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Jun 25, 2023

Best Greens Supplements: Top 5 Veggie Powders Most Recommended By Nutrition Experts

It’s an age-old battle – willing oneself to eat vegetables. Getting yourself to

It's an age-old battle – willing oneself to eat vegetables. Getting yourself to do the thing you know is good for you is often one of the hardest parts of your day. Or life. Luckily, supplement companies, understanding this internal struggle, thus started populating store shelves with greens supplements. Manufacturers make it easy for you to get those oh-so-important daily servings of veggies: ingest a few pills or down a shake and you’re in the green. To find out the top products, we scoured the web, reviewing experts’ top choices to list the best greens supplements here for you.

What if you could boost mental health with just one serving of veggies per day? Too good to be true? Well, "Research out of London shows that even as little as a single serving of produce actually boosts mental health." We kid you not. Researchers "analyzed data from 40,000 British citizens and concluded that changes in consumption of fruit and vegetables are related to changes in mental well-being." Dr. Neel Ocean, co-author of the study, said that "the results are clear: people who do eat more fruit and vegetables report a higher level of mental well-being and life satisfaction than those who eat less." And if you’re still not convinced, this next bit of research about stress relief may help.

That's right, "According to the study of 8,600 Australians between ages 25 and 91, people who eat least 470 grams of fruit and vegetables per day deal with lower levels of stress by 10 percent in comparison to those eating less than 230 grams daily." And to put things in perspective, "the World Health Organizations recommends at least 400 grams of produce daily." The lead researchers said that "Vegetables and fruits contain important nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, flavonoids and carotenoids that can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, and therefore improve mental wellbeing." Still, for many people, eating more food daily is less appealing than drinking a shake or two, and that's why we’ve found the perfect greens supplements.

Looking to improve your mental health and lower stress? Studyfinds turned to the experts to find the top five best greens supplements, according to nutrition experts. Of course, we want to hear from you. Comment below to let us know which you prefer!

This greens supplement comes highly recommended on seven of the eight expert reviews we visited. According to the Athletic Greens website: "Our philosophy is to focus on a very small number of products based on what the latest science indicates is essential to human health. Occasionally we create new products, but we never make anything new just to sell you on more." A company that focuses on its customers’ health over the health of its bottom line sounds, well, too good to be true, but the experts’ lists show that AG1 just might be the real deal.

Healthline writes that "Athletic Greens AG1 stands out for its dedication to testing and transparency. Every batch is NSF Certified for Sport — a third-party certification that ensures that products contain what they claim to on the label and are free of substances banned by most competitive sport organizations." But they do note "that several of AG1's ingredients — such as rhodiola, eleuthero, rose hip, and alfalfa — are not safe or appropriate for everyone. In particular, one or more of these ingredients are not recommended for people who are pregnant, nursing, or taking certain medications, including blood thinners, hormonal birth control, and blood pressure medications." This is something to keep in mind before trying this product.

As far as taste is concerned, Bon Appétit shares that "AG1 has a fairly balanced flavor profile; it's a little bit sweet (thanks to stevia) and a little bit earthy and grassy (thanks to the heavy dose of greens)." They go on: "When dissolved in water, it was plenty flavorful, but reviewers appreciated that it wasn't too intense to stir into juice or a smoothie. And while the stevia is noticeable, it's nowhere near as sweet as some of the other options we tested, like Primal Harvest. Athletic Greens did lose minor marks for the texture, which was a little bit grainy."

Health Canal writes: "Since its debut in 2010; Athletic Greens has become one of the most popular greens powder supplements available. One 50-calorie serving delivers 75 vitamins and minerals, 2 grams of fiber, and less than one gram of sugar." They note that "it provides over 100% of the recommended Daily Value for vitamins B6, B12, C, and E. This powder also contains many probiotics, digestive enzymes, adaptogens, and antioxidants." And they further explain the benefits of adaptogens and antioxidants: "Adaptogens are active ingredients in plants that are known for their ability to combat stress caused by fatigue, depression, and illness. Antioxidants are also considered beneficial for our overall health because they help protect your cells against damage from free radicals, which are known to play a role in certain cancers and chronic diseases. They can also boost your immune system."

If you’re looking to drink your fruits and veggies, look no further. This supplement blends both along with many other vitamins and nutrients. Though you’ll want to be mindful that not all ingredients are suited for all people. Read below to find out if this product is a fit for you.

Healthline says that "While we wouldn't say it's cheap, Amazing Grass is more affordable than many other greens powders out there. It's also vegan-friendly and gluten-free. Amazing Grass Greens Blend Original contains seven types of nutritious greens and two servings of fruits and vegetables per 1-scoop (8-g) serving." They also note that "The blend also contains digestive enzymes, probiotics, and fiber, which the brand claims can support and improve digestion." But they caution: "the research on the benefits of digestive enzymes and probiotics in healthy individuals is mixed. And these ingredients may not be appropriate for people with certain digestive disorders."

And to weigh in on the taste, Bon Appétit writes that "In our taste test, this powder proved to be one of the sweetest of the bunch, but it still featured ‘earthy and honest’ grassy notes that we enjoyed. Tasters noted hints of matcha and ‘a raspberry iced tea vibe that would be stellar in a smoothie.'"

"This product is formulated with a green food blend, an alkalizing blend, a detoxifying blend, and a blend composed of digestive enzymes probiotics, and prebiotics," writes Health Canal. "The detoxifying blend is composed of ingredients like organic beetroot and organic dandelion root to support our liver, which is the body's primary organ of detoxification. One 25-calorie serving contains two grams of fiber and two grams of protein. It is also free of added sugars. It has small amounts of vitamins A and C and high amounts of vitamin K (28% DV). "Because of the high amounts of vitamin K in this product, consult your physician if you are on any blood thinners such as Coumadin before taking this product."

Garden of life products are well-known and well-respected. They offer a full line of vitamins and supplements that are third-party tested, which means they undergo rigorous testing. And because of it, this brand sells some of the cleanest products on the market according to many experts.

Forbes shares that "Dr. Wallace notes this powder is NSF third-party certified to be free of banned substances, which is a big plus for athletes. ‘I like that it has probiotics and a whole bunch of very useful enzymes to help aid in digestion,’ he says." And as for the pros of this product, they list like that it's "vegan, non-GMO, certified organic, gluten-free, has no added sugar or preservatives, and contains enzymes for healthy digestion." They do note one con for this supplement and that is that it's more expensive than many other products they reviewed.

"Garden of Life is known for its high-quality products, and the Raw Organic Perfect Food Green Superfood Juiced Greens Powder is no exception," writes Byrdie. They note: "NSF-certified gluten-free, USDA-certified organic, and non-GMO project verified; this product is full of potent greens that are held to a standard of excellence. This powder has six different greens, 2.4 grams of a fruit and vegetable blend, and probiotics and digestive enzymes. Shoppers love the way it makes them feel even though the taste has a distinctive grassy flavor."

And as for flavor, Bar Bend shares that "The ‘original’ flavor is very grassy. There are clearly no natural or artificial flavors or sweeteners in this product — it tastes of wheat grass and has a gritty, nutty aftertaste. This is probably because of the ‘Sprout Blend,’ which is heavy on flax, millet, buckwheat, and legumes. It is unflavored, unsweetened, and unenjoyable, but it's not as aggressively bad and bitter as some other unflavored greens powders, and this is probably because of the fruits in the ‘antioxidant blend.’ It's very far from sweet, but some unflavored powders taste so strongly of grass and earth that they make me gag — Perfect Food didn't."

The name says it all. Many consider the supplement industry to be underregulated. It's no wonder with some brand labels found to be misleading. Many brands have even been caught being dishonest about ingredients in their products. And this is why Transparent Labs states on their website that "From day one our mission has been to create products that use true science to optimize health and human performance. We only deliver supplements that feature clinically-effective dosages and natural ingredients (with 100% transparent and completely honest labeling). And we always support our claims with research and scientific studies."

Listed as their best greens supplement for gut health, Sports Illustrated writes, "Transparent Labs Prebiotic Greens is a great product for anyone wanting to up their intake of algae greens that support bloat relief in the stomach due to the prebiotic fibers included in this product. Spirulina and chlorella (freshwater algae) aid in boosting your immune system by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress." And as far as what's in this supplement, "This greens powder is free from artificial sweeteners, coloring and preservatives and is also vegan. Several reviewers mention how easily Prebiotic Greens mixes in with smoothies and other beverages without altering the flavor of their drinks making it a palatable choice for those who want a good-tasting greens powder."

Garage Gym Reviews lists Transparent Labs Greens as their best tasting. "I tried Prebiotic Greens in Peach Mango, and it's true—this is definitely top-ranking for taste in my opinion. It's nice and sweet and it mixed up fine—not quite as nicely as some of the others on the list, but it didn't detract from the drinking experience."

Listed as their best greens supplement for fiber, Bar Bend writes that "Fiber can help with digestion and help you feel fuller for longer. This pick offers more fiber than what's found in your standard greens powder. In addition to four grams of fiber, which is four times more than some other brands, Transparent Labs also contains three grams each of spirulina, broken cell chlorella, acacia fiber, and green banana flour, plus a gram each of artichoke fiber and chicory root. These sea greens are extremely dense chlorophyll sources, which have helpful links to managing appetite and reducing body weight. The prebiotic fiber here may improve your gut microbiome, which may also help with weight management."

Nested Naturals offers a variety of products geared toward healthy living and healthy aging. On their site you’ll find supplements promoting vitality, healthy cognitive functioning, stress relief, and restful sleep. And according to their website, they’re looking out for more than just their customers: "We are also big believers in sustainability and strive to make choices that are good for the planet and our animal friends. Every product is non-GMO, and most are vegan."

Forbes writes: "Nested Naturals Super Greens ‘has a tad more fiber and higher amounts of iodine, which is important for thyroid function,’ says Taylor Wallace, Ph.D., C.E.O. of the food nutrition research firm Think Healthy Group and a Forbes Health Advisory Board member, noting many people don't get enough iodine. He also likes the powder for its good antioxidant blend, digestive enzymes, and beneficial probiotic strains. Vegan and non-GMO, USDA-certified 100% organic, third-party tested…Features varieties designed for immune support, focus and energy." As for cons, they note that this brand is "Slightly more expensive than others on this ranking."

Listed as their best for veggie haters, Byrdie likes the Nested Naturals Super Greens Chocolate flavor. They write that "Though nothing beats consuming vegetables in their whole form. If you have a hard time making vegetables, especially greens, part of your routine, this supplement is for you. Super Greens by Nested Naturals is packed with phytonutrients to help promote healthy energy levels, while the vitamins and minerals in Super Greens fuel your brain to help support focus and clear thinking…In addition to the power of plants, Super Greens also contains a blend of dairy-free probiotic cultures and digestive enzymes for optimal digestion."

Garage Gym Reviews writes that "This vegan, gluten-free, USDA organic formula contains no artificial flavors and is packed full of high-quality ingredients…Those ingredients are non-GMO and certified organic, so if going organic is important to you—multiple studies have shown that organic foods have lower levels of toxins, such as heavy metals, synthetic fertilizer, and pesticide residues—Super Greens Original could be a good choice." And as for the taste of this supplement: "I tried the Original flavor, and let's just say, it's what you think of when you think of a greens powder—lightly sweet, but you still definitely get the grassy flavor."

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.

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