Superfood powders, in particular, super greens powders, have become extremely popular over the last few years – everyone seems to be consuming greens and raving about the health benefits associated with doing so!
But, what really are the benefits of taking super greens? And, should you be taking super greens to boost your health?
Well, in this article, we are covering it all so you get the answers to those questions.
We will take a deep dive into the benefits associated with the super greens powders, and trust me, the health benefits actually do live up to the hype, which is unusual for popular supplements!
So, let’s jump in and take a look at 8 of the most well-researched and common benefits of adding super greens into your daily routine!
What Are Super Greens Powders?
Super greens powders are quite literally, powders that have been created with super green ingredients.
The name “super greens” applies to a number of specific greens that are packed with micronutrients and provide certain health benefits. The most popular super greens out there are spirulina, chlorella, kale, spinach, and wheatgrass.
Although there are certain powders out there that are made up of solely one or two ingredients, most super greens powders contain a wide range of super greens ingredients, as well as herbal extracts, adaptogens, and sometimes even fruit.
Although not all super greens powders are made the same (which we will be taking a closer look at later on), most super greens powders are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients.
Therefore, these powders can provide consumers with essential nutrients to support optimal health, whilst also providing them with a host of more specific health benefits.
The Benefits of Taking Super Greens
If a super greens powder is packed with a variety of super greens and actually contains sufficiently dosed ingredients, these are some of the health benefits the consumer will likely experience.
#1 Provides Essential Micronutrients
Super greens powders provide the consumer with a daily dose of vitamins, minerals, and other micronutrients that the body needs to function at an optimal state of health and wellbeing, both physical and mental.
The most common micronutrients you will find in greens powders are vitamin A, B Complex, C, D, E, K, Selenium, Niacin, Zinc, Manganese, Black Pepper Extract, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, and Folic Acid.
#2 Improves Immune System
The majority of super greens ingredients directly boost the immune system, especially spinach, kale, and collard greens, all of which contain high levels of vitamin A, which is essential for immunity.
Additionally, super greens are packed with antioxidants and polyphenols, both of which fight inflammation and directly boost the immune system.
#3 Boosts Energy Levels
One of the main selling points of any super greens powder is that it improves energy levels. All of the nutrients provided by the super greens ingredients boost energy levels.
However, even more so, super greens like green tea and matcha provide caffeine with L-theanine, providing you with improved energy levels without the jitters that are associated with coffee.
#4 Lowers Stress Levels
Although not all adaptogens are super greens, a lot of super greens powders contain adaptogenic ingredients, meaning that the powders can reduce stress and anxiety levels.
Adaptogens, such as ashwagandha and Rhodiola Rosea, lower stress levels, promote a feeling of relaxation, and help to balance hormones associated with anxiety.
These types of ingredients also promote sleep and boost the immune system which in turn helps to keep stress and anxiety levels low.
#5 Pushes Toxins From The Body
Super greens ingredients, especially algae such as spirulina and chlorella, provide concentrated levels of antioxidants and therefore help to push toxins from the body, balance pH levels, and reduce inflammation.
Detoxing can improve your overall health, promote weight loss, help with clearer skin, reduce the likelihood of illnesses, and improve energy levels.
#6 Improves Cognitive Function
Although not all super greens powders contain brain-boosting ingredients such as Bacopa Monnieri, Rhodiola Rosea, and Ginkgo Biloba, most super greens provide micronutrients that support and improve cognitive function, improve focus, increase clarity, and boost memory.
Super greens can also improve your mental health by reducing stress and anxiety levels, whilst also protecting your mind from premature aging.
#7 Supports Digestion
Super greens contain high levels of fiber and digestive enzymes that not only support and maintain the health of the digestive system but also actively improve the health of the gut by improving the microbiome.
Certain super greens powders even contain prebiotic fibers, probiotics, and added digestive enzymes, so if you’re really wanting to improve your digestive health, you might want to check out a gut-boosting greens powder.
#8 Easy To Consume
One of the main benefits of super greens powders is that they make it easy, quick, and relatively cheap for people to consume vegetables and consume vital nutrients every day.
A lot of people simply don’t have the time to cook fresh super greens every day, so although fresh vegetables should never fully be replaced by a powder, consuming a super greens powder is a great way to confirm that you’ve consumed your essential nutrients for the day.
Not All Super Greens Powders Are Equal
Whilst super greens powders may provide you with all of the benefits, it’s important to understand that not all of them are created equally.
Unfortunately, an alarming number of super greens powders are made up of proprietary blends and don’t contain sufficiently dosed ingredients.
If the ingredients within a powder aren’t sufficiently dosed you won’t receive the benefits associated with that ingredient.
Additionally, many super greens powders contain fillers, sweeteners, sugars, and artificial flavors, all of which are detrimental to health.
So, when you are buying a super greens powder, if you’re looking to actually reap the benefits of these great ingredients, make sure you buy a powder that has a fully disclosed ingredients label, contains sufficiently dosed ingredients, and is free from any nasty, artificial ingredients.