There are many different types of super green powders. You may have a super greens supplement in your home because you heard it was ‘healthy’ or you found it in the health food section at your local grocery. But what exactly do these greens do? how can they benefit our health? And what happens when you combine these greens with hemp protein. Let’s find out… 

Sencha Green Tea Powder

Sencha is a type of green tea powder, similar to matcha tea made from Camellia sinensis (tea bushes) and is the most popular tea in Japan. The health benefits of green tea are mostly due to antioxidant compounds called flavonoids, in particular one called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). These flavonoids have many health benefits that may be beneficial for different types of cancer, heart disease, liver disease, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disorders, skin disorders, hair loss, and weight loss (2).

Barley Grass Powder

Barley grass is the leaf of the barley plant. It is harvested at a young age and then turned into a greens powder. Barley grass is rich in functional ingredients, such as GABA (calming neurotransmitter), vitamins A, B1, C, E, K, calcium, selenium, chlorophyll, dietary fibre, and antioxidants. Studies have indicated that barley grass has the potential to promote sleep, regulate blood sugar, regulate blood pressure, enhances immunity, protects the liver, improves digestion and has anti-cancer and antidepressant effects. Furthermore, barley grass powder may also support heart health, fatigue, constipation, acne, atopic dermatitis, and brain health (3).

Kale Powder

Kale is dark leafy green that is packed full of nutrients and is considered to be a superfood! Kale contains large amounts of vitamin A, C, K, folate, and minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and zinc. Lutein and zeaxanthin are nutrients that give kale its deep, dark green colour and protect against macular degeneration and cataracts. Kale has also demonstrated to lower cholesterol (4) and may even help to prevent certain cancers due to its large amounts of antioxidant compounds called glucosinolates (5).

Wheatgrass Powder

Wheat Grass refers to the young grass of the common wheat plant, Triticum aestivum that is freshly juiced or dried into powder for human consumption. Wheatgrass powder contains an impressive amount of chlorophyll, vitamins A, B, C, E and K, calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, sodium, sulphur and 17 forms of amino acids (the building blocks of protein). Chlorophyll may have the ability to neutralize infections, heal wounds, reduce inflammation (6). 

Broccoli Powder

Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, E, K, B vitamins (including folic acid), fibre, protein, iron, potassium, calcium, selenium, and magnesium. Broccoli also contains a key nutrient known as sulphoraphane that is known as a potent antioxidant by inducing liver detoxification. Several studies have demonstrated that broccoli may be beneficial for health by reducing the risk of certain forms of cancer through its antioxidant properties (7). Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetable (eg. cauliflower, kale, cabbage etc) consumption have also been found to be beneficial for both heart health and bone health (8)(9). 

Siberian Ginseng Powder

Siberian ginseng powder is made from the root of the Siberian ginseng plant. Siberian ginseng is often called an "adaptogen" a term used to describe substances that can supposedly strengthen the body and increase general resistance to daily stress. Siberian ginseng may also be used for heart conditions, kidney disease, Alzheimer’s disease, ADHD, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and immune support (10).

Spirulina Powder

Spirulina is a filamentous alga that is rich in proteins, vitamins, essential amino acids, minerals and essential fatty acids like gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Studies have suggested many health benefits of spirulina that include a reduction of cholesterol, immune support, supporting gut health (through gut bacteria), reduction of toxicity of the brain, anti-cancer properties, and supporting heart health (11)(12).

Spearmint Powder

Spearmint is commonly used to help relieve symptoms of indigestion, nausea, vomiting and gas. A compound called (-)-carvone, found naturally in spearmint has demonstrated to reduce muscle contractions in the digestive tract that could explain its role in digestion issues (13). Spearmint also contains a large amount of antioxidant compounds, including rosmarinic acid, flavones and flavanones that can help to reduce oxidative stress that has been linked to chronic health conditions such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Studies also suggest that spearmint may be able to balance female hormones, joint pain, reduce stress and improve memory (14)(15)(16).

Goji Berry Juice Powder

Goji berries are native to Asia and grow on a shrub. Goji berries are a good source of vitamins A, C, and B2 (riboflavin) and selenium. Goji berries are also packed with antioxidants like zeaxanthin, which help protect your lenses and retinas against damage (17)(18). Based on the available data goji berries may also help to support the immune system (19), enhance eye health (20), and be beneficial in conditions that include diabetes, heart diseases and cancer (21).

Alfalfa Powder

Alfalfa, also known as lucerne or Medicago sativa, is a plant that has been grown as feed for livestock for hundreds of years. It was long prized for its superior content of vitamins, minerals and protein, compared to other sources (22).  Alfalfa is typically high in vitamin K and also contain many other nutrients, including vitamin C, copper, manganese and folate. Alfalfa may help to lower cholesterol (23) and improve blood sugar control, (24). Alfalfa also contains phytoestrogens (a chemical similar to oestrogen the main female hormone) that may be beneficial in easing symptoms of menopause that is often due to a loss of oestrogen. 

Conclusion

So now you know all the benefits of super greens, but what happens when you combine super greens with hemp protein? Not only do you get a plethora of nutrients and antioxidants, but you also get all 9 essential amino acids, essential fatty acids (omega 3, omega 6, GLA), and a vast array of minerals including zinc, magnesium, iron and calcium that are found in hemp protein.

Our Hemp super greens protein contains both hemp protein and super greens that is a great way to increase your daily nutrient intake of nutrients to support energy, growth, recovery and wellbeing. You can add it to smoothies or consume it with your favourite type of milk. Click here to find it at our online store.

If you have any questions or are interested in nutrition consulting, feel free to email our head nutritionist Ben at ben@13seeds.com.au

Disclaimer:

This article does not constitute medical advice and does not take into consideration your personal circumstances. Please see your medical professional before implementing the above.

References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3905294/
2. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13590840802518785
3. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/omcl/2018/3232080/
4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0895398808600124
5. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4757-3230-6_14
6. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/279370893_A_study_on_wheat_grass_and_its_Nutritional_value
7. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278691511004364
8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21593509/
9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11684396/
10. https://www.rxlist.com/siberian_ginseng/supplements.htm
11. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00004024
12. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF03223332
13. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23103297/
14. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18593637/
15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4259186/
16. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29314866/
17. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6343173/    
18. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4698938/
19. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19857084/
20. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21169874/
21. http://agro.icm.edu.pl/agro/element/bwmeta1.element.agro-abc3df87-8d82-4c64-b490-16274533293f
22. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20969516/
23. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3606731/
24. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26639479/