus an array of physical health benefits.
Think of greens supplements as powdered fruit and vegetable blends. According to celebrity nutritionist Dr. Charles Passler, these can be an easy way to add nutrients and minerals that might be missing from your diet. “While getting your nutrients from real whole foods is always ideal, receiving all the desired nutrients from food alone has become increasingly difficult,” he says. “Green supplements can work in a real way to deliver nutrients a person may be lacking.”
What to Look for in a Greens Powder
Experts explain that the best greens powders include leafy greens like spinach, kale, and parsley, vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage, alongside wheatgrass, barley grass, spirulina, and chlorella. “A good greens powder is going to be free of artificial dyes, additives, thickening agents, and genetically modified ingredients,” Passler explains. Celebrity nutritionist Oz Garcia, echoes this and further advises choosing supplements backed by science and research. For example, Athletic Greens’s AGI uses the NSF for Sport certification to test and verify each batch of the cult-favorite powder. “Supplements are not strictly regulated in the U.S., so it’s important for people to make sure they’re seeking out products that come from a vetted brand, and that have been tested and certified by a third-party organization,” says president of Athletic Greens Kat Cole. That being said, consider how brands are sourcing and manufacturing their blends before buying.
Who can benefit from greens powders?
Passler believes that today, everyone could benefit from increasing the amount of greens in their diet. “We all face exogenous and endogenous toxins each day that are impossible to avoid (think air, water, etc.), so supporting our gut health and detox pathways is critical to our health and longevity,” Cole adds.
Ready to incorporate a green powder into your diet? Read on to discover the best supplements to consider.
How to Take Greens Powder
Instructions certainly vary by formula, but in general, taking a green powder can be as simple as mixing a scoop in with water. However, if taste is a factor, you’ll likely want to explore other recipes. Passler suggests “blending your green powder with ice, unsweetened almond milk, and fresh berries for a more enjoyable experience.”
This article was originally published in Vogue UK.
