How to Shop for a Greens Powder
The following article was written by Heinen’s Chief Dietitian, Melanie Jatsek RD, LD.
Rich in fiber, vitamins and natural plant compounds called phytonutrients, greens are one of the most impactful foods you can add to your daily diet to promote better health.
According to Heinen’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Todd Pesek, MD:
“The multitude of phytonutrients in greens fuel our bodies and their major detoxification systems. Greens basically act as a nutritive anti-inflammatory cleanser to help the body naturally rid itself of harmful toxins. In addition, chlorophyll—the green pigment in greens—adds to their anti-inflammatory power.”
There is a large assortment of Fx-approved greens to choose from on our Top 100 Foods List including:
- Arugula
- Cabbage
- Collard
- Dandelion
- Kale
- Mesclun
- Microgreens
- Mustard
- Romaine lettuce
- Spinach
- Swiss chard
Another option available to you is greens in powdered form. Talk about convenience!
What are Greens Powders?
Found in Heinen’s Wellness Department, greens powders are made up of a combination of leafy greens, seaweed (spirulina, chlorella, dulse, kelp), veggies, grasses (barley grass, wheatgrass, oat grass, alfalfa grass), antioxidant-rich fruits (blueberries, raspberries, acai berries, goji berries), probiotics, plant-based digestive enzymes, herbs, mushroom extracts and natural sugar alternatives like stevia leaf extract and monk fruit extract.
These ingredients are dried and ground into a powder and can effortlessly mix and dissolve into your favorite recipes or smoothies.
If you’re constantly on-the-go, greens powders may be just what you need to help you squeeze more veggies and fruits into your diet—something we should all aim to do! And, at a little over $1.00 per serving, greens powders can fit into most budgets!
Four quality brands of greens powders available at Heinen’s are:
- Garden of Life Perfect Food Green Superfood
- MacroLife Naturals Macro Greens Powder
- Ancient Nutrition Organic Super Greens
- BareOrganics Marine Super Greens
How to Use Greens Powders
The best way I’ve found to incorporate greens powder is to blend them into smoothies. Because the powder tends to taste a bit “grassy”, mixing it with a little fruit can improve the flavor while adding even more nutrition. Check out this Super Energizing Smoothie – the perfect solution for a quick breakfast to get you through those super busy mornings!
Another creative way to add greens powders into your meals is to mix them into dips and sauces. If you’re a fan of pesto, you’ll adore this recipe for Hidden Veggie Pesto. The secret ingredient is MacroLife Naturals Macro Greens Powder. Serve it over pasta, as a dip for veggies or spread it on a slice of sprouted toast.
Key Takeaway
Give yourself a daily spring cleaning with a serving or two of leafy greens. Whether fresh, frozen or powdered, your body will feel cleaner and more energized by the anti-inflammatory power of Mother Nature’s most nutritious gift.
