Made from ground up greens, seaweed, fruits, vegetables, seeds and grains, these powders can be mixed with liquids, smoothies, and even added to salads and baked goods.  Not a substitute for whole foods, these powders can add extra nutrients when in a hurry or traveling.  Superfood powders can vary from 1  ingredient to 50, making the nutritional values drastically different.  These supplements contain not only vitamins and minerals, but antioxidants, chlorophyll, fiber, probiotic bacteria, phytonutrients, and digestive enzymes.  Most are naturally occuring in the plant material but some powders have added ingredients, so labels should be read carefully.  

The numerous nutrient compounds found in each small serving of powdered greens is what holds such attraction.  While there have been no large scale studies done on superfood powders, small studies have shown some benefits. Here are a few of the compounds commonly found in superfood powders.

Antioxidants have been linked to decreased cellular damage and may reduce the risk of cancer.

Probiotics are bacteria that promote digestive health.  They may improve immunity and lower inflammation.

Phytonutrients which may help with estrogen balance, decrease inflammation, and lower the risk of heart disease.

Digestive Enzymes have been linked to nutrition absorption and may ease the symptoms of IBS and Crohn’s disease.

Adaptogens may prevent or reduce the physical and chemical effects of stress.

Vitamin K which improves blood clotting and has been linked to bone density.

Chlorophyll has been linked to blood health.  It may reduce inflammation and regulate appetite.

When choosing a green superfood powder that works for you, there are several things to consider.  If  you are looking for something to boost your overall  nutrition then consider a powder with multiple ingredients that cover a wide range of nutrients.  If deficient in one nutrient, find a powder with a single ingredient that supplies that nutrient.  As always, carefully read labels.  Some green powders contain chemical additives, added sugars, and fillers.  Skip those, and look for powders that contain organic, real foods.  The last thing to consider is cost.  While we like to think that cost doesn’t matter when it comes to our health, it does.  Don’t choose a product that is outside your budget in the hopes that the cost means it is better for you.

The Best Greens Powders

Orgain Organic Superfoods

Affordably priced and still containing a mix of 50 superfoods per scoop!  This powder includes greens, ancient grains, organic sprouts, berries, grasses, and spices like turmeric and ginger.

Natures Plus Organic Ultra Juice Green Powder

This powder offers the nutrients equal to about six servings of green vegetables.  One of the wonderful nutrients found in this mix is vitamin B12.  Important for energy and mood regulation, this mix contains over 100% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin B12.

Nested Naturals Super Greens

Designed to help boost energy and improve digestion, this powder has more than 40 alkalizing and antioxidizing ingredients including spirulina, chlorella, spinach, kale, and barley grass.

MacroLife Naturals Macro Greens Superfood

Macro Greens is great for digestive health as it offers 18 billion probiotics from five different strains and four kinds of digestive enzymes.  It also provides 720% of your daily vitamin C, 330% of your vitamin E, 50% of your vitamin B12, 8% of your iron and  quite a few antioxidants.

Further Food Superfood Turmeric

This golden milk powder blend has anti-inflammatory benefits and is often used for inflammation-related conditions like arthritis and joint pain. The major anti-inflammatory ingredient is turmeric, which the body can absorb better when combined with black pepper.  Several additional anti-inflammatory superfoods are also included.

Garden of Life Raw Organic Perfect Food Green Superfood Powder

This organic, non-GMO verified powder contains prebiotics, probiotics, and antioxidants which come from at least 34 superfoods.  Low in calories, only 25, you can still eat an entire meal after having this superfood powder as a snack.