A dietitian breaks down what you need to know.
By Sukriti Wahi
Although multivitamins and health supplements have been popular amongst wellness enthusiasts for quite some time, there's arguably none more prominent than the highly Instagrammable greens powder.
While the colour is arguably the most obvious qualifier for a greens powder, most variations of the supplement tend to feature the same ingredients.
"The ingredients are usually a mix of different dried vegetables, herbs and spices with barley grass, wheatgrass and broccoli all commonly used," McLeod told BAZAAR.
"Some also contain probiotics and different seeds, such as flaxseeds or chia seeds [and some have] also started to add prebiotic fibres as well."
The biggest benefit of adding a greens powder to your diet is less about what it contains, and more about the convenience it offers, from a nutritional perspective.
"The vitamins you're most likely to find in them are from the B group as well as A, K and C."
While a greens powder can be a good way to bolster your micronutrient consumption, they aren't functional as a replacement for a healthy, balanced diet, McLeod emphasised.
"Powders aren't yet at the stage where the complex interactions between different compounds in the foods we eat are able to be replicated," she noted.
"The other thing to think about, is that these powders usually lack fibre, which is one of the most important parts of your fruit and veggies because of how it feeds your gut microbes and keeps you feeling full."
"[Again] while they can be a helpful supplement, they are not a replacement for making great nutritional choices each day," McLeod said.
"I think they can lull some people into a false sense of security. For example, having that extra burger or glass of wine, with the misconception that the green powder negates making lower quality choices. Also, the usual lack of fibre means you are unlikely to feel satisfied."
Even though greens powders aren't the 'magical potions' they are often made out to be, that isn't to say that they can't have a place in a well-rounded diet.
"If you're in a phase where your nutrient needs are higher, or you know that your usual healthy diet has not been as on-point of late, they can be a fabulous 'helper'but still not a replacement for eating your minimum five serves of vegetables each day," said McLeod.
If you are considering adding a greens powder to your diet, McLeod recommended paying attention to the nutrition label before purchasing to ensure its quality before you invest.
"Look for where it is madeideally in Australia," she said.
"[Avoid] if there are any 'fillers' used, such as maltodextrin. Also look out for synthetic dyes, artificial sweeteners, sugar or emulsifiers."
Keep scrolling for the best greens powders you can buy in Australia.
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The 5 Best Green Powders On The Aussie Market - Harper's BAZAAR
