Are Greens Powder Good For You? | Food Network Healthy Food: Recipes, Ideas and Food News
There has been a wide range of greens powders flooding the market shelves. Most claim they provide daily nutrition – and some promise more. Some additional claims you may see include improved energy, immunity, circulation, and digestion. But how safe are these green powders, possibly packaged with 20, 30 or even 75 ingredients? Here’s why you should think twice before using regular greens.
While this varies from brand to brand, you often see a combination of many ingredients that can include vitamins, minerals, probiotics, adaptogens, enzymes, amino acids, essential fatty acids, nutrients botanicals and antioxidants. Although studies on many of the individual ingredients may be available, when they are taken together, they may interact differently. Also, there is very little research on these powders given the large amounts of their ingredients when taken at all. Furthermore, many adaptogens in greens powder interact with everyday medications (such as blood thinners) or are contraindicated for health conditions (such as diabetes). There are no warnings or cautions listed on most greens powders, and so it’s important to check with your healthcare practitioner or registered dietitian (RDN) before taking them. frequent.
Supplements such as green vegetable powder are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means that the ingredients, ingredient amounts, and even nutritional information you find listed under “additional information” are not necessarily accurate. If you choose to use greens powder, seek third-party verification to make sure what’s on the label is actually in the box.
Many of these supplements provide ingredients that you can feel good about. However, they are often unnecessary and often advertised as healthy when they are not. Here are a few examples:
Chlorophyll: There are claims that chlorophyll can help provide energy, aid in weight loss, and even prevent cancer, however, there are few studies that support any of these claims.
Essential fatty acids: While some labels don’t explain which ingredients you get essential fatty acids from, the main essential fatty acid they may be talking about is omega-3 fats. There are several types of omega-3 fats that you can get from foods like walnuts, canola oil, and fatty fish like salmon and tuna, so supplements aren’t necessary to get these benefits. this nutrient.
Antioxidants: Fruits and vegetables are among the main sources of antioxidants. According to the CDC, only 1 in 10 individuals meet the recommended daily amount of vegetables (meaning they may also be deficient in some antioxidants). Instead of opting for super expensive powders, increase your daily intake of fruits and vegetables to get those antioxidants.
Digestive enzymes: Some greens contain enzymes, which help catalyze chemical reactions in the body. Enzymes are made naturally in your body and there is no need to take them daily in the form of a green vegetable powder. For example, the enzyme lipase helps break down fat — your body makes the enzyme naturally.
Conclusion: Save your money by skipping any of these green mixes. They just contain too many ingredients and there is little evidence of their effectiveness at the recommended dosages. If you choose to try any of these blends, always check with your healthcare professional first about any health or drug interactions, and make sure the mixtures have been verified by a third party.