The market for nutritional supplements includes several products named or marketed as “Better Greens” powders, leading to consumer confusion about their precise ingredients. Rather than a single product, the name often refers to specific blends from companies like BetterDays Co., Bettervits, and Better Alt. This article delves into the typical and specific ingredients found in these popular formulas to help clarify what you are consuming.
Core Greens and Superfood Blends
At the heart of any greens powder is a concentrated blend of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. These ingredients are typically dried and powdered to offer a potent dose of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients.
Common Ingredients in Different “Better Greens” Formulas
- Leafy Greens: Ingredients like spinach and kale are staples, rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as iron and calcium. BetterDays Co. and Bettervits both include spinach and kale in their blends.
- Grasses: Wheatgrass and barley grass are included for their rich concentration of chlorophyll, vitamins, and minerals. BetterDays Co. and Bettervits both prominently feature these ingredients.
- Algae: Spirulina and chlorella are nutrient powerhouses, containing protein, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants. Many greens powders, including those from BetterDays Co. and Bettervits, feature these sea vegetables.
- Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli sprouts are a key ingredient in BetterDays Co.'s formula, prized for glucoraphanin, which the body converts into sulforaphane to support cellular health.
- Additional Vegetables: BetterDays Co. includes other vegetables like carrots, tomatoes, and brussels sprouts to broaden the nutrient profile.
Adaptogens for Stress and Balance
Adaptogens are a group of herbs and mushrooms that help the body adapt to stress and maintain a balanced state. Their inclusion in greens powders aims to support mental clarity, energy, and overall well-being.
Popular Adaptogens
- Ashwagandha: Known for helping the body manage stress and maintain normal cortisol levels, Ashwagandha is included in both Bettervits and BetterDays Co. products.
- Ginseng: Different forms of ginseng are used to promote energy and support the body's response to stress.
- Maca: This root is often included to support daily resilience and balance.
- Mushrooms: Bettervits' formula includes adaptogenic mushrooms like shiitake, which are valued for their immune-boosting properties.
Digestive Health Support
Greens powders often go beyond basic nutrient delivery by including ingredients that support gut health and digestion. This can help reduce bloating and improve the absorption of other nutrients in the blend.
Digestive Aids in “Better Greens”
- Probiotics: Some formulas contain beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum, to promote a healthy gut microbiome. Bettervits' powder includes 5 billion CFU of probiotics.
- Digestive Enzymes: Blends like Digezyme®, found in the Bettervits powder, contain a mix of enzymes such as amylase, protease, and lipase to aid in the digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
- Prebiotic Fiber: Bettervits includes inulin, a type of prebiotic fiber, to nourish beneficial gut bacteria.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: BetterDays Co. includes apple cider vinegar powder, which is believed to aid in digestion and mineral absorption.
Additional Vitamins, Minerals, and Extracts
Beyond the core superfoods, different brands add extra vitamins, minerals, and other compounds to their blends to offer specific benefits.
Notable additions
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): This antioxidant is included in some formulations to support the body's energy production.
- Antioxidant Extracts: Ingredients like green tea extract, bilberry extract, and cranberry add powerful antioxidant support, protecting the body from oxidative stress.
- Added Vitamins and Minerals: Bettervits' blend contains a comprehensive vitamin profile, including vitamins A, C, D3, E, and a range of B vitamins, ensuring a broader nutritional spectrum.
- Caffeine: For an energy boost, some versions of BetterDays Co.'s BetterGreens powder are formulated with added caffeine from green tea extract.
Comparison of Prominent “Better Greens” Products
To better understand the differences, here is a comparison of two well-researched examples of products using the "Better Greens" name:
| Feature | Bettervits BetterGreens Powder | BetterDays Co. BetterGreens (Non-Caffeinated) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Greens | Wheatgrass, barley grass, kale, moringa, chlorella, spirulina, broccoli, spinach, celery | Wheatgrass, barley grass, chlorella, spirulina, kale, spinach, broccoli sprout, alfalfa, oat grass |
| Adaptogens | Ashwagandha, ginseng, maca, shiitake | Ashwagandha, ginseng (other forms) |
| Digestive Support | Digezyme® (enzymes), probiotics (5 billion CFU), prebiotic inulin | Digezyme® (enzymes), apple cider vinegar, cranberry, blueberry |
| Antioxidants | Green tea powder, bilberry extract, CoQ10 | Green tea, onion extract, tomato, carrot |
| Notable Extras | Comprehensive vitamin and mineral blend | Apple cider vinegar powder |
| Caffeinated Option | Not specified | Caffeinated version available with 120mg caffeine |
How to Choose the Right Greens Powder
When navigating the world of greens powders, it’s important to prioritize product quality. Here are some factors to consider:
- Ingredient Transparency: Look for products that disclose the amount of each ingredient rather than using proprietary blends. A transparent label ensures you know exactly how much of a particular nutrient you are getting.
- Third-Party Testing: Since supplements are not as tightly regulated as pharmaceuticals, third-party testing is crucial. Reputable brands will test their products for purity, potency, and potential contaminants like heavy metals.
- Organic and Non-GMO: To ensure the greens are free from pesticides and herbicides, look for certifications such as USDA Organic or non-GMO Project Verified.
- Allergen Information: Carefully check the label for potential allergens if you have sensitivities. Some greens powders, especially those containing grasses, may contain traces of gluten or other common allergens.
- Added Sugars and Artificial Sweeteners: Be wary of products with high sugar content or artificial sweeteners used to mask the taste of the greens. Opt for naturally sweetened options or those with no added sweeteners.
Conclusion
While the term “Better Greens powder” does not refer to a single product, the common ingredients across different brands highlight a shared focus on delivering a concentrated dose of green superfoods, adaptogens, and digestive aids. By understanding the specific ingredients in each formula, consumers can make informed choices based on their individual health goals. Regardless of which product you choose, remember that greens powders should be viewed as a supplement to, and not a replacement for, a healthy diet rich in whole foods.
For more in-depth information on greens powders, consider consulting resources from trusted health institutions like the Mayo Clinic to explore how these supplements fit into a balanced diet.(https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/nutrition-fitness/do-i-get-to-skip-the-spinach-exploring-powdered-greens/)
