Every so often, the wellness industry will develop a new trend. Greens powders appear to be the latest hot thing, which means it may be time to educate yourself on what they can and cannot do.
What exactly are greens powders?
Greens powders are dried and ground up vegetables such as leafy greens and grasses, sometimes with fruit. This creates the bright green colour that gives them their name. They are often augmented with other vitamins and minerals to make them a multipurpose supplement, similar to the kinds you might buy at https://www.vitortho.co.uk/supplements. Each greens powder has a unique configuration.
What are they supposed to do?
Some influencers make wide-ranging claims about greens powders, from their ability to boost your energy levels to the potential to reduce bloating and improve digestion. It is true that many of the common ingredients, such as vitamin B12, iron, copper, peppermint and ginger, may be associated with these kinds of benefits, but there is limited evidence as to their effectiveness in this specific context. It depends on both the levels within the powder and the way the different ingredients interact with each other. More studies would be needed.
Are they safe?
A greens powder made entirely of vegetables and fruit will generally be safe, though as always, it is best only to consume in moderation. The ingredients are healthy, but will be most effective when part of a balanced diet containing a range of different food groups, alongside exercise and other lifestyle factors.
Why have they become so popular?
The rise in popularity of greens powders can be linked to the world of online influencers, particularly on TikTok. Wellness is a popular topic attracting hundreds of millions of views, which in turn drives hundreds of millions of pounds in sales. This allows the trend to grow even more popular.
There may be some nutritional benefits to greens powders, which are made from generally healthy, nutrient rich ingredients, but it is important not to exaggerate their abilities, and to remember that they should only be part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.