A large observational study has also indicated that Blueberries could reduce rates of cognitive decline¹³. As you can see, Blueberries are ‘non-negotiable’ when it comes to greens powders!

Bilberries

Often confused with Blueberries, Bilberries are not often found in greens powders (but, you’ll find them in Supplement Needs Greens+!). However, with studies¹⁴ suggesting that Bilberries can reduce inflammation, they’ve become an ingredient you should definitely look for in a quality green powder. Other studies¹⁵ have suggested that Bilberries may help reduce LDL cholesterol (that’s the bad kind of cholesterol).

Raspberries

This tart, tongue tingling favourite doesn’t just taste good, but it’s packed with Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Manganese. 

Like other ‘reds’, Raspberries are packed with antioxidants. In this case, they contain polyphenols known as ellagitannins - like other types of antioxidant polyphenols, ellagitannins have been shown¹⁶ to combat oxidative stress.

Goji berries

Exhibiting a vibrant red hue, and a bitter, tart taste, Goji berries (also known as wolfberries) are bursting with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Further, their nutritional profile has been linked with some strong potential medicinal benefits. Among these potential benefits are slowing the signs of ageing, maintaining eye health and supporting organ health¹⁷.

Açai berries 

A key ‘purple’ in the best greens powders are Açai berries. Grown on acaii palm trees, Açai berries have an extremely high antioxidant content, being regarded as one of the best sources of antioxidant polyphenols¹⁸. To give you some context as to how rich these berries are in antioxidants, consider that they contain 10 times more than blueberries (which are already rich in antioxidants). 

Elderberries

Another key ‘purple’ to look out for in greens powders is Elderberry. This really is a wonder berry, being extremely high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Elderberries are also rich in flavanols, including the antioxidants quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin. They’re also packed with anthocyanins, which have been demonstrated to have potent anti-inflammatory effects¹⁹. 

Whilst these are the reds, blues and purples that have the most robust evidence bases, there are a number of other berries to look for in a greens powder. These include; blackberries, Montmorency cherries, and gooseberries. Non-berry reds, blues and purples to look for include tomatoes, noni, purple cabbage and hibiscus. 

You can probably guess what we’re going to say next. Yes, that’s right… Supplement Needs Greens+ contains all of these purples, reds and blues. Take a look at our completely transparent ingredient list to see the dosages at which Greens+ contains all these blues, reds and purples. 

Polyphenols

Whilst many of the vegetables and fruits discussed so far contain polyphenols in their own right, there are certain ingredients that are added to greens powders specifically because they are so potent in polyphenols. 

But, what exactly are polyphenols? And, what do they do?

Put simply, polyphenols are a category of compound found in plants. Note that the term polyphenol is an umbrella term that covers thousands of different types of polyphenols²⁰ (in fact, it’s believed that there are over 8,000 unique types of polyphenol). 

However, for taxonomic ease, scientists have grouped these polyphenols into a number of distinct classes: 

• Flavonoids - this class of polyphenol includes some that you’ll have read so far, such as catechins, anthocyanins, and quercetin. They are typically found in foods like apples and red cabbage. Flavonoids have been shown²¹ to possess a number of medicinal benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties.
  
  
• Phenolic acids - examples of phenolic acids include chlorogenic acid and ferulic acid. Studies²² suggest phenolic acids could have several therapeutic applications.
  
  
• Polyphenolic amides - this group of polyphenols includes the likes of capsaicinoids, the spicy, pungent compounds that give hot chilli peppers their heat and ‘bite’. Studies²³ have suggested capsaicinoids have a variety of anti-obesity and antioxidant properties. 

Whilst these are traditionally considered to be the main ‘classes’ of polyphenols, there are many others with which you may be familiar (especially if you’re passionate about supplementation). Other common polyphenols include resveratrol (as found in red wine), ellagic acid (as found in many berries), and curcumin (as found in turmeric). 

Despite their many differences, these polyphenols do have one thing in common. They all have strong antioxidant properties. As antioxidants, they are able to support your body to neutralise free radicals - the unstable atoms that can cause damage to healthy cells. Over a long-enough time, uncontrolled free radicals can cause severe oxidative stress, which in turn can result in the development of conditions like cancer and heart disease²⁴.

Polyphenols also share another characteristic. They are widely considered to have strongly anti-inflammatory properties. And, as we’ve written elsewhere, chronic inflammation can be the root cause of many chronic illnesses (like inflammatory bowel disease). 

So, now that you know what polyphenols are, and what they can potentially do to support your health and wellbeing, let’s take a look at the polyphenols you should look for in a greens powder: 

Green Tea Extract

If there’s a foodstuff that’s closely associated in the public consciousness with polyphenols and antioxidant benefits it has to be Green Tea Extract. One only has to search the archives of the tabloid newspapers to find numerous articles extolling the benefits of Green Tea. 

Green tea is one of the world’s most widely-drunk teas and is sourced from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis. In addition to being popular, it’s also one of the most intensely studied substances in the world. In particular, Green Tea Extract’s polyphenols - most notably epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) has been a focus of academic attention. 

A wealth of studies²⁵²⁶ have shown that Green Tea Extract increases the body’s antioxidant capacity - in other words, it increases the volume of antioxidants that your body is able to produce and maintain. In turn, your body is better able to combat oxidative stress, inflammation, and sustain its immune system. 

The antioxidants in Green Tea Extract have been linked to several other potential health benefits, including:

• Reduction of inflammation in the circulatory system and consequently a lowering of blood pressure²⁷.
  
  
• Protection from cognitive decline and enhancement of memory²⁸.
  
  
• Supporting weight loss via improved regulation of the hormones responsible for thermogenesis²⁹.
  
  
• Possibly benefiting exercise performance and recovery by reducing cellular damage from exercise-induced oxidative stress³⁰. 

It’s clear that Green Tea Extract is a highly-beneficial ingredient for inclusion in greens powders. That’s why here at Supplement Needs our renowned product formulator Dr Dean St Mart PhD has created Greens+ to contain 250 mg of Green Tea Extract per 11 g serving.

Grape Seed Extract

Produced from the seeds of grapes, Grape Seed Extract is another greens powder ingredient that is almost literally bursting with polyphenols. Amongst the polyphenols to be found in Grape Seed Extract are flavonoids, anthocyanins, and phenolic acids. Grape Seed Extract is also one of the richest sources of proanthocyanidins - tannins which have powerful anti-inflammatory qualities.

Like other polyphenol-rich substances, Grape Seed Extract has been fairly intensively studied and - as a result - has been linked to a number of potential health benefits. These potential benefits include: 

• The ability to potentially reduce blood pressure. A review of 16 studies found that daily supplementation of Grape Seed Extract was linked with a significant drop in systolic and diastolic blood pressure³¹.
  
  
• Improved blood flow and consequently reduced risk of edemas³².
  
  
• Potentially supporting cognitive function and offsetting cognitive decline³³.
  
  
• May have a protective effect upon the liver, reducing inflammation and protecting against free radical damage during toxin exposure³⁴. 

Given these qualities, and the potential health benefits associated with its supplementation, we have included Grape Seed Extract within Supplement Needs Greens+. Our extract is derived directly from the seeds of Vitis vinifera and is present in the product at 250 mg per 11 g serving.

Other important polyphenols present within Greens+ include pomegranate powder and beetroot powder. Both of these ingredients have been linked to significant health benefits, with beetroot in particular being characterised as ‘a functional food with huge health benefits’³⁵. Pomegranate, too - being low in fat, and high in fibre, vitamins and minerals has been described as having ‘potent health effects’³⁶.

Fungi

A much rarer ingredient to find in greens powders is fungi. The fruiting bodies (a.k.a. mushrooms) of fungi such as Reishi, Chaga, Shiitake are, however, increasingly being included in the very best greens powders. 

Why? Because, not only do these mushrooms offer a mix of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants - but in some instances they possess nootropic-like properties. This means they are able to help regulate neurotransmitters and potentially induce a feeling of calm, focus and concentration. 

Let’s take a look at some specific mushrooms and why they should be included in the greens powder you buy:

Reishi 

The Reishi mushroom - which has the binomial name Ganoderma lucidum - is a mushroom that can be found in the hot, humid corners of Asia.

Lingzhi, as it is also known, has long been known to mankind to have potentially therapeutic benefits. In fact, historical evidence traces its use back over 2,000 years - primarily for its apparent healing properties³⁷. 

Today, however, Reishi is being studied for its potential to offer a lot more benefits. These potential benefits? They’re listed below: 

• Studies³⁸ have linked regular supplementation of Reishi mushrooms with a potential boost of the immune system. Other studies³⁹ have found that Reishi may alter the inflammation pathways of white blood cells.
  
  
• May reduce depression and fatigue - this is certainly one of the most talked-about aspects of Reishi, with many people referring to it as a ‘functional mushroom’ as a result. One study⁴⁰ found that after 8 weeks of Reishi supplementation, fatigue was reduced and wellbeing improved amongst the study’s participants.
  
  
• Although research is limited, Reishi may have potential anti-cancer properties. A number⁴¹⁴² of test-tube studies have indicated that Reishi may be able to ‘kill’ cancerous cells. 

Naturally, given its remarkable properties, Reishi has been included in Supplement Needs Greens+. Each 11 g serving contains an impressive 333 mg of Reishi mushroom powder extract. 

Chaga

An antioxidant-loaded mushroom, Chaga - Inonotus obliquus - is perhaps best known as a parasitic fungus that ‘eats’ trees. However, it’s precisely this behaviour that means Chaga is packed with antioxidants and other useful compounds and nutrients. 

Like Reishi, Chaga - which also goes by the names black mass, clinker polypore, birch canker polypore, and cinder conk - has been used for centuries, with use being particularly concentrated in Northern Europe and Eurasia. 

In its powdered form, it’s increasingly being included in the highest-quality greens powders. That’s largely due to the increasing body of scientific literature which is linking Chaga supplementation with a number of beneficial health outcomes. These potential benefits include: 

• Potentially enhanced cognitive performance and concentration. Although the evidence is still limited at present, one promising study found that the supplementation of methanolic extract of Chaga over seven days ‘significantly improved learning and memory as measured by PAT (Passive Avoidance Task) and MWM (Morris Water Maze) paradigms’⁴³.
  
  
• Potential to boost the immune system. Studies⁴⁴ have indicated that Chaga supplementation can promote the formation of beneficial cytokines, the specialist proteins that regulate the immune system.

Another beneficial mushroom which is typically included in premium greens powders is Shiitake. As you’d expect, Supplement Needs Greens+ includes Shiitake and both Chaga and Reishi as described above. 

Antimicrobials

If you’re going to be taking a greens supplement every day, you don’t just want it to be topping up your essential vitamins, adding minerals and boosting your body with antioxidants. 

No, you also want it to include a set of well-researched and carefully formulated antimicrobials ingredients. 

What are antimicrobials? Academics define antimicrobials as ‘therapeutic substances used to prevent or treat infections’⁴⁵. Whilst antimicrobials can include synthetic substances (such as disinfectants), our focus here is on biosourced antimicrobials - that is, antimicrobials that are derived from plants or herbs. 

Like the other ingredients detailed in this guide, the antimicrobials that are typically included in greens supplements do have other characteristics, such as containing antioxidants and vitamins and minerals - but they are added primarily for their antimicrobial therapeutic potential. 

Let’s take a look at some of the most common antimicrobials found in greens supplements: 

Rosemary

Rosemary - Salvia rosmarinus - is a shrub with a long and storied history of use for health protective effects⁴⁶. 

Its roots (if you’ll excuse the pun) stretch back to Ayurvedic medicine where the shrub would be used for a variety of purposes - especially as a prophylactic against disease. Furthermore, Rosemary was considered ‘sacred’ by the ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks.

That it has been valued as an important healing plant for so long is testament to its powerful properties - properties which are increasingly being elucidated on by modern science. 

We’ll now turn to the benefits of Rosemary as evidence by modern academic studies: 

• May protect your body from the oxidative damage that can lead to chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes mellitus. This is largely down to the high levels of antioxidant compounds found in Rosemary, including rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid⁴⁷.
  
  
• As we have seen, Rosemary has antimicrobial properties - and can potentially help fight infections. Studies⁴⁸ have increasingly pointed to Rosemary’s ability to act as an antimicrobial agent.  

We have formulated Supplement Needs Greens+ to include this powerful antimicrobial agent, with each 11 g serving containing 62.5 mg of Rosemary. Note that - unlike many other supplement brands - we source our Rosemary directly from the leaf where the active compounds are most densely concentrated.

Oregano 

A member of the mint family Lamiaceae, Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is yet another ingredient that’s found in the very best greens supplements. 

Whilst it contains plenty of antioxidants and other useful micronutrients, it’s primarily for its antimicrobial properties that it has been added to Supplement Needs Greens+ (at 62.5 mg per 11 g serving). 

So, how effective is it as an antimicrobial agent? Studies seem to suggest it’s very effective. 

• Oregano has been shown in multiple studies to actively fight bacteria. One notable study⁴⁹ found that Oregano was able to successfully block the growth of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa - two types of bacteria that are commonly associated with the development of infections. Another study⁵⁰ found that Oregano was effective at inhibiting the growth of 23 separate species of bacteria. If a greens powder claims to contain antimicrobial ingredients, it’s got to include Oregano!
  
  
• Oregano may also help to ward off viral infections. That’s potentially due to the fact that Oregano contains carvacrol and thymol. These two compounds have been linked in studies⁵¹ to the inactivation of viruses such as norovirus. A further study⁵² found that thymol and carvacrol were able to ‘deactivate’ 90% of the herpes simplex virus within an hour of application.
  
  
• Can potentially reduce inflammation. As we’ve seen, inflammation can result in a number of chronic conditions, but studies are showing that Oregano (or at least one of its compounds, carvacrol) can reduce inflammation. In one animal study⁵³, carvacrol reduced swelling of the paws of mice by up to 57%.

Whilst those are two of the antimicrobials with some of the most robust evidence bases, there are other antimicrobials that you’ll typically find in greens powders. These other antimicrobials include Basil and Garlic. 

Take Basil, for example. In addition to being filled with Vitamin A, K, and the minerals Calcium, Iron and Manganese, Basil has been shown to have significant antimicrobial properties. So much so, in fact, that studies⁵⁴ are looking at the many potential applications of Basil as an antibacterial agent. Potential applications of Basil include as a way to inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause dental decay and caries⁵⁵. One particularly novel potential application⁵⁶ includes the use of Basil to make food packaging more resistant to pathogenic microbes!

As for Garlic, this has long-been associated with antimicrobial properties. This is mainly down to the many compounds Garlic contains - first amongst which is allicin - a very powerful antimicrobial agent⁵⁷.

However, allicin isn’t garlic’s only magic trick. It also contains a series of organosulphur compounds that have strong antibacterial properties. As per one recent study⁵⁸ on these compounds, ‘The reactive organosulfur compounds form disulphide bonds with free sulfhydryl groups of enzymes and compromise the integrity of the bacterial membrane’.

When is the best time to take greens powder? 

Now that we’ve looked at the ingredients that should typically be included within a greens powder, let’s take a look at the practical application of greens supplements. 

In other words? When is the best time to take greens powders? 

The answer is very much down to personal preference - however, we find that the majority of people take their greens powder in the morning, generally around 30 minutes before they eat any other foodstuffs. By leaving a bit of time before you have any other food, you’ll be giving your body time to start digesting the greens. 

It’s also worth noting that given that certain greens powders contain ingredients such as Green Tea Extract and functional mushrooms, it’s advisable not to take these types of greens powders in the evening; you risk potentially disturbing your sleep.

What are the potential health benefits of greens powders? 

At this point, you’re probably thinking about clicking that ‘buy now’ button. Is it really worth it? Well, naturally, we’re going to say yes. However, don’t just take our word for it. 

There is an increasing body of scientific literature that suggests that many of the ingredients and compounds within greens powders may have a number of potential health benefits. 

Let’s explore. 

Antioxidant

Arguably, the most significant potential impact of supplementing your diet with a greens supplement every day is in the antioxidant boost that can be gained. 

As we’ve seen throughout this guide, numerous of the ingredients contained within greens powders are rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants can take many forms, be they flavonoids or phenolic acids. However, as studies have demonstrated⁵⁹, a diet rich in antioxidants can potentially reduce the latter occurrence of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes mellitus. 

This is due to antioxidant’s ability to ‘scavenge’ the free radicals that cause oxidative stress and damage to healthy cells. 

If you want to ensure you’re topping up your body with antioxidants on a regular basis, a greens powder is one of the best ways of doing so. 

Anti-inflammatory

Aside from antioxidants, the best greens powders are packed with compounds that have strong anti-inflammatory properties. Be they tannins, anthocyanins, catechins or any other compound with anti-inflammatory characteristics, the best greens powders ensure your body is supplied with micronutrients that can tackle and/or prevent chronic inflammation. 

We’ve already seen the role that inflammation plays in the aetiology of disease. Put another way, inflammation left untackled can - over time - result in the development of any number of chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease⁶⁰.

Thus, if you want to ensure your body has the micronutrients it needs to potentially positively impact inflammation, you may want to consider adding a greens supplement to your diet. 

Nutrient uptake

There’s also the simple fact that many of us don’t eat the recommended amount of fruit and vegetables each day. 

The National Health Service recommends that healthy adults in the UK eat five 80g portions of fruit and veg every day⁶¹. However, according to data from NHS England only 24% to 26% of men and 27% to 32% of women actually hit this recommendation and consume five portions of fruit and vegetables per day⁶². 

Put simply, many of us aren’t eating enough fruit and vegetables. And, you can perhaps understand why. Many of us lead hectic, busy lives, and it’s often easier to plump for less-than-healthy snacks when we’re feeling peckish. 

However, greens powders offer an excellent way of getting those all important fruit and veg into your diet - and, in the form of an easy to consume drink. With an appropriate jug, you can even consume it on the go!

What to look for when buying a greens powder

As we stated at the outset of this guide, you only have to browse YouTube or scroll through social media to see adverts for greens powders. 

They’re literally everywhere; but, as our adage here at Supplement Needs goes - “Not all supplements are created equal”.

So, if you want to ensure you get value for your money and buy only the best greens supplement for your needs - look for the following things in a greens powder:

Radical transparency

All too often, greedy supplements brands will skimp on the ingredients in their greens powders. They’ll use cheap, generic ingredients. They’ll use lots of ‘filler’ ingredients to bulk out their powders. 

That’s why you should always avoid cheap supplements. 

On the face of it, cheap supplements may make you feel like you’re saving money, when the reality is, you’re wasting it!

Thus, the best greens powders are completely transparent about their ingredients. Greens powders like Supplement Needs Greens+:

• Provide a detailed list of all the ingredients. 
• They detail exactly what form those ingredients take (for example, providing the binomial name of plant-based ingredients). 
• They state the exact dosage at which those ingredients are present (per serving). 

Here at Supplement Needs we abide by this radical transparency - providing you with a crystal clear view of what our greens supplements contain. There are almost no other supplement brands that do this. 

But, if you’re serious about your health, you need to be serious about the contents of your supplements. 

Active ingredients

As we stated above, it often proves too tempting for some profit-hungry supplement brands to ‘fill out’ their powders with non-active ingredients. It gives the impression that consumers are getting more for their money, when in fact the reverse is true!

This goes back to our point above that you should always check that the greens powder you buy has a detailed, transparent list of its ingredients. 

Here at Supplement Needs our ultra-popular Greens+ contains an incredible 86% active ingredients at 9.484g per 11 g serving. That’s incredible (especially when you compare it to many of the ‘big name’ greens brands out there).

Developed by experts

All too often, supplement brands are ‘white label’ operations, where they simply buy pre-manufactured powders and whack their own label on it. There’s no real expertise and thought behind their products. 

If you want to ensure you’re buying the very best greens powder - and truly getting your money’s worth - you should buy one that has been researched and formulated by experts. 

Like Greens+ - which has been developed by Dr. Dean St Mart PhD. Dr Dean is a renowned product formulator and holds a double first class honours degree in chemistry and pharmaceutical chemistry from the National University of Maynooth (where he finished top of the university). He also holds a PhD in synthetic organic chemistry and fluorescence spectroscopy. 

When you buy a supplement from Supplement Needs, you’re effectively buying a product that has had years of expertise poured into it. 

Safe and quality manufacture

Do you know where your supplement has come from? There are factories all over the world pumping out supplements (especially supplements like greens powders). And, as you’d expect, some of those factories are better than others. 

You should always check the provenance of a greens powder before buying it. 

Here at Supplement Needs, Greens+ (as well as all of our other products) is manufactured right here in the UK to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and ISO guidelines. 

This ensures our products are safe, quality and consistent. 

Go green with Supplement Needs Greens+

Buy Now

If you’re looking to add a greens supplement to your diet, then there’s no better way to do so than with Supplement Needs Greens+. 

Packed with all the active ingredients you should look for in a greens supplement Greens+ is one of the best value greens powders on the market - at only £1.16 per serving (that’s less than a can of Monster). 

Not only does it contain a complete ‘rainbow’ of ingredients, but it has also been formulated in two delicious flavours; Mango Pineapple, and Cherry. This means it not only provides the micronutrients that will support bodily wellbeing, but it’s a treat to drink, too.

Greens+ has also been designed to be ‘stacked’ alongside Electrolyte+ allowing you to rehydrate and fill up on essential micronutrients simultaneously. For the ultimate experience, try stacking the Mango Pineapple Greens+ alongside Electrolyte+ Pineapple. 

With free orders over £19.99, worldwide delivery available, and same day dispatch on orders placed before 3pm, Monday-Friday, what are you waiting for? 

Go green with Supplement Needs Greens+ today. 

Shop greens powders at Supplement Needs now

For more insights and information about supplements, read the Supplement Needs blog…

Nootropics: Supplements That Can Improve Your Productivity? | How to Boost Your Immune System | Is It Possible to Buy Complete Plant Protein Powders? 

Disclaimer

The information on this website should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice or care. If you have questions about your health, please contact your doctor.

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