Super greens to improve your mind, body

GREENS are the newest health craze on social media — not veggies, but powders that promise to fix everything from bloating to gut issues.

Called a superfood, you can get your tub of greens powder anywhere healthy supplements are sold, and people everywhere have been shouting about their benefits. But is this all hype, or is there some merit?

Nutritionist Keisha Black says you first need to read the label carefully for the product you’re buying, and then you can decide.

“People have been using these powders, much in the same way that you’d use protein powders, to boost your nutrient intake,” Black said. “So if you’re deficient, you get all the benefits without having to source or prepare any greens.”

She said also that the powders, though green, are not just vegetables, but include fruits as well.

“But just know that some essentials may be missing — example fibre — which you can only get from raw, fresh fruits and veggies,” she said. “So be careful to not replace these completely with supplements.”

She said when choosing a greens powder you should look for:

1) Those containing prebiotics, probiotics and digestive enzymes, which help with gut health.

2) Those with added fruits, which will give you vitamins and antioxidants which are known to reduce the risk of certain cancers and other diseases.

3) Those that are packed with phytonutrients, which will help promote healthy energy levels without caffeine or sugar. These will fuel your brain to help support focus and clear thinking.

4) Those with fruits that give added vitamin C, and include naturally sourced herbs that promote detoxification and immune function.

5) Those that have no artificial flavour or artificial sweeteners, and are dairy free.

“Before you start your greens supplementation, make sure you talk to your doctor,” Black said. “Note that these powders can interact with certain medications like those for high cholesterol, may not work for people with some digestive issues like IBS, or those already on high-intensity vitamins, like pregnant and breastfeeding women.”

She said once you’ve been cleared, you can expect that this dietary supplement will help you reach your daily recommended intake of vitamins and minerals, and will support your body’s immune system and energy levels while meeting the nutrition requirements for a healthy diet.