Greens Vs. Superfoods: Which Is Which?

Many people are cautious about their overall health and wellness these days. If you are one of them, you must have heard about superfoods and greens. But do you know what they are? Why do you need them? How do they compare?

A good diet is key to healthy living besides exercise and other lifestyle changes. So dietary adjustments can be your first step to a healthier you. Let's discuss these two important dietary terms on every wellness enthusiast's tongue, so you can start your wellness journey informed!

What are Greens?

Simply put, greens are all those edible plant leaves ranging from kales to cabbage and broccoli. They are rich in nutrients, including minerals and fibers that aid digestion. They also contain carbohydrates and proteins but are often lower in fat and calories than many other foods. 

Research shows that green leafy vegetables frequently have bioactive substances like niacin, omega-3, fatty acids, flavonoids and others. Greens offer many health benefits, including a decreased risk for diseases like;

• Stroke
• Anemia
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes

The reduced risk of these diseases may be due to greens' antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. They might also enhance immunity, gut,  heart, bone, and skin health. 

You can eat greens as whole vegetables in your daily meals. But you may not have the luxury of getting enough of these if you travel a lot. Green powder could be a perfect option for you to enjoy green foods' benefits. 

What is Green Powder?

Green powders are a blend of different fruits and vegetables that have been dried and powdered into an easy-to-take form. These offer a little more protection while improving your diet and the nutritional content of your meals.

While green vegetables are the main focus, many green powders include non-green vegetables such as root vegetables and fruits, mainly berries. This increases the number of antioxidants, phytochemicals, vitamins, and minerals in the mixture and can also enhance flavor.

Greens powder is a nutritional supplement that can help you get the recommended daily amount of greens, vitamins, and minerals. The following are typical components of greens powder:

• Green leaves
• Various vegetables
• Seaweed
• Fruits high in antioxidants
• Probiotics
• Herbs
• Organic extracts
• Grasses

 

Adults need about four to five servings of vegetables daily. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  reports that hardly one in ten Americans achieves these targets. Powdered greens could be helpful to fill up the deficit. 

Water, smoothies, or juices are the most popular ways to consume greens powder. These dietary powders are vegan and created with organic, non-genetically modified ingredients.

What are Superfoods?

Superfoods are unprocessed, natural foods that provide the most nutritional value for the fewest calories. They include a wealth of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Superfoods improve your health by boosting your immune system and reducing your risk of getting sick. 

Although each superfood has a different set of nutritional benefits, they are frequently connected to the prevention of diseases like;

• Heart disease 
• Cancer
• Arthritis 
• Stroke

Superfoods don't have the ultimate cure. Many people have inflated expectations of these foods, believing they can shield them from chronic illnesses and other health issues. Adding some of these nutrient-dense foods to a poor diet doesn't help. Some everyday superfoods include;

• Goji berries
• Beetroot 
• Ginger
• Pomegranates
• Green tea

Superfoods use should be a part of a healthy, balanced diet for you to reap the benefits. You can include them as whole foods in your daily meal or get supplements with some of them as ingredients.

What Is The Difference Between Greens and Superfoods?

Some greens are superfoods, or should we say some superfoods are greens? The main difference between these two is that greens are basically green leafy plant-based nutritious foods.

On the other hand, superfoods can be any highly nutritious food with low calories. It includes foods from both plants and animals. Besides roots like ginger and fruits like berries, fish and eggs are also considered superfoods. 

Let's compare and contrast the two based on the following aspects:

Nutritional Value

All leafy greens offer the same types of nutrients only in different amounts. A substantial source of nourishment is found in dark green leafy veggies. Vitamins A, C, E, and K are abundant in salad greens, kale, spinach, and mustard, while several B vitamins are also abundant in broccoli and mustard.

Superfoods, on the other hand, are foods that provide remarkable health advantages that go over and above what you'd anticipate. Their nutritional composition can be diverse depending on the specific superfood. 

For example, ginger contains Magnesium, potassium, and vitamin C, while green tea has a lot of catechins. Catechin is an antioxidant with anti-carcinogenic qualities that helps shield your cells from oxidative stress.

Health Benefits

Since most greens contain almost similar nutrients, they can help promote your general body health. They benefit you from your bones to lungs and especially your gut health, thanks to the rich fiber content and antioxidant properties.

However, you can choose a superfood depending on your specific health needs. You can't be simply on a superfood diet without a specific dietary objective. For instance, cinnamon lowers cholesterol, blood sugar, and inflammation, while goji berries help maintain healthy blood sugar levels, improve clear vision, and slow the aging process. 

What Are The Similarities

Both superfoods and greens are essential for a healthy diet. Most superfoods, including leafy greens, have detoxification properties and high fiber content, promoting overall digestive health.

You boost your immunity by focusing on superfoods or leafy greens only in your diet. This means both foods lower your chances of getting sick. But remember, neither powdered superfoods nor greens can be a complete substitute for a balanced diet. They are best used as a nutritional supplement, not a substitute.

Incorporate Greens and Superfoods Into Your Diet Today!

Now that you know about greens and superfoods, you are all set. It would be best to consume greens and superfoods daily due to their many health benefits. You'll prolong your life as well as strengthen your immune system. 

Cardiff is packed with all the essential superfoods and greens to keep you all-around healthy. Try Cardiff Essential Superfoods Pre & Probiotic Blend to get your daily greens and additional superfoods.