- Ali
Getting in your daily greens has never been easier thanks to the variety of greens powders that can easily be added to a morning smoothie. So are all green powders created equal? You guessed it, no. The best greens powder for you will depend on what you are looking for in your greens and what you will be using it for.
For me I like to add it to my early morning routine so it hits my digestive system after a 12 hour fast.
Most green powders contain a good source of micronutrients, but there is a lot of difference in the blends of ingredients included and what they do in the body. Made with blue-green algae like spirulina and chlorella, wheat grass, alfalfa, barley and other fruits and vegetables, greens powders provide a mega dose of concentrated fruits and vegetables in every scoop. They are often categorised the same as a “green superfood powder” but there are some key ingredients to look out for:
Marine sources
Marine algae (water based) sources of greens include spirulina, dulse and chlorella. These types of green powders are very nutrient dense and often recommended in supplemental form for their health benefits. Marine powders are available on their own, but they do have a strong algae taste so they are often preferred when mixed into blends. As I often say, greens can be an acquired taste!
Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that grows in both fresh and saltwater. It is a complete protein containing 60-70% protein, plus an excellent source of calcium, potassium, b-vitamins, vitamin A, magnesium, zinc and iron. Chlorella is a green freshwater algae and is also a great source of protein at 50-55%, as well as, vitamin A, B-vitamins, magnesium, iron and zinc. Dulse is a red seaweed that grows in the cold North Atlantic seas and is a rich source of vitamin B12, vitamin A, vitamin B6 and vitamin C, potassium, calcium, chromium, iron and magnesium. Additionally, marine algae are a superior source of chlorophyll.
Grasses (alfalfa, wheat, barley, rye and oat)
Grasses have always been popular in green powders. They have a more subtle taste then algae’s, blend really well with other ingredients and are very palatable individually. Grasses are grown above water and have a dry constitution compared to the wet constitution of algae. Wheatgrass and barley grass contain vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, B-vitamins, iron, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium. Alfalfa is rich in vitamin K, zinc, copper, magnesium and vitamin C. Rye and oat grass have similar nutrient content to other grasses and they all are a good source of dietary fibre.
My Greens Shake
Ingredients:
2 scoops Vanilla Protein Powder – I use Arbonne Essentials Vitamin Enriched Vanilla Protein as it’s plant based and tastes amazing
1 scoop Green Superfood of choice – I use Arbonne Greens Balance – a balanced blend of 36 fruits and vegetables plus blue green algae from spirulina and chlorella, along with wheat and barley grasses.
1/2 avocado, chopped (stone removed)
If required - Teaspoon of honey
270- 320ml of water or coconut water– or to your desired consistency depending on size of avocado
Ice
Directions:
Pour water and add a handful of ice to your blender
Add Protein Shake Mix
Add your Green Superfood blend
Add avocado and honey if using.
Blend and enjoy!
If you liked this recipe check out my other recipes under snacks and shakes
Or try one of the recipes below:
Snickers Inspired Smoothie – a really indulgent treat
Summer Smoothies – perfect for frozen berries or when fresh berries are in season
Caramel and Chocolate Smoothie Bowl – when you want more than a smoothie – I love the toppings!
