Vegan Nutrition: Are Green Powders Valuable?

In this nutrition bite, we’ll evaluate whether or not superfood powders are worth incorporating into your diet.

First of all, what exactly is a superfood? The Merriam Webster dictionary defines a superfood as “a food…that is rich in compounds (such as antioxidants, fiber, or fatty acids) considered beneficial to a person’s health.” [1]

So what qualifies? Many things. Truthfully, there is no scientific method for evaluating what counts and what doesn’t, so it’s important to dig deeper when you see items with the superfood label.

We consider many fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and unrefined whole grains to be of superfood status because they’re so potent with vitamins and minerals that are essential to optimal health.

That said, you have to consume the right quantity, and the right quality, to get these benefits, which is where superfood powders may come in handy.

We always advocate a “food first” mentality; aiming to get as much of your nutrition from whole food, plant based sources. However, we also recognize there are occasions where a little help may be beneficial. Here are…

4 Situations Where Superfood Powders May Be Valuable For You

You Are Very Physically Active

You may be familiar with the fact that it takes a conscious commitment to obtain 100% of your nutrition needs through whole food sources.

While this is generally achievable, the increased needs that come from being highly athletic can make it difficult, even with the right resources. It may lead to digestive discomfort, or lead to ignoring satiety cues in order to consume enough.

Thus, a good superfood powder could aid you in supplementing an already plant-diverse diet.

You Are Traveling (or will not have access to an adequate amount and variety of nutrient dense foods)

If you know you will be in a situation where having access to a variety of nutrient dense, plant based foods will be an issue…

A high quality superfood powder is a smart and simple way to ensure you continue to obtain the benefits that come from consuming numerous fruits and veggies.

A superfood powder with adaptogens would also be ideal to combat any increased stress traveling may cause.

You Have Gut Issues

It’s widely agreed that the best thing you can do to start healing an unbalanced gut is consume a variety of fruits and vegetables to help rebuild your gut microbiome. That said, digesting produce in its whole food form while struggling with gut issues can be challenging, and even painful as it may cause flare ups or further gastrointestinal distress. A superfood powder could be indispensable in restoring an unbalanced gut microbiome as it would provide the full nutrition of each superfood in an easy-to-digest form. It could be even more helpful to use one with probiotic supporting “prebiotic” foods (and without any major trigger foods) to further encourage gut healing.

You Have A Lack Of Appetite Or Dislike Most Produce

Whether it’s because you don’t like the flavor or can’t find a texture you enjoy, if you are consuming fewer than 20 different plants a week, a superfood powder may be the ideal tool…

Not just to help you attain your nutrient needs, but to ensure your gut obtains enough diversity to stay balanced and prevent the development of deficiencies or gut problems.

If you do choose to use superfood powders, the next step is finding a good quality powder. We define good quality as:

Being vegan-friendly
Being USDA certified organic Containing at least 10 different kinds of plants (or “superfoods”)
Containing adaptogens (to help the body combat stress)
Containing prebiotic foods to support gut health

For a superfood powder that meets all of these requirements, in addition to having a pleasant taste, try our favorite green juice superfood powder here.