What Are The Best Greens Powders?
There are no magic bullets when it comes to improving your health, but there are certain dietary tools that can give you a boost. And one of those tools is greens powders.
Greens powders are a convenient way to consume all the nutrients your body needs without having to eat pounds of salad every day. From spirulina and wheatgrass to kale and spinach, greens powders come packed with a strong nutritional punch that can have all sorts of benefits for your health, including improved digestion, increased energy levels, and reduced inflammation.
But just a quick Google search will reveal that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of different greens powders on the market. So, how do you know which one is right for you?
Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. But there are a few factors you can keep in mind that will help you choose the best greens powder for your needs.
What are greens powders?
Greens powders are made from dehydrated, pulverized vegetables and fruits that are dried and ground into a powder form. They usually come in different flavors and can be mixed with water or juice to make a nourishing drink.
While the ingredients can vary, they typically contain a blend of nutrient-rich greens (like spinach, kale, collards, and parsley), fruits (like blueberries, raspberries, goji, and acai berries), and other veggies and grasses. Most greens powders also contain a blend of probiotics and enzymes to improve digestion and absorption, as well as other hearty elements like chlorella and spirulina.
Greens are super-concentrated—just one scoop can give you the nutritional equivalent of several servings of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Drinking this supplement regularly can help improve your overall health, energy levels, and immunity. Here's the full list of benefits that greens powders can offer:
- Improved digestion and regularity
- Increased energy levels
- Reduced inflammation
- Detoxification and improved liver function
- Lower blood pressure
- Better circulation
- Stronger immune system
- Clearer skin
How do I choose a green powder?
Selecting a high-quality greens powder comes down to three main factors: the nutritional profile, third-party testing and certification, and taste.
Nutritional profile
It's easy to make the assumption that every greens powder is healthy—after all, they all contain veggies, right? But the truth is, there can be a big difference in terms of the nutritional profile from one powder to the next.
Many greens powders on the market are loaded with sugar, which can offset any health benefits you might gain from the other ingredients. Look for powders that contain no added sugars and instead offer a wide variety of nutrient-rich greens, fruits, and veggies. The more, the better.
Also, keep in mind that certain ingredients offer specific benefits, so it's a good idea to choose powders that best align with your wellness goals. For example, if you're looking to improve digestion, choose a powder that contains probiotics and enzymes. But if you need a daily energy boost, choose one with green tea extract or caffeine.
Third-Party Testing and Certification
When it comes to supplements, quality control is everything. Supplements and powders are not regulated, so it’s crucial to find a greens powder that has been third-party tested and certified for purity and potency.
Third-party testing is when an independent organization tests a product to verify that it meets certain standards. This type of testing is essential because it helps to ensure that supplements contain the ingredients they're supposed to—and nothing they're not.
There are several reputable organizations that offer third-party testing and certification, including:
- NSF International
- Informed Choice
- USP
By choosing a greens powder that has been third-party tested and certified, you can be sure you're getting a high-quality product.
Taste
Greens powders don't have the best reputation when it comes to taste. But there have been some significant improvements in recent years, and many brands now offer a wide variety of flavors to choose from.
When it comes to taste, it's really a matter of personal preference. Some people like their greens powder to be sweet, while others prefer a more earthy flavor.
If you're unsure about how a particular greens powder will taste, check out online reviews or look for samples before you commit to a purchase. Remember: you can always mix greens powers with other foods to make them taste better.
What are the best greens powders?
Figuring out the best greens powder for you is all about preference. Consider what you want to get out of taking this supplement, and then find one that meets your specific needs.
However, there are a few elements that all the best greens powders have in common:
- A range of high-quality ingredients: They're loaded with nutrient-rich greens, fruits, grasses, seaweeds, veggies, enzymes, and probiotics. If they have more food than you would ever be able to eat in a day, chances are it's a good powder.
- Low sugar content: The best greens powders contain no added sugar. This helps to ensure that you're getting the most nutritional bang for your buck.
- Thoroughly third-party tested and certified: This guarantees that the powder you're taking is pure and potent.
- A variety of flavors: The best greens powders come in a range of delicious flavors, so you can always find one that suits your taste.
- A strong mission statement: The best companies have a strong commitment to quality and sustainability. They use organic ingredients whenever possible and avoid fillers and artificial ingredients.
- Accessible: The best companies make it easy for you to get your hands on their products. They offer convenient packaging options and are easy to find at your local store or online.
To sum it up
Just like all supplements and food items, it's crucial to do your research before you buy a greens powder. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to try to figure out which one is right for you.
But by keeping an eye out for quality ingredients, no added sugars, third-party testing and certification, and a strong mission statement, you can be sure you're getting the best possible product for your needs. If you're unsure of where to start, consider Cardiff's Essential Superfoods Prebiotic & Probiotic blend with greens and antioxidants which ticks all the boxes.