Green powder supplements are powdered and are on a crazy high rise as of late, especially on social media. People claim that they can aid in bloating, digestion, excess gas, and improve cardiovascular risks. Some state that these powders are packed with all the necessary vitamins and minerals needed in a day to aid those who do not get their daily vegetable and fruit intake.
What are green powder supplements made of?
According to WebMD, green powders are typically made from items such as
- Leafy green and seaweed
- Grasses and other vegetables
- Antioxidant-rich fruits
- Probiotics
- Nutritional extracts and herbs
Drawbacks
The downsides of this product include the loss of fiber in the process of making the green powder. Fiber is an essential nutrient and is important for blood sugar control and to keep us full longer and regularly in the bathroom. Children and adults need about 25-35 grams of fiber each day. Eating fiber has been shown to help maintain a healthy weight, and reduce the risk of diabetes, and heart disease.
What does the research say?
In terms of research, there are not a lot of studies in regard to the effects of green supplement powder. In 2009, there was a pilot study conducted and it tested the supplement for 90 days in college students and it was found to reduce blood pressure, but not weight. (Zhang, 2009)
Another study done by ConsumerLabs looked at several types of green powders and found that there was an exceeding amount of lead. They also looked at the cost of the products used and explained how some products had a cost of 31 cents per serving and others cost $4.35 per serving. (ConsumerLab, 2016).
Alternatives to save money and get more nutrients include fresh, canned, and frozen vegetables or fruits. Frozen fruits and vegetables have the same nutritional value as fresh. They are also quick to cook and cheaper in price when compared to green powders. The green powder should be an additional item to have but not be used to completely replace all vegetables and fruits.
The bottom line on green powder supplements
Overall, there is not enough research that green powders can hurt you but do not expect them to cure everything and give you all of the nutrients your body needs. Aim to still eat your fruits and vegetables whether that is fresh, frozen, or canned. There are tons of recipes and ways to prepare them to your liking.
AZ Dietitians offers in-person and virtual appointments for Arizona clients and is now offering telehealth services for clients in Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming.
