By now, we’ve all heard that the best diet is a balanced diet. And leafy greens are a key part of this, with more studies showing their preventative benefits. For instance, a study by the National Institute of Health found that 100 grams of green leafy vegetables (GLVs) daily can prevent things like high blood pressure and liver disease. Yet, these benefits are in careful balance with what we consume, and how we choose to. The same study says, “GLVs require careful handling…to preserve their quality and biological value,” but the US food system is notorious for produce packaged early, internationally sourced, pumped full of GMOs, and covered in pesticides.
Given these conditions, it makes sense why so many turn towards green supplements to maintain our health. Still, these can come with dozens of caveats, especially if you don’t hold a nutritionist degree or certifications.
Our team investigated 5 major green blends available on the market today exploring the pros and cons for each product, and why a simple approach might just be the best option around. Here’s what we found:
While a multi-vitamin-esque superfood blend might appeal for its one-size-fits-all approach, over prescribing your body superfoods can often counteract their benefits. Only nutritionists and healthcare professionals come with a catalog of health do’s and don’t’s, and products like AG1, Primal Harvest, and Factor Form take advantage of this by pairing ingredients that just don’t work well together. From green tea extracts alongside iron powerhouses, a combo known to contribute to anemia after prolonged use, to low PPO-activity berries coupled with high PPO-activity bananas or apples that reduce flavanol intake, sometimes it’s best to keep things simple.
Plus, as more products make their way from global producers, FDA regulation falls by the wayside. A study by Consumer Reports established a list of high-risk foods for pesticide levels, highlighting the heightened risk when purchasing from foreign producers. Of these, the major players were blueberries, bell peppers, celery, and strawberries, and the recommended daily dose sits at just a ½ serving. Factor Form and Primal Harvest list these in their ingredients without specifying where they’re sourced, making these more of a hazard than they’re worth.
You’ll also see ‘Inulin’ listed on several of these green blends, including Naked Nutrition. While it works as a naturally-derived probiotic, it can also cause stomach upset at higher levels. With no specifications on any of these probiotic levels, you’re safer using a fiber option that won’t lead to gas and constipation.
When it comes to greens blends, less is more. Our American Grown Greens blend cuts through the noise and doesn’t hide behind a wall of complex and unnecessary ingredients. And today, a simple ingredients list with traceable sourcing can go a long way, delivering everything you need and nothing you don’t. Try it out and see for yourself.
