How Greens & Probiotics Work Together
Greens and Probiotics have both gained popularity quickly within the world of supplements. At first glance, these two products appear quite different: one is a green powder usually mixed with liquids to make a drink, while the other is a white powder typically found in capsule form. Both are powerful and beneficial in their own unique ways, but when combined their synergies are powerful! Let’s first look at how these products benefit our bodies individually.
Greens
Greens powders may contain a variety of ingredients including vegetables, fruits, herbal extracts, adaptogens, enzymes, and even probiotics. These powders can be rich in nutrition from B vitamins to essential minerals and can even provide a source of fibre. All these things are important factors, but the real magic of a green's powder comes from the phytonutrients.
Phytonutrients are natural compounds found in plants that can exert significant benefits for human health1. Research has shown that phytonutrients function as antioxidants and affect different areas of the body, including metabolism, while also helping to prevent disorders and diseases.1 Some examples of phytonutrients include polyphenols, terpenoids, resveratrol, flavonoids, carotenoids, phytoestrogens, and anthocyanins2. Each of these molecules come from different plant sources and have unique functions within the body including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, liver protecting (hepatoprotective), and many others2.
Recent studies have explored how the gut microbiota is associated with the metabolism of phytonutrients. Phytonutrients have large structures and the gut helps to break them down into small components that are more easily absorbed1. Without the gut microbiota, many of the phytonutrients consumed would not be used effectively by the body.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that have a positive effect on human health, often referred to as ‘good bacteria’. When used consistently, probiotics can help to improve the gut microbiota by increasing the number of good bacteria in the gut and decreasing the bad.
The link between greens and probiotics
New research begun to investigate the role of phytonutrients acting as prebiotics in the gut4. Prebiotics are a non-digestible food component that has a positive health benefit on the gut microbiota by helping to promote the growth of gut friendly bacteria.3 Several phytonutrients have been identified as influencing the gut microbiome and exerting anti-inflammatory effects4. Polyphenols, flavones, catechins, anthocyanins, and resveratrol are all phytonutrients that have been studied for having effects on bacterial diversity, gut dysbiosis regulation, and impact on composition of bacteria in the gut microbiota4. These are all indicators that these compounds are impacting the gut in a positive way! Although these are mostly hypotheses and much more research needs to be done, this is an interesting idea that allows us to make a connection between phytonutrients and probiotics.
If phytonutrients may act as prebiotics in the gut, this means that by consuming diverse phytonutrients, you are helping to feed the probiotics you’re taking, ultimately allowing your gut microbiome to thrive! Genuine Health has formulated phytonutrient-rich products along with diverse probiotics to jump start your gut health journey. Try our greens+ original in tropical fruit or unsweetened natural (stevia free!), a greens powder packed with a variety of nutrient-dense plant-based ingredients rich in phytonutrients, antioxidants, botanicals, probiotics and adaptogens. Pair it with our advanced gut health 50 billion probiotic, a multi-strain formula designed to support your digestive system, gastrointestinal health and enhance the diversity of your gut flora. A perfect synergy to supporting a healthy gut!
REFERENCES
1. Kan J, Wu F, Wang F, et al. Phytonutrients: Sources, bioavailability, interaction with gut microbiota, and their impacts on human health. Front Nutr. 2022;9:960309. doi:10.3389/fnut.2022.960309
2. Gupta C, Prakash D. Phytonutrients as therapeutic agents. J Complement Integr Med. 2014;11(3):151-169. doi:10.1515/jcim-2013-0021
3. Markowiak P, Śliżewska K. Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics on Human Health. Nutrients. 2017;9(9):1021. doi:10.3390/nu9091021
4. Carrera-Quintanar L, López Roa RI, Quintero-Fabián S, Sánchez-Sánchez MA, Vizmanos B, Ortuño-Sahagún D. Phytochemicals That Influence Gut Microbiota as Prophylactics and for the Treatment of Obesity and Inflammatory Diseases. Mediators Inflamm. 2018;2018:9734845. doi:10.1155/2018/9734845
