The Best Greens: How to Identify Powerful Greens Powder

Caya KerkhofOrthomolecular Advisor23 august 20244 min. reading time

Green powders, also known as greens, are likely not new to you. They offer an easy way to supplement your daily intake of vegetables and nutrients, especially if you have a busy lifestyle or simply don't always fancy a plate full of vegetables. Whether you're aiming for a healthier diet or looking to improve your health in other ways, greens can assist you. With greens powder, you can easily add extra vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to your diet. It's a quick solution for those who struggle to eat enough vegetables daily.

However, not all greens powders are created equal. How do you identify the best greens powders? In this blog, you'll learn exactly what to look for.

What are Greens?

Greens are concentrated powders made from dried and ground vegetables, algae, grasses, and other nutrient-rich green superfoods. Often, you'll find a mix of various ingredients in greens, such as spirulina, chlorella, barley grass, green tea, and various vegetable and fruit extracts.

These superfoods have long been used for their benefits, but in powder form, they are very convenient for daily use. Do remember that greens are always a supplement to your diet and not a replacement for meals.

Want to know more? Read everything about greens here.

What is the Difference with a Multivitamin?

You might think greens are quite similar to a multivitamin. What distinguishes greens from regular multivitamins is the natural origin of the nutrients. Since the ingredients are minimally processed, the nutrients are better preserved. This results in a product that is closer to nature. Additionally, greens contain complete powders with a variety of vitamins and minerals rather than a single added vitamin.

An example of this is barley grass. This is a young, green shoot of the barley plant (Hordeum vulgare). The beauty of this is that it contains vitamins like A, C, and K and minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

Another great example is spinach powder, made from dried and ground spinach leaves. It ensures that most of the nutrients of fresh spinach, including vitamins (A, C, K, and folic acid), minerals (iron, calcium, magnesium), and antioxidants, are retained.

What are Greens Good For?

Greens powder is not just a trend. The green powder offers various benefits that can help you work on your health:

Immune System Support: The high concentrations of vitamins like vitamin C (from various natural vegetable and fruit powders) support the immune system and activate the natural energy in your body.
Natural Detoxification: Ingredients like chlorella contribute to the maintenance of normal liver function.*
* Claims pending approval by the European Commission.
Digestive Support: Many greens contain fibres (such as rye, sugar beet, oat grain, barley grain fibres) that are beneficial for bowel function.

How to Find the Best Greens: 4 Things to Look For

The supplements might seem overwhelming. So many providers, so many types of greens. It's important to realise that not all greens powders are equal. Some greens contain many fillers or have low bioavailability. This means you benefit less from the nutrients. Therefore, it's important to know what to look for when choosing a greens powder.

Here's a checklist to identify the best greens:

Quality of Ingredients: Check if the powder contains only pure ingredients without additives. Examine the ingredient list for fillers like maltodextrin, sugars, or artificial additives. If these are at the top of the list, it means they are present in larger amounts. This is a sign that the product contains less concentrated nutrients. The fewer unnecessary additives, the better. This ensures you only get the nutrients that support your health.
Absorbability: Some powders contain ingredients like black pepper extract (bioperine) to enhance nutrient absorption or certain fibres and enzymes that support digestion. This is a good sign of a quality product, as it shows that the manufacturer has considered the bioavailability and absorbability of the nutrients.
Patented Ingredients: Check if the powder contains certain ingredients that are patented for a reason. Patented nutrients are tested for efficacy and meet all quality standards. Digezyme® is an example of a unique, patented blend of 5 specific enzymes.
Reviews and Recommendations: Read what others say about the product. Good reviews and recommendations from others can help you make an informed choice.

How to Combine Your Greens

Want to take your greens drink to the next level? Combine your greens drink with collagen powder or protein powder. Collagen enhances your skin from within, and proteins contribute to muscle growth. By combining smartly, you can provide your body with the exact support it needs.

Try this recipe for a power smoothie. This smoothie is not only nutritious but also deliciously refreshing and easy to make.

You'll need:

1 scoop of greens powder
1 scoop of collagen powder
1 banana
250 ml (almond) milk
Handful of spinach
1 tablespoon of chia or hemp seeds

How to make it: Blend everything in a blender until smooth, and enjoy!

Buying Greens? What to Look For

There are many greens on the market, but not all are equally good. Here are 3 tips to choose a good product:

Dosage: Ensure the powder contains a high dosage of the ingredients you find most important. Always read the label to see how much of each ingredient is in the powder.
Synergistic Ingredients: Look for powders that combine multiple ingredients for broader nutrient coverage. If these ingredients work well together, they enhance each other's effects, making the product more effective than taking the ingredients separately. This is called synergy.
Flavours and Texture: Since you'll be using the powder regularly, it's important that it tastes good. You might need some time to get used to the taste of greens, so give yourself time to get acquainted with the new flavour. Some greens powders can taste bitter or "green". Try a few different brands until you find one you like.

Good to Know

Greens powders are a great addition to your daily routine, but it's important to choose a high-quality product. Pay attention to the ingredients, absorbability, and any additives.

Looking for the best greens? Check out our range at Vitaminstore.nl and discover which one suits you best. Have questions? Our Health Coaches are ready to help you make the right choice.