Are Greens Powders Worth the Hype?
Greens powders have grown in popularity in recent years and at this point, the idea of selecting the right one can be daunting. These greens powders come in a variety of blends, forms, vibrant blue-green hues and price points and it can be overwhelming to determine which ones to use, how to use them, when and where to use them and if they are needed in one’s daily diet. These products make claims to reduce inflammation, strengthen our immune system, promote gut health, boost energy, help enhance athletic performance and cognition and aid in physical recovery. Team DLW is here to help you determine which greens powders are best, what sort of nutritive properties they have, and when they should be incorporated into one’s diet.
What are Greens Powders?
Greens powders are considered a dietary supplement that most commonly contain a combination of vegetables, fruits, algaes, superfoods and/or grasses that have been blended into a powder form. They are primarily utilized as a way to get additional vitamins, minerals, fiber, pre and probiotics, and digestive enzymes into your diet, however the specific ingredient formulations will vary between products. Our team nutritionist suggests that everyone think of these greens powders as a supplement to add to an already robust diet that is rich in a variety of vegetables and fruits- especially green ones!
Common Ingredients in Greens Powders
Spirulina
A blue-green algae
Rich source of iron, potassium, calcium, sodium, and magnesium
Rich source of the following amino acids: Alanine, cysteine, and glutamic acid
Has high amounts of chlorophyll which supports the body to cleanse and detoxify
Can help to prevent the absorption of heavy metals
Can reduce post-exercise muscle soreness
Anticancer, antiviral, and antimicrobial effects
Can help reduce blood sugar, blood pressure and elevated cholesterol
Chlorella
A freshwater green algae
A bioavailable plant based source of B12 and iron
Can help normalize lipid levels and lower blood pressure
May stimulate and support the immune system
This is one of Dr. Lana’s favorite additions to add to a mold eradication or heavy metal detox. In fact, she advises to take it prior to a strenuous workout or sauna session (infrared or regular) in order to enhance the detoxification capabilities of this algae via sweat
Wheatgrass
Comes from the young shoots that grow when wheat grains are sprouted
Contain rich sources of chlorophyll as well as vitamin C and E
Possesses anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties
Has a high content of bioflavanoids
Can support detoxification as well as lowering blood pressure
Fun fact, cats LOVE wheatgrass. So if you are a proud cat-mom/dad, next time you see this at the store or farmers market, treat your furbaby to some wholesome nutrients too!
Fruits & Vegetables
The most common fruits, vegetables, and herbs in greens powders are apple, pineapple, spinach, kale, broccoli, beetroot, cilantro, and parsley
Whole foods sources for a variety of vitamins and minerals
Rich sources of phytochemicals that have antioxidants properties
It is important to note that green powders don’t contain as much fiber as consuming whole fruits and vegetables
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), cilantro and parsley are considered “blood cleanses or purifiers,” so it makes perfect sense why these would be on up there on the ingredient list
Probiotics
Beneficial bacteria found in our gastrointestinal system
Support healthy digestion, fight harmful bacteria/viruses, and help modulate the immune system
Most commonly found in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and miso
Digestive Enzymes
Proteins made by our body (in our saliva, pancreas, stomach and small intestine) to help break down foods and aid in digestion and absorption
Lacking these important enzymes can lead to gas, bloating, poor digestion, inadequate nutrition absorption, looser stools, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Who Should Use a Greens Powder?
Team DLW recommends you consider using green powders if/when:
you are not able to consistently get 6-10 cups of non-starchy veggies into your daily diet.
you are traveling and know you will not be consuming lots of greens or non-starchy veggies.
you are low in a variety of nutrients and need repletion and would prefer to do so with foods over supplementation.
you only get limited or the same types of fruits/veggies into your daily diet.
Sourcing and Quality of Greens Powders
Not all greens powders are created equal, therefore it is important to consider quality and sourcing when choosing a greens powder. Team DLW recommends choosing a greens powder that has been:
Third-party tested by an organization that evaluates the product and vouches for its quality. Make sure that the testing claims are not made by the supplement company itself. It is ideal to choose a powder from a company that will provide a certificate of analysis (COA). A COA is a document that shows the results of testing done on the product to ensure the company is compliant with safety regulations and certain thresholds set for various contaminants such as heavy metals, mold and yeast.
Has undetectable or low levels of heavy metals
Sourced from organic produce
Does not contain added sugars
Contains ingredients you recognize (and can pronounce!)
Important Considerations When Using Greens Powders
To optimize the nutritional benefits:
When using a greens powder that contains fat-soluble vitamins (Vitamins A, D, E, K), make sure to consume it in a smoothie or drink containing a healthy source of fat, such as coconut oil, nut butter, MCT oil, nuts, seeds, or avocado as this increases their absorption.
If you are taking a greens powder containing chlorella, it is important to consider timing. Chlorella has the strongest binding properties, therefore it can also bind to health-promoting vitamins and minerals in the body or that you are taking via supplementation. Team DLW recommends taking chlorella or chlorella containing green powders at least two hours away from other supplements. Also remember the hack mentioned above about taking chlorella before a sweat sesh for maximum detoxification!
DLW Approved Greens Powders
Product |
Overview |
Price |
Testing Info |
Provided |
E3Live Original |
Made with only one ingredient that is wild-harvested from Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon. Provides over 65 vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids. |
$34.95 per bottle |
Organic Non GMO Third Party Tested Tests for E. Coli, yeast, mold, salmonella, and staph. aureus |
Yes |
Athletic Greens (AG1) |
75 vitamins, minerals, whole-food sourced superfoods, pre and probiotics, and adaptogens in one convenient daily serving. |
$79 for the pouch |
Not 100% Organic Non GMO Third Party Tested Tests for heavy metals Tests for E. Coli, yeast, mold, salmonella, and staph. aureus |
Yes |
Ora Organic Easy Being Green Superfood Greens Powder |
This superfood greens powder contains naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. |
$34.99 per bottle |
Organic Third Party Tested Tests for heavy metals and pesticides Tests for E. Coli, yeast, mold, salmonella, and staph. aureus |
Yes |
Premier Research Labs Organic Greens Powder |
Features premier, young grasses (low-temperature and air-dried) paired with Power Greens Blend, a multiple greens formula. |
$40.91 per bottle |
Organic Non GMO Third Party Tested Tests for heavy metals Tests for E. Coli, yeast, mold, salmonella, and staph. aureus |
Yes |
Metagenics PhytoGanix |
Features 20 plus whole foods in each serving including organic vegetables, organic fruits,
organic flax seed, organic chia seed, organic quinoa, herbs, plant enzymes, prebiotics, and probiotics. It is designed to support intestinal health, immune function, and provide antioxidant protection. |
$70.25 per 10.58 oz (300g) bottle |
Majority of the ingredients are organic Non GMO Third Party Tested Tests ingredients before production and after production Tests for yeast, mold, E. coli, salmonella, staph. aureus, and listeria |
Yes The TruQuality website can be used to gather information about testing via the lot number of the product: |
Now that you have the full breakdown of what to look for, how to use and which to buy, knock yourself out and continue making healthy living manageable with Team DLW.
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