8 Benefits of Super Greens You Need to Know (Are They Really Super?)

When was the last time you ate your 5-plus veggies a day?

There’s no doubt that even if you love your fruit and veg, it can be a struggle to balance what you know you need to eat with what you actually want to eat.

That’s why a rising number of health-conscious people use supplements like super greens to get their daily fix of body-boosting nutrients.

Super greens are everywhere nowadays, becoming the go-to solution for packing those essential nutrients in a quick and convenient way. 

But what’s actually in them? And are they really beneficial or just another health and wellness fad?

In this Smart guide, we’re diving into the science behind super greens powder and figuring out whether the health benefits are real or myth. 

Let’s go.

What are super greens?

It’s in the name. Super greens are nutrient-dense, well…greens that are super good for you. 

As a body-boosting vegetable supplement packed with nutrient-dense superfoods (usually greens, hence the name) like algae, spinach, and kale, super greens offer a range of health benefits (more on that soon).

Firstly, we need to talk about superfoods, and, a quick look in the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines them as:

“A food that is rich in compounds (such as antioxidants, fibre, or fatty acids) considered beneficial to a person's health.”

Basically, whole foods offer a treasure trove of nutritional benefits that are low in calories. Oh, and they’re exceptional for your health.  

Why are we talking about superfoods now?

Traditionally, super greens are a subset of (green) superfoods (including algae and grasses) that are packed full of nutritional goodness that supports digestion, boosts the immune system, and contributes to overall skin health (among other things). 

Basically, these are traditional super green foods in the form of dried, powder format with added vitamins and minerals to boost the health-giving properties. 

They’re a whole new way to get your veggies and level up your health, even when you’re at your busiest.

They pack a powerful body-boosting punch and are used to supplement a healthy and balanced diet. So, a daily dose of super greens will help your body to work efficiently while giving you plenty of energy.

So, from now on, when we refer to super greens, we’ll be talking about the powdered form— as that is the supplement that people most commonly take.

What ingredients do greens powders have in them?

In short, plenty of body-boosting nutrients. But before we get into the benefits (and potential side effects) of super greens, let’s talk about the specific ingredients to understand where the nutritional benefits might come from. 

There is no one super greens formula, and the plant sources very much depend on which brand you choose. 

But, most greens powders contain a mixture of the following ingredients…

Think of the healthy foods you’d most likely reach for to fill your plate if you were trying to up your veggie intake. 

The dark, leafy greens are known and revered for their high vitamin, mineral and antioxidant content—all of which contribute to the health-giving qualities of super greens. 

Why should you supplement with super greens powders?

Supplementing with super greens will give your brain and body the added nutritional boost you need to hit your health and wellness goals. 

We all know that green veggies and superfoods are an essential part of a healthy, balanced diet. But subconsciously, somewhere along our childhoods, we learn to associate broccoli with a lack of fun—which only makes consuming the right amount of them all the harder. 

But why do you need to take super green powder?

There’s definitely an argument for almost everyone to take some form of super green supplement (assuming none of the side effects apply). Unless you’re consistently hitting your daily greens intake and are sure you are getting the balance you need. 

But for those with an active lifestyle with a focus on wellbeing, super greens can offer a wealth of benefits.

It’s not easy to get a mixture of all the nutrients you need in an easy and convenient way. And, if you’re trying to maintain your weight, taking super greens powders will keep you vital while keeping within your daily calorie targets.

The 9 health benefits of super greens powders

There are plenty of potential benefits of taking super greens—which makes sense once you know the common ingredients. 

The most commonly reported benefits of greens powder include… 

1. Naturally boosts energy

Lacking energy and feeling lacklustre in everyday life is one of the main reasons that people turn to super greens and other supplements. 

Working long hours, juggling family life, keeping up with exercise…the list goes on. There are a lot of things to juggle in adult life, and sometimes eating the right things falls by the wayside, which, in turn, can impact energy levels. 

But is there any truth in super greens boosting energy?

The first thing to note is that supergreens tend to be very low in calories—great news if you’re looking to lose weight. But fewer calories can mean lower energy levels. 

But, that doesn’t mean that there’s no substance to the improved energy claims. 

One randomised study found that taking greens powder significantly improved participants' energy levels (1). One of the reasons behind this might be down to the presence of vitamins (including vitamin B and vitamin C) and other micronutrients, which support energy production (2).

So yes, super greens powders can help support increased energy, especially if they have added vitamins. 

2. Strengthens immune system

Getting sick sucks.

Not only does it feel awful, but being under the weather can completely throw you off track when it comes to your health and wellbeing goals. 

Nutrition plays a pivotal role (3) in ensuring that your body works to its best ability, which can help you avoid getting taken out by a bug.

This is in part down to the balance of essential vitamins and minerals required to support your immune system, which super greens powders are packed with, helping you feel fitter and healthier in the process. 

3. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory

Lowering inflammation can help lower blood pressure, improve heart health, and contribute to chronic disease prevention. 

The plant content of super greens powders has been linked to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help fight off free radicals and reduce inflammation in the body—aiding in detoxification. 

4. Increased alkalinity

The human body should always be slightly alkaline (a pH above seven). And, a lower pH can sometimes be a sign of a serious health condition.

It’s been suggested that super greens powder can help increase alkalinity in the body, which is associated with various health benefits. 

But is this really true?

Although consuming super greens powder can’t impact the pH balance of your blood, it can increase your urine pH, which may aid your body in the detox process and reduce stress and strain on the kidneys. This is known as the PRAL score (potential renal acid load), and those with a higher PRAL score tend to have higher levels of body fat and lower muscle mass.

5. Aids weight loss

The never-ending quest to maintain or lose weight only heightens for most people as they age.

Super greens powders can help you maintain a healthy weight as they’re low in calories but high in fibre. This makes you feel fuller for longer while providing you with some of the essential vitamins needed to function healthily. 

Plus, some greens powders will have metabolism-boosting ingredients like green tea extract,  helping you burn more energy and helping you reach those weight loss goals with confidence.

6. Improves Digestive Enzymes

This is a big one because poor digestive health can impact all of the above, from energy to immune health to weight loss efforts. 

A healthy gut (or unhealthy in some cases) is linked to almost every other bodily function and can negatively impact your health if it becomes unbalanced.

7. Healthy hair, nails and skin

Glowing skin and luscious hair? Yes, please.

If the other benefits don’t have you convinced, maybe this one will. 

This helps improve the health of your bodily tissues, which benefits your hair, nails, and skin. 

This means you won’t only feel great—but you’ll look good too. Double bonus.   

8. Provides extra nutrition

Last but certainly not least, super greens powders help boost healthy nutritional intake, ensuring that your body gets essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fibre. 

Of course, it’s not a replacement for eating healthily—but it does help offer a supplement when you are struggling to consume enough of the good stuff. It’s your perfect companion for filling in those nutritional gaps.

Can super greens powder replace a healthy diet?

No, not entirely. You shouldn’t use super greens from any brand as a substitute for eating veggies.

In fact, even our SuperGreens+ - which is specially formulated to provide a diverse range of essential nutrients and micronutrients—still only has 25% to 50% of your recommended daily intake (more than many others available). 

But that’s okay.

Why?

Well, because supplements are there to do just that—complement a healthy, well-balanced, and rounded diet. So, there’s still a huge merit in actually eating your vegetables.  

But we all know how tough it can be to consume all the nutrients you need to stay super healthy.

Are there any side effects of super greens?

Like any supplement, there are some potential side effects you should know about. 

As super greens are made using natural ingredients, they’re generally considered safe. But, it’s important to be mindful of the potential side effects. 

Some of the most common ones include…

Allergic reactions

Certain greens powders contain ingredients like seaweed, green tea extract, and various herbs, which can cause allergic reactions in some people. These reactions may include skin rashes, itching, swelling, or even anaphylaxis.

Digestive discomfort

Super greens powders tend to be high in fibre, which is great for digestion and that full and satisfied feeling.

But, it can also cause bloating, gas, or diarrhoea in some people—especially when starting with a large serving. 

Interaction with medications

Although super greens tend to contain natural ingredients, they can sometimes interact with medications—which may have side effects. 

This is why it’s always important to consult a healthcare professional if you are on any medications. 

Remember, the side effects of super greens powders are not universal. But, knowing about them is always a good idea.

Can you take super greens every day?

Yes, most super greens powders are formulated to take every day. But you should always check the label to ensure that you’re consuming your supplement as per the manufacturer's instructions. 

When to take super greens powders

When you take super greens powder is entirely up to you and is based on individual and lifestyle factors. 

There are a couple of things to consider when it comes to super greens time…

Morning vs afternoon vs evening

Starting the day with super greens powder could be beneficial as it may provide a nutrient boost and support overall well-being. 

Taking super greens powder in the afternoon can provide an extra boost during midday slumps or low-energy moments and help curb cravings for unhealthy snacks.

Some people prefer taking super greens powder in the evening as part of their nighttime routine, as it can promote relaxation and support better sleep quality due to its calming effects on digestion.

Before vs after a workout

What about in relation to exercise?

Some people take super greens before or after a workout, as it may help with energy levels and recovery. On the flip side, others will take their super supplement after to help detox and remove free radicals.

Ultimately, the best time to take super greens powder is when you want and when you remember.

How to take greens powder

How to take super greens powder is going to vary depending on the manufacturer. So again, check the label.

For our SuperGreens+ you should add one scoop (7g) and 200 to 300ml water to a shaker bottle and glass before shaking well (or stirring) and enjoying immediately. You can add more or less liquid to adjust the taste.

But you don’t just have to have super greens with water—you can also add them to smoothies or mix them with food. 

Do super greens powders really taste bad?

Most super greens powders are notoriously bad tasting.

While the benefits might outweigh the taste in most cases, with many brands, it’s something you are going to have to get used to or disguise in a smoothie or drink. 

But, it doesn’t have to be that way… 

At Smart Protein, we’re really proud to have spent time formulating a super greens powder that not only packs a powerful punch in terms of vitamins and minerals—but also tastes good.

You can still enjoy it with a smoothie or meal, but it’s perfectly tasty to drink alone if that’s what you fancy. 

How do you choose the right super greens powder for you?

There are lots of options out there, so when selecting a super greens powder, it's essential to consider several factors to ensure that it aligns with your dietary needs and preferences. 

Here are some key considerations based on expert recommendations and insights…

Ingredients 

Look for a greens powder that contains a diverse range of ingredients, including leafy greens, vegetables, grasses, algae, and superfoods. 

Make sure that the product includes a variety of nutrients, like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. 

Quality & Expert Recommendations

Choose a product from a reputable company that prioritises the quality and purity of its ingredients and takes into account the recommendations of nutrition experts as well as dietitians when choosing a greens powder.

Flavour

Yes, super greens might not be renowned for their flavour, but it's something you should consider—especially if it's something that is going to bother you. 

If you like the flavour, you’re more likely to consume it. 

Are super greens really super?

It’s in the name, but are they really as super as we’ve been led to believe?

Well…arguably, YES!

There’s an abundance of benefits linked to super greens and fairly few negatives or side effects.

Supplementing a healthy and balanced diet will likely help support immune function, gut health, and weight loss while helping prevent chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and heart disease. 

Of course, not all super greens are created equally—and if you’re looking for an expert-recommended product packed full of vitamins and minerals—then look no further than Smart Protein SuperGreens+. Go get some.

Sources

Smart Protein is committed to sourcing only the most up-to-date and scientifically-backed research in our articles.

1. PubMed Research

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15217524/ 

2. National Library of Medicine

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9102588/

3. PubMed Research

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21954333/ 

4. National Library of Medicine

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7019700/

5. Frontiers

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.1082500/full 

6. The National Library of Medicine

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17658124/

7. PubMed Research

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9102588/