What is Bloom Nutrition Greens?
Founded in 2019 by Mari Llewellyn and her husband, Bloom Nutrition is a company that creates a range of health supplements. Their flagship product, the Greens & Superfoods powder, is a dietary supplement designed to be mixed with water or other beverages. It is comprised of a proprietary blend of more than 30 ingredients, aiming to provide a concentrated dose of nutrients that might be missing from an individual's diet.
Unlike traditional leafy greens, this powder offers a convenient, on-the-go way to consume a variety of purported superfoods, probiotics, and other health-supporting compounds. The product's appeal is further enhanced by its range of flavors, which help mask the often-earthy taste associated with greens powders. However, it's crucial to understand that while a greens powder can be a helpful addition, it is not a replacement for a balanced diet rich in whole foods.
Primary Uses and Benefits of Bloom
According to the brand's marketing, the Greens & Superfoods powder is intended to address several common wellness concerns. The primary uses include:
- Relieving Bloating: The formula includes digestive enzymes, prebiotics, and probiotics, which the company claims can help soothe uncomfortable bloating and support digestive regularity. For some users, adding a new fibrous supplement can have the opposite effect, so individual results vary.
- Supporting Gut Health: With a blend of prebiotics and probiotics, Bloom aims to promote a balanced and healthy gut microbiome. These beneficial bacteria are crucial for digestive and immune function.
- Boosting Energy Levels: The combination of micronutrients from fruits and vegetables, along with adaptogenic herbs like Ashwagandha and Rhodiola, is intended to provide a natural and sustained energy boost without the crash associated with caffeine.
- Filling Nutritional Gaps: For those who struggle to eat enough fruits and vegetables daily, the supplement offers a simple way to increase overall nutrient intake.
A Closer Look at the Ingredients
Bloom's Greens & Superfoods powder contains a diverse list of ingredients, grouped into several proprietary blends.
Digestive Health Ingredients
- Fiber Blend: Includes chicory root fructooligosaccharides, organic flaxseed, and apple fruit powder. The fiber content helps with regularity, but for some, the chicory root can cause bloating.
- Pre- and Probiotic Blend: Contains blue agave inulin and three strains of probiotics (Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus) to support gut health. However, the specific number of colony-forming units (CFUs) is not disclosed.
- Digestive Enzyme Blend: Features a mix of enzymes like amylase, cellulase, and lipase to assist in breaking down food for better absorption.
General Wellness and Energy Ingredients
- Green Superfood Blend: This blend includes organic barley grass, spirulina, wheatgrass, alfalfa leaf, and chlorella powders. These ingredients are rich in micronutrients and antioxidants.
- Fruit and Vegetable Blend: A variety of produce powders, including organic carrots, beets, kale, blueberries, spinach, and broccoli.
- Antioxidant Beauty Blend: Packed with antioxidant-rich berries like cranberry, strawberry, and elderberry, along with goji berry and matcha green tea leaf.
- Adaptogenic Blend: Contains herbs like Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, and ginseng, which are thought to help the body manage stress.
Important Considerations and Potential Drawbacks
While Bloom Nutrition has a strong social media presence and many positive reviews, it is essential to consider the potential drawbacks of any dietary supplement.
- Proprietary Blends: The use of proprietary blends means the exact dosage of each ingredient is not transparently listed. This makes it difficult to assess the actual efficacy of individual components, as some effective doses might be too low.
- Whole Food Superiority: Many dietitians argue that whole foods provide a much wider range of nutrients and fiber than a processed powder can. A supplement should complement, not replace, a healthy diet.
- Potential for Side Effects: Some individuals, particularly those with sensitive digestive systems, may experience gastrointestinal discomfort, including bloating, from ingredients like chicory root and stevia.
- Regulation: The dietary supplement field is not regulated by the FDA in the same way as food and drugs, meaning products aren't required to demonstrate efficacy before going to market. While Bloom is third-party tested for contaminants, it does not guarantee clinical effectiveness.
Comparison: Greens Powder vs. Whole Foods
| Feature | Bloom Greens Powder | Whole Fruits and Vegetables |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrient Source | Concentrated blend of pulverized and powdered ingredients. | Complete, unprocessed food matrix. |
| Absorption | May be easier for some, but depends on the quality of ingredients and individual digestion. | Best source for fiber, vitamins, and minerals, along with a full range of phytonutrients. |
| Convenience | High. Simply mix a scoop with water or a smoothie. | Low. Requires preparation and a varied shopping list. |
| Dosage | Proprietary blends can make effective dosage unclear. | You have full control over the quantity consumed. |
| Bloating | Can help relieve it for some, but may cause it in others. | Generally, a high-fiber, whole-food diet is the best long-term solution for bloating. |
Conclusion: A Supplement, Not a Substitute
Ultimately, what is the supplement Bloom used for is to be a convenient way to boost daily nutrient intake for those with busy lifestyles. Its primary function is to support digestive health, reduce bloating, and provide a modest energy lift through its blends of probiotics, enzymes, and superfoods. While it offers a palatable alternative to more earthy greens powders, it is not a magical solution for all wellness concerns. It is crucial to view Bloom, and all greens powders, as a supplement to a nutrient-dense, balanced diet rather than a replacement for whole, unprocessed foods. Always consult a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your routine, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take other medications.
For more information on the health benefits of whole foods, you can visit the National Institutes of Health.