Greens Supplements: Do They Live Up to the Hype?

The good news is that some high-quality supplement companies provide research to back up their claims on their websites, so it’s easy to fact-check them. For example, on Genuine Health’s website, I was able to find studies that show their greens powders do in fact:

1. Provide you with steady, long-lasting energy;
2. Increases your body’s alkalinity;
3. Improve mood and well-being;
4. Stimulate new bone growth;
5. Provide you with extra antioxidants.

Plus, from personal experience, I can tell you that they are a great option when travelling to places where fresh fruits and green vegetables are not easily accessible or available. I also love that they provide you with some extra vitamins and minerals. Now you might be thinking, those benefits sound great! I am going to run out right now and buy me a greens powder. But before you do, here are a few things you should know:

1. Greens powders won’t compensate for a poor diet. Yes, you still need to eat your 7-10 servings of fruits and vegetables each and every day. Greens powders can however, provide a great addition to your diet and fill in any nutrient gaps that you may have. In my mind, greens powders are akin to a good multi – they serve as an insurance policy and help fill any gaps that might exist in your diet.
2. They may contain allergens. Some greens powders contain allergens such as gluten and dairy, and they are not always clearly labelled. Make sure that all active and non-active ingredients are clearly listed and that the company doesn’t hide behind ‘proprietary blends’. This is why I am such a big fan of Genuine Health. They clearly label each product with all potential allergens and always indicate any contraindications that may exist.
3. Not all greens powders are created equal. For example, there are many greens products out there whose nutrient claims are unsubstantiated. In fact, a ConsumerLabs report found that over 1/3 of powder supplements marketed as “greens” or “whole foods” didn’t live up to the claims listed on their labels. You can even view the exact greens powders that were tested. I recommend checking the company’s website for research studies that can back up their claims. Genuine Health has all of their claims backed up by research which is easily accessible on their website.
4. They could be contaminated. Independent lab testing by Consumer Labs in 2010 showed that some brands were found to be contaminated with heavy metals, like lead or arsenic, which exceeded the safety limit established by the Environmental Protection Agency. This is why you absolutely have to do your research. Quality supplement companies invest in third-party evaluations of their products to test for the absence of allergens and / or contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and solvents, as well as oxidation levels (to check for rancidity). Genuine Health tests all of their products via third-party testing.
5. Tastes vary. Some greens powders taste better than others. They also come in many different
   flavours, like vanilla, berry, cappucchino, acai mango, or orange. I personally like either the plain or vanilla flavours because I normally add them to smoothies and energy balls where they can pass by unnoticed (for the kids). Everyone has different preferences, so it’s always a good idea to try before you buy. I like that Genuine Health has sample packs that you can buy and taste-test.