5 Things to Look for When Buying a Green Superfood
Fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, fibre, and thousands of naturally occurring plant compounds called phytonutrients. These compounds contribute to the colour, flavour, and protective functions of plants and may play important roles in human health through antioxidant and cellular pathways.1
Research suggests that consuming a wide variety of plant foods provides a broader range of phytonutrients than relying on a limited selection of foods.1 However, many North Americans do not consume enough variety in their diets, making nutrient-dense green superfood supplements a convenient way to increase exposure to a broader range of plant compounds.
With so many products available, knowing what to look for is essential. Here are five factors to consider when choosing a green superfood supplement.
#1 Backed by research
The supplement industry is filled with broad health claims, but the quality of evidence behind those claims varies. A high-quality product should be supported by research on ingredient selection, formulation, quality testing, and ideally the finished product.
Research evaluating dietary supplements can help determine whether ingredients are present at meaningful levels and whether the formula delivers measurable benefits. Consumers should look for brands that provide transparency around sourcing, testing, and scientific rationale.
#2 Effective amounts of ingredients
A long ingredient list does not necessarily indicate a more effective product. The amount of each ingredient provided per serving is critical when evaluating a supplement.
For example, two products may both contain spirulina, chlorella, or greens powders, but the nutritional contribution may differ significantly depending on the quantity included. Transparent labeling allows consumers to assess whether ingredients are present at meaningful amounts.
#3 Provides a spectrum of phytonutrients
Plants contain thousands of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, carotenoids, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals that contribute to plant defense mechanisms and may influence human health.2
A diverse green superfood formula containing a variety of vegetables, fruits, algae, and other plant ingredients may provide a broader spectrum of phytonutrients than relying on a single superfood ingredient alone.
Rather than focusing on one superfood, look for formulas designed to provide variety.
#4 Provides standardized herbs in effective dosages
The medicinal part of a herb is also referred to as its active compound, and this is the part of the plant that provides benefits to the body. The concentration of these compounds can vary significantly depending on the plant source, growing conditions, and processing methods.
Standardized herbal extracts are produced to contain a consistent amount of specific active compounds, helping improve quality control and product consistency.3 When choosing a supplement containing herbs, look for products that disclose the extract type and standardization details.
#5 Synergistic boosters to meet specific needs
We’re all different, and we have different nutritional needs (and health goals!). We may take a daily multivitamin to help fill nutritional gaps, or we may choose supplements based on specific areas of interest such as bone health, energy levels, or to support detoxification etc. Why not find a superfood that does both?
For over 30 years, greens+ has stood the test of time, backed by clinical studies and shown to support whole body health. greens+ original is scientifically formulated to support gut health, energy and vitality. Packed with phytonutrient rich ingredients and standardized extracts to guarantee therapeutic potency, it contains much more than cheap freeze-dried fruits and vegetables. Foundational nutrition for your whole body in one easy scoop.
If you’re looking to reach a specific health goal, check out the full greens+ line up, with different “boosters” to suit a variety of needs.
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References
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Liu RH. Health benefits of fruit and vegetables are from additive and synergistic combinations of phytochemicals. Am J Clin Nutr. 2003;78(3 Suppl):517S-520S. doi:10.1093/ajcn/78.3.517S
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Manach C, Scalbert A, Morand C, Rémésy C, Jiménez L. Polyphenols: food sources and bioavailability. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004;79(5):727-747. doi:10.1093/ajcn/79.5.727
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Wang H, Chen Y, Wang L, Liu Q, Yang S, Wang C. Advancing herbal medicine: enhancing product quality and safety through robust quality control practices. Front Pharmacol. 2023;14:1265178. doi:10.3389/fphar.2023.1265178
