It’s one of the best-known rules for a healthy life and … one of the least-followed: Eat lots of vegetables.
For many reasons — taste preferences, time pressures and budget constraints — getting enough vegetables can be a challenge. So if your idea of misery involves a plate of cabbage and beets, the trendy greens powders veggie supplements may look alluring. And sales are growing fast as American consumers search for the next easy fix.
“They’re especially appealing to those among us who don’t care for the flavors or textures of greens and other vegetables,” said Sara Parrish, a wellness dietitian at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center’s Team Member Fitness Center. “People are also attracted by the idea of convenience — getting their veggies by simply adding a powder to their morning smoothie.”
In addition to delivering a daily dose of fruits and veg, many of these supplements also claim to enhance immunity, aid in detoxification, heal the gut and boost energy. But do they deliver on their promises?
On that front, there’s relatively little research back up health claims of these unregulated powders. They can also be expensive.
To help you decide if greens powders are right for you, we asked Parrish — who provides wellness programming and one-on-one nutrition counseling for Novant team members and their dependents — about potential benefits and risks. Read on for her answers, and don’t miss her great tips for easily adding more fresh produce to your day.
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What’s in greens powders?
The ingredients vary from brand to brand, but most powdered greens are made from a variety of freeze-dried, ground vegetables and fruits, which often include:
- Broccoli, beets, carrots and other vegetables.
- Greens like kale, spinach, collard greens.
- Grasses, including wheatgrass, barley grass, alfalfa.
- Various types of seaweeds.
- High-antioxidant fruits, like blueberries.
Some products are also fortified with vitamins and minerals and may include probiotics and prebiotics in an effort to promote gut health.
In terms of flavor, they have an earthy or grassy taste that some people may find a bit bitter. Some brands emphasize milder vegetables, include more fruit or add a sweetener like stevia in an effort to improve the taste. Nevertheless, most people prefer to blend greens powders into a morning smoothie (check out the recipe below) or flavorful dishes like chili to conceal their flavor.