There has been an influx of green powders onto market shelves. Most claim they provide daily nourishment – and some promise more. Some additional claims you may see include improved energy, immunity, circulation, and digestion. But how safe are these green powders, which can contain 20, 30 or even 75 ingredients? Here’s a rundown of why you should think twice about using green powders regularly.
Although it varies from brand to brand, you will usually find a combination of many ingredients which may include vitamins, minerals, probiotics, adaptogens, enzymes, amino acids, essential fatty acids, phytonutrients and antioxidants. Although there may be studies on many individual ingredients, when taken together they may interact differently. Additionally, there is very little research on these powders with their massive amounts of ingredients when taken together. Additionally, many adaptogens in green powders interact with everyday medications (like blood clotting drugs) or are contraindicated for health conditions (like diabetes). There are no warnings or cautions on most green powders, and as such it is important to check with your doctor or a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) before taking it regularly. .
Dietary supplements like green vegetable powders are not well regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means that the ingredients, ingredient amounts, and even the nutritional information you find under “additional facts” are not necessarily accurate. If you choose to take greens powder, look for third-party verification that ensures what’s on the label is in the canister.
Many of these supplements contain ingredients that you believe are healthy. However, they are usually not necessary and are often presented as healthy when they really aren’t. Here are some examples:
Chlorophyll: There are claims that chlorophyll can help provide energy, help with weight loss, and even prevent cancer, however, there is little research to support these claims.
Essential fatty acids: Although some labels don’t explain what ingredients you get your essential fatty acids from, the main essential fatty acids they do talk about are probably omega-3 fatty acids. There are several types of omega-3 fatty acids that you can get from foods like nuts, canola oil, and fatty fish like salmon and tuna. It is therefore not necessary to take a supplement to obtain these nutrients.
Antioxidants: Fruits and vegetables are one of the main sources of antioxidants. According to the CDC, only one in ten people meet the recommended daily amount of vegetables (meaning they’re likely lacking in some antioxidants as well). Instead of opting for super expensive powders, increase your daily intake of fruits and vegetables to get those antioxidants.
Digestive enzymes: Some green vegetable powders contain enzymes that help catalyze chemical reactions in the body. Enzymes are naturally made in your body and do not need to be taken daily in a green powder. For example, the enzyme lipase helps break down fat – your body makes the enzyme naturally.
Conclusion : Save your money by jumping on one of these green mixes. They simply contain too many ingredients and there is little evidence of their effectiveness with their suggested dosage. If you choose to try any of these blends, always check with your healthcare professional about any health or drug interactions and make sure the blend is third-party verified.