Vegetables: “Vegetables in green powders should not compete with eating fresh vegetables, although [they allow you] to get nutrition that may be missed out on when you are short on time or skip meals,” Garcia notes. Vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals (think: potassium, vitamin K, fiber, folate and vitamin C) that boast benefits from lowering inflammation to improving skin.
Fruits: “Fruits are better eaten fresh, although sometimes its hard to get in enough servings,” he admits. “These powders are also a way to sneak in fruit and vegetables for kids.” Remember: fruits are excellent sources of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants like vitamin C.
Seaweed: Many greens powders will likely feature seaweeds and algaes like spirulina or chlorella, as “seaweed is high in iodine, which is an essential nutrient, particularly for thyroid health,” Garcia explains.
Pre & Probiotics: “Pre- and probiotics are critical for a healthy gut microbiome,” he details. So, a greens powder that features this ingredient means it can not only fill nutrient gaps, but support healthy digestion.
Should you take greens powders daily?
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.
“Most people can take [greens powders] daily with the exception of those with hypothyroidism,” says Garcia. “Some vegetables, especially the cruciferous ones like kale, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, and bok choy can inhibit thyroid function when consumed in excess (not on occassion.” All this to say, yes, most can benefit from taking greens powders daily, but check with your physician as you would any other supplement.
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.”
How We Chose the Best Greens Powder
To choose the best greens powder, we compiled a list of the top-rated, editor-tested, and nutritionist-approved supplements. From there, we consulted our team of experts to share their guidance on what to look for in a greens powder, plus their honest opinions on the most sought-after formulas. Comparing this information with our personal trials, we were able to curate this edit.
Meet The Experts
- Kat Cole is the president and chief operating officer of Athletic Greens
- Danielle DuBoise is a certified holistic health coach, nutritionist, founder and co-CEO of Sakara.
- Oz Garcia is a celebrity nutritionist, known for his approach to nutrition and aging.
- Dr. Charles Passler is a nutritionist to the stars, specializing in detoxification, digestion, metabolic rate, and other nutritional needs.