Greens powders have just one thing in common. They are green.
The range of ingredients between brands is like comparing a pickup truck to a race car.
They both have 4 wheels but not many other common parts.
What are the main benefits of eating vegetables?
One, they have a lot of water content.
Two, they have fiber.
Guess what green powders are lacking? Water and fiber. So what’s left? The claim that greens have a lot of nutrients. But…it’s not that simple.
Do vegetables really have a lot of vitamins and minerals?
Well, no. They really don’t.
Many greens powders contain wheatgrass, which have lectins. The nutrients in wheatgrass are not bioavailable unless they have been soaked or sprouted. It actually takes nutrients out of our body to deal with these foods! The same thing with kale, spinach or other leafy greens. When eaten raw, they have a lot of oxalates. This renders the nutrients they do have undigestible.
In general, organ meats are between 10 and 100 times higher in nutrients than corresponding muscle meats. (That said, fruits and vegetables are rich in phytonutrients like flavonoids and polyphenols that aren’t found in high concentrations in meats and organ meats, so fresh produce should always be a significant part of your diet.) -Chris Kresser
Bottom Line? Not all green powders are equal. You won’t find them in Dawn’s pantry, but if you do think they are worth purchasing, avoid ingredients like wheatgrass and raw leafy greens. If you are on a budget, skip the greens powder, and go for liver, eggs, and some fresh fruits and veggies instead.
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