The Great Debate: Food vs Supplements

Ideally, people should be able to successfully achieve all nutritional needs through dietary choices. With a balanced diet, the above is possible. The reality, however, can be very different from the idealized goal. Many people’s daily food choices mean that nutritional goals often fall short of recommended intake. For this cohort, supplements can work to fill in the gaps left behind. With the rise in popularity of greens powders, many people are left wondering if supplements are a realistic substitute for a healthy diet.

Powdered greens explained

As the name implies, powdered green supplements combine a variety of fruits, vegetables, and plants to create a single source of blended vitamins and minerals. The combination is intended to boost immunity and round out any nutrients that might be missing from a person’s daily diet. Additionally, the supplements are often touted for boosting energy, having anti-aging properties such as promoting collagen production, and more. Common ingredients include seaweed, leafy greens, grasses, vegetables, antioxidant-rich fruits, herbs, natural extracts, and probiotics. Typically, the powders are meant to be mixed into drinks or sprinkled on meals.

Benefits of powder

Assuming a person selects a supplement produced by a reputable brand, most green powders live up to the hype. Along with reinforcing immunity and bolstering overall nutrient consumption, many options also aid in regulating blood pressure (BP), lowering the risk of chronic disease, and improving eye and brain health.

Purchase wisely

As with any supplement, powder greens aren’t without drawbacks. The most obvious concern centers around reliability. Individuals who don’t perform due diligence may end up purchasing a supplement from a less-than-reputable company. As a result, the nutritional contents may be well below or above recommended amounts. Over time, consuming the wrong quantity of vitamins and minerals can lead to nutritional imbalances. Also, remember that people with known medical conditions may experience unintended interactions with medications because of heightened vitamin or mineral levels in the powder. Similarly, people with allergies and pregnant or breastfeeding women should also proceed cautiously.

A whole foods first approach

While most powder green supplements are fairly safe and nutritious, most experts will still encourage people to opt for whole foods first when trying to fill in nutritional gaps. A supplement is not a replacement for a healthy, balanced diet. The main reason is that the processing required to turn foods into powders can sometimes reduce nutrient levels. As a result, even the best supplements don’t always compete when compared with whole foods. Research supports this claim, with many studies examining the efficacy of whole food vs the synthetic version. The whole food almost always wins.

Supplements, not replacements

Greens powder supplements are a great way to bolster nutritional choices but cannot serve as a substitute for a healthy, balanced diet. The first step to good nutrition is to prioritize whole foods. Most powder greens are fairly safe. However, people are encouraged to research before settling on an option. Look for brands that clearly state the ingredients, and prioritize manufacturers that follow the Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) regulations.