New research shows people eat vegetables only once each day, which means they’re getting fewer important nutrients found naturally in produce like vitamins, minerals and fiber. If you struggle with vegetable intake, you may benefit from a greens powders dietary supplement.
Greens powders are dried produce (vegetables, herbs, grasses, seaweed or fruit) that is ground into a powder to stir into a drink or food. They are usually green in color and may be combined with other ingredients, like protein powders, to maximize health benefits. Greens powders may aid in digestion, boost immunity and increase energy.
1. Wheatgrass: Wheatgrass is the young grass of the wheat plant grown in the United States and Europe and is best consumed as a juice or a powder.
- Source of a variety of vitamins and minerals including antioxidants, vitamins A, C, E and glutathione, iron, magnesium and selenium
- May reduce cholesterol, aid in blood sugar regulation, improve digestion, improve liver function and improve immunity.
- Mildly sweet grassiness smell and taste. Works well mixing into smoothie with fruit or 100% fruit juice.
- Dietitian Powder Pick: Navitas Organics Wheatgrass Juice Powder
2. Spinach and Kale: Nothing beats eating the real thing to get the full health benefits of these green leafy vegetables, but spinach and kale greens powders work well for those on-the-go or those who enjoy a milder greens flavor.
- Source of a variety of vitamins and minerals including calcium, potassium, vitamin K, copper, folate and lutein.
- May improve bone health, blood pressure, blood coagulation, anemia risk and eye health.
- Both are mild in flavor; spinach is slightly sweet and kale is slightly bitter. Works well mixed with protein powders and blended in smoothies.
- Dietitian Powder Pick: Vega Protein & Greens Vanilla Flavor Drink Mix
3. Spirulina: Spirulina is a blue-green algae that grows in fresh or salt water and is very nutrient-dense.
- Source of a variety of vitamin and minerals including thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, iron and copper. It also contains all the essential amino acids, making it a complete protein.
- May improve LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, environmental allergies, muscle strength and endurance and is anti-inflammatory from phycocyanin (the antioxidant that gives spirulina its blue-green color).
- Tastes and smells like the sea or lake water; earthy flavor may be an acquired taste. Works well mixed with other greens and fruit powders or juices.
- Dietitian Powder Pick: Amazing Grass Greens Berry Blend
The Spinach-Mango Green Smoothie recipe combines fresh and powder greens, protein, vitamin C from mangoes to maximize the absorption of the vitamins and minerals health from the greens.
Serves 2
All you need:
- 1½ cups Hy-Vee frozen unsweetened mango chunks
- 1 cup baby spinach, lightly packed
- 1 cup Hy-Vee unsweetened coconut water
- ½ cup cored and sliced Granny Smith apple
- 2 tbsp Vega Protein & Greens Vanilla Flavor Drink Mix
All you do:
- Place mango chunks, spinach, coconut water, sliced apple and protein powder in a blender. Cover and blend until smooth. Divide smoothie between 2 (12-oz. each) serving glasses. Serve immediately.
Want to work with a Hy-Vee dietitian? Go to the Hy-Vee Dietitian website and from there you will find the dietitian who covers your area and can move forward with setting up an appointment for a FREE Discovery Session. This session allows us to learn more about your health and wellness goals and discover which of our many services will be the best fit for your needs.
*The blog articles, recipes and recommendations found on this site are not intended as medical advice and should not replace consulting with your medical provider. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.
