Green powders are made by taking substances such as organic vegetables, fruits and herbs (anything high in nutrients and antioxidants), drying them out and turning them into a powder. What’s left is a dehydrated form of the original substance, thus making consuming them very convenient and quick.

More often than not, green drinks also contain Algaes such as Chlorella and Spirulina. This might not sound too pleasant, but these algaes are extremely nutrient rich, help detox your system and are more bioavailable- meaning they’re absorbed more effectively by the body.

Chlorella is natural detoxifier and contains nutrients that are known to bind with heavy metals such as mercury and remove them from your body. Much of the sea fish that we eat, such as tuna, contain heavy metals due to industry that pollutes the sea. Spirulina is a powder that is incredibly high in protein (65%) and when harvested correctly from non-contaminated waters, it is one of the most potent nutrient sources available. Spirulina contains Omega 3-,6 and 9s, is extremely high in Chlorophyll, has a very high concentration of bio-available iron and is is a great source of other nutrients- including B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin A and vitamin E, potassium, calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium,  manganese, phosphorus, selenium, sodium and zinc.

For a lot of us, the food we consume is heavily processed and lower in enzymes and antioxidants, meaning we’re more likely to have free radical damage or oxidative stress on the body. Green foods act as a counter balance and make the perfect whole food supplement.

The best type of green super food powders are those with less ingredients (because they are more nutritionally dense). I tend to stick to those that contain a simple mix of spirulina, chorella, barley grass and marine algae (like this brand). Make sure to read the ingredients list as ingredients are listed on the back in order of percentage in the mix. The best types of powders will list spirulina and chlorella as the first. Barley grass can be a cheap filler and isn’t as nutritious as the first two. To make a green power taste better you can mix it with coconut water instead of plain water. You may also want to experiment blending them into your smoothie. At the end of the day It’s important to remember that most of these products are good for you and none of them are going to taste like chocolate milk!

 

 

Article by Kavisha Jega  

Kavisha is a wellness educator working in social media marketing, content creation and recipe development for health and wellness businesses. She has a background in Marketing, a Masters Degree in Wellness and an unhealthy obsession with Matcha.

 

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