Exploring the health benefits of greens powder

If you're on social media, chances are that you've come across a health or wellness influencer raving about the benefits of greens powder.

Although greens powders aren't new, they've recently garnered a lot of popularity, which may have you wondering... are they actually worth it?

And long story short, yes, incorporating greens powder into your diet can be a great idea. The truth is that although we should all try to follow a diet rich in whole, nutritious foods, that can be easier said than done — and that's exactly where supplementing comes in handy.

So, what are the health benefits of greens powder? How can you use it and does it help with weight loss? Read as we answer all your questions.

What are greens powders?

Greens powder is a dietary supplement that helps you reach your recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables when you're not getting enough from your diet alone — which is the case for over 90% of Australians [1].

Though this varies from brand to brand, most greens powders contain leafy greens and other vegetables, antioxidant fruits, seaweed, probiotics, mushrooms, digestive enzymes and other good-for-you ingredients.

Usually, you mix the powder into water, juices or smoothies.

However, there are other creative ways of using it, like adding it to pancake batter, using it to make energy balls or whipping it together with eggs for an extra nutritional scramble.

5 green powder benefits

Greens powder is good for you in many ways:

It is packed with nutrients

We should start by saying that no supplement should ever replace a balanced diet and we don't recommend you take a greens powder instead of eating fresh fruits and vegetables.

Having said that, taking it as part of a healthy diet can help you access an even wider range of nutrients and vitamins that are essential to your health.

Because when it comes to nutrient density, greens powder is up there.

This is particularly relevant for days when you're extra busy and only have a couple of minutes to prep something in the kitchen — after all, you don't need much longer to mix the powder into a glass of water.

It helps combat fatigue

Greens powder is packed full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, all of which can help boost your energy levels when you need it most.

B vitamins specifically play a key role in energy production. A deficiency may have you feeling sluggish and fatigued, which you can counteract with the right supplement.

Plus, some greens powders also have green tea extract, which contains caffeine. If you usually reach for a sugary soda or energy drink when the 3 pm slump strikes, greens powder can be a great, healthier alternative.

It may prevent chronic disease

The plant compounds in greens powder have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

They can support your immune health, reduce inflammation, and help protect your system from oxidative stress from free radicals, contributing to chronic disease prevention.

In fact, a 4-week study that looked at the effects of greens powder in healthy people found that 2 tablespoons of green powder a day can result in a 30% decrease in blood levels of oxidatively damaged proteins [2].

Although more research is needed, the results are promising.

It supports your digestive health

Greens powders are often rich in fibre, an essential nutrient that plays an important role in your digestion.

Consuming enough fibre helps regulate your bowel movements and prevent constipation and digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome.

Plus, many greens powders also contain digestive enzymes, which help your body break down and absorb protein, carbs and fats, and reduce gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating and stomach pain.

It may lower your blood pressure

Most greens powders contain minerals that help regulate your blood pressure, such as calcium, potassium and magnesium [3].

Fibre also helps, as it has been shown to lower high blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as your risk of cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease [4].

Can greens powder help you lose weight?

Greens powder can be a great addition to your weight loss journey.

Firstly, they are a great source of micronutrients, which play a key role in your metabolic health. They also help optimise your gut health and reduce inflammation, influencing the way your body stores fat [5], and may even reduce cravings by helping to regulate your blood sugar levels.

Plus, they can give you the energy boost you need to move your body more regularly, whether that is by fitting more steps into your day or lifting weights at the gym.

Best of all, they're low in calories, which makes them super easy to fit into a calorie deficit.

Keep in mind, however, that green powder alone is not going to cause weight loss.

It's by pairing this powerful supplement with other healthy habits — like exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and sleeping 7-8 hours a night — that you will lose weight in a healthy, sustainable way.

If you need support revamping your lifestyle to match your weight loss goals, our health practitioners, dietitians and health coaches can help.

With Juniper's Weight Reset Program, you get access to a team of weight loss experts, who can provide you with tailored advice on everything from nutrition and exercise to sleep hygiene and stress management.

Keen to try greens powder?

Juniper's Daily Essentials Superblend was designed to support your well-being with a healthy immune system and higher energy levels.

This powerful blend nourishes your body to help you feel your best every day, thanks to 65 full-spectrum ingredients including:

• Spirulina powder, hemp protein, pea fibre, barley grass powder, wheatgrass powder and chlorella powder for antioxidant benefits
• Pre, pro, and postbiotics for a healthy gut
• Vitamin C to support immune system function and reduce tiredness and fatigue
• A blend of 7 organic mushrooms
• Clinically-trialled, full-spectrum ashwagandha
• Plenty of other essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, vitamins C, E, A and D2, iron, zinc, and folic acid.

It has less than 1g of sugar per serve and a 5-star health rating, so you can feel confident knowing you’re fueling your body the healthy way.

And thanks to the sweet and refreshing blood orange and mint flavour, you'll look forward to drinking it every time. Talk about a super greens powder!

Can you drink greens every day?

Yes and for the best results, we do recommend drinking our Daily Essential Superblend every day.

However, as with all nutritional supplements, it's important that you check with your doctor first and get their OK to do so.