We all know that we should be eating more fruits and vegetables. Because of their unique phytonutrient composition, these foods provide us with many health benefits, including increasing energy and boosting the immune system. But how many of us are actually getting the recommended five servings each day? Unfortunately, not many.
Thankfully, there’s a way to increase the amount of vegetables in your diet with ease by using green powders. Common options include wheatgrass and spirulina and vegetables like broccoli and kale. Adding a serving of green powders to your water or morning smoothie can be a great way to reap those health benefits.
With all the green powder products to choose from, how can you tell which green powder is the best option for you? Let’s look at some of the different factors to consider when picking a powder:
1. Choose organic
Just like with whole vegetables and fruits, choosing organic green powders is the way to go. Organic powders are both free of genetically modified ingredients and the harsh pesticides that are used in conventional farming. Aside from the health benefits of organic, when these products are purchased, more sustainable farming practices are also supported.
2. Be mindful of other ingredients
When purchasing a green powder, you may think the green itself is the only ingredient you’re getting in the bottle. But you may be surprised. Some of these products may contain ingredients like artificial sweeteners, artificial colors and sugar. Be mindful of ingredient labels to avoid products with these unwanted additions.
3. Grab the right green
With a wide variety of green powders available, it can be overwhelming to know which one is right for you. Some of the common green products include:
- Matcha powder: Made from green tea leaves, matcha powder can be an excellent choice for those looking to add an energizing effect to their work day.
How to use: Enjoy matcha simply as a warming beverage when combined with heated water, in a morning smoothie, as a latte with coconut milk, or even as an ingredient in baked goods to perk up those energy levels. - Spirulina powder: A blue-green algae respected for its micronutrient profile that includes vitamins A and K2 and iron. Not to mention, it’s also 60 percent protein! This pick can be great for someone looking for those extra nutrients and protein content.
How to use: Add spirulina to smoothies, salad dressings, homemade nice-cream (ice cream made from frozen bananas) or in your favorite energy ball recipes for an even better nutrition boost. - Wheatgrass powder: A young grass that’s another nutrient-rich pick, wheatgrass is an antioxidant powerhouse full of enzymes that help digest foods, making it a great addition to meals.
How to use: You can add more wheatgrass to your diet by adding a sprinkle to your morning oats, a scoop to your smoothie, on top of coconut yogurt or even a dash over your favorite cereal.
4. Benefits of blends
Some green powders have more than one main ingredient. Whether it’s a blend of grasses (like a combination of wheat, barley and alfalfa grasses), spirulina and chlorella or a combination of vegetables, the variety of these options can enhance not just the nutrient profiles but the health benefits as well!
These blends can be made of entirely green superfoods with added benefits such as probiotics for immune support, fiber for digestive health and protein for that feeling of fullness.
