How to Choose the Perfect Greens Powder

Do you get ALL your 8 servings of veggies every… single… day…? It’s a challenge many face.

Leafy greens, in particular, can be the trickiest, which is why greens powders have become a popular solution. Among their many benefits, these powders help fill common nutritional gaps and support optimal wellness.

But how can the best greens powder be determined?

Make sure to check for these five things before purchasing a greens supplement:

1. How GREEN are the greens?

This question may be surprising, but some greens powders on the market barely cover essential needs.

A good product will include a variety of grasses (like wheatgrass and barley grass) and sea vegetables (like spirulina and chlorella). These ingredients should be present in significant concentrations, ideally 7,000 mg or more per serving. While some labels clearly outline this information, others may require a little math to calculate the total.

2. Are the ingredients grasses or pressed juice?

Many greens powders are made from juiced and dehydrated ingredients, a process that loses a significant amount of nutrients and fibre. Instead, look for products using actual dried and powdered grasses and sea vegetables for better nutritional value.

3. Are there unwanted ingredients?

Fillers are often used in greens powders to bulk up the product, but this reduces the greens content per serving. Common fillers include lecithin.

Additionally, synthetic dyes, artificial sweeteners, and emulsifiers can be hard to digest and may cause bloating for some individuals. Checking the non-medicinal ingredients is essential to avoid these.

4. What certifications or testing are present?

Greens powders should be densely packed with micronutrients, starting with organic and non-GMO ingredients. Avoiding herbicides and pesticides is crucial to maintaining the purity of the greens.

Labels that indicate gluten-free or soy-free are also helpful for those with dietary sensitivities.

5. Are there any herbs in the formula that might interact with medications?

Certain therapeutic herbs can interact with medications such as birth control pills, daily aspirin, or thyroid treatments. These additions may not be suitable for those on prescription medications.

Herb-free blends are a safer choice for families, making them suitable for children as well.

A final tip: greens can have a strong taste…

To make greens powders more enjoyable, they can be mixed into a breakfast smoothie bowl or added to orange juice to balance the flavour. A squeeze of lemon juice in water can also help soften the ‘green’ taste.

Why choose Botanica Perfect Greens?

This product meets all the criteria outlined above and is proudly made in Canada – supporting local businesses.

Botanica also offers gentler greens varieties with organic flavours and a touch of monk fruit juice, making them suitable for the whole family. These options are free of added sugar, stevia, and artificial sweeteners.

By Orna Villazan, BSc, ND

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