If your TikTok feed is anything like mine, then you’ve seen the constant promotion of greens powder over the past few months.
Brands like Bloom and Femfuelz have been collaborating with various lifestyle and wellness influencers, who all seem to swear by the supplements.
But what purpose do these powders have, and should we be incorporating them into our diet?
The benefits
The greens are promoted as supplements for gut health, that improve digestion and stop bloating.
They contain prebiotics and probiotics which help grow your gut microbiome.
Having good gut health is beneficial for many of the different systems in our body, such as our immune system and cardio-metabolic system.
Bloating is a big concern for many people, and is something the greens powders claim to stop.
The ingredients
The majority of greens powders on the market have about 30-40 ingredients, most commonly including leafy greens, grasses, berries, and probiotics. Digestive enzymes such as amylase and other ingredients like fibre and seaweed are often added.
Spirulina powder is a popular seaweed used in the powders and is known for its powerful antioxidant properties.
Greens powders can be blended into water or juice to drink, so it ensures more water intake during the day.
They are often come in different flavours such as mixed berry or tropical fruit to encourage people to use them.
Are they worth the hype?
Contrary to popular belief, the powders don’t contain added sugar, and are overall genuinely healthy.
They certainly won’t do any harm, but it should be noted that there are cheaper alternatives for improving gut health.
Probiotic yoghurts and fermented foods like kimchi and miso also do wonders when it comes to introducing good bacteria.
While greens powders may reduce bloating, changing our existing diet first can also help significantly.
Reducing our intake of carbonated drinks, alcohol, dairy, and gluten can help curb uncomfortable bloating.
It can also be helpful to keep a food diary to track what foods trigger your bloating or IBS.
We also must remember that the influencers promoting these greens powders are getting paid to do so.
If you find yourself easily influenced to buy products online, I would say address your current diet before adding another supplement to the mix.
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