Home > Greens: Not Just for Health Nuts Anymore

For years, people who consumed greens or juiced their green vegetables were considered a bit strange.Well, times have changed, and along with improved technology, greens have gone mainstream. People are realizing that fast food diets and even supplemental multivitamin and mineral products may lack some of the health-improving potential of the nutrients found in green foods. But what are greens, and why would one want to take a green food supplement?

Let’s take a look at the “why” part of that question first. Green foods have been revered for centuries as a health-bearing part of life. And recently, science has shown that consuming green leafy vegetables contributes to better overall health.To easier understand these benefits, it is best to examine what it is usually present in a green food supplement.

Cereal grasses are a primary ingredient often found in green food supplements. In addition to their nutritional value, these plants are packed with antioxidants as well as chlorophyll – the life blood of plants. Chlorophyll is the substance responsible for the green color in plants that accomplishes photosynthesis. It has traditionally been used to improve bad breath, as well as reduce the odors of urine, feces, and infected wounds. Another common component is spirulina, a form of algae that provides the body with protein, high levels of beta-carotene, B-12, iron and essential fatty acids. And who can forget green leafy vegetables? In addition to the benefits just mentioned, green leafy vegetables are an excellent source of the carotenes lutein and zeaxanthin – two nutrients that are recommended by natural health experts to promote eye health. Alfalfa is often a component of green foods, and it may be one of the most nutritious supplements available. Its roots go deep into the ground, and therefore provide many nutrients – such as minerals that might not make it into other greens. Alfalfa contains many of the nutrients listed above and also provides vitamins D, E, K and B-Complex. In addition, it contains calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and trace minerals.

So how do you pick a good green food supplement? Be cautious of the overuse of fillers, which are ingredients in formulas that are used to either save money or help the product blend in liquids. Lecithin, apple pectin, apple fiber, brown rice germ and barley malt are examples of common fillers. Some have benefits, and some do not.The problem with fillers is that they commonly make up too much of a formula, crowding out the more beneficial green foods. Also, be aware of the number of ingredients in your green food supplement. Long lists of ingredients don’t necessarily mean that the product is better for you. Often times, these lists are padded to entice you to buy the product, but the amounts are so minute. Lastly, make sure your supplement contains a good blend of green food sources to insure that your body is receiving a wide spectrum of nutritional goodness.

By reviewing the nutritional components found in most green food products, I am sure that you can understand why supplementation with greens can be so beneficial. Because it is difficult to always eat well, adding in a healthy dose of Mother Nature can give your body the extra boost it needs to deal with the everyday stressors of life.There are many other great products on the market, so it may be best to consult with a Vitamin Shoppe health enthusiast to help choose the appropriate greens for you.