No matter where you turn, you’ll find green powder supplements. From influencers on social media to your local Checkers, you just can’t get away from them and their alleged life-changing benefits and super-high nutritional value. But do they work and are they worth the money?
What can green powder supplements do for you?
Green powder supplements jam packed with vitamins, minerals and micronutrients. Most often, these supplements are a concoction of fruits, veggies and algae – all of which are extremely healthy for you.
If you’ve wandered onto the bandwagon or taken a dip into the trend on social media, you’ll find that the health benefits of green powder supplements are seemingly endless. Touted benefits include:
- Increasing your daily nutrient intake.
- Increasing antioxidant levels in your body.
- Boosting your energy.
- Improving blood pressure.
- Boosting the immune system.
- Improving gut health.
- Reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- And so much more.
However, these benefits aren’t exactly tested. While taking in additional nutrients and minerals definitely won’t hurt, these green powders are definitely not a replacement for a well-balanced diet.
And to be fair, studies have shown that they might not be all they’re cracked up to be.
What does the science say?
Smaller studies, such as one conducted at the University of Toronto, found that green mixes may assist in reducing the chances of chronic diseases, (including Alzheimer’s). But we have to emphasize that these studies are small and short, with only 10 participants and lasting about a month.
In terms of a few of the other touted benefits, similar studies indicate that green powder supplements can boost your energy levels and improve your productivity (thanks to the B Vitamins). And that’s about it.
The downsides
Yup. There are downsides to this magic juice – and it’s more than just the taste.
Often, these branded green powder supplements are packed with artificial sugars and can often include artificial flavouring – which, for most health buffs, is a big no-no. These additives may make the taste a little more bearable, but they mitigate all the alleged gut and digestive benefits that supposedly come with drinking these juices.
Additionally, the science behind the benefits of these drinks is inconclusive, or the studies are too small to really back these large claims. And, despite all the “health benefits,” green powder supplements aren’t exactly regulated within the food industry – which allows companies to make claims that might not necessarily be true.
So, should you buy into the craze?
Despite how this article might read, I’m not here to dump on the green powder craze. There’s nothing wrong with adding these supplements to a well-rounded, healthy diet and lifestyle. The added minerals, nutrients and vitamins definitely won’t hurt.
But be wary of treating these powdered juices as a magic pill that will turn your life around and make you as successful and healthy as the influencer touting it.
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