Feel Great Proprietary Greens Blend
Also known as: Feel Great Proprietary Greens Blend, Greens powder, Green superfood blend, Vegetable and fruit concentrate supplement, Greens Blend
Overview
Greens blends are powdered dietary supplements made from dehydrated and powdered vegetables, fruits, algae (e.g., spirulina, chlorella), grasses (e.g., wheatgrass), and often include probiotics and digestive enzymes. They are designed to provide a concentrated source of micronutrients, antioxidants, and other beneficial plant compounds. The primary purpose of these blends is to supplement the dietary intake of fruits and vegetables, support antioxidant status, and potentially contribute to overall well-being, including digestive health. While individual ingredients within these blends are well-researched, the evidence for proprietary blends themselves is emerging and often extrapolated from studies on fruit and vegetable concentrates. They are typically rich in essential vitamins (like C and K), minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, aiming to bridge nutritional gaps in modern diets.
Benefits
Based on research on fruit and vegetable concentrates, greens blends may offer several benefits. Primary effects include the reduction of oxidative stress markers and improvements in lipid profiles (total cholesterol, LDL) and systolic blood pressure in adults, particularly those with low fruit/vegetable intake or metabolic syndrome. These modest but statistically significant improvements have been observed in systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials. The antioxidant effects may also contribute to a reduced risk of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disorders, though direct evidence for proprietary greens blends is limited. Some blends include probiotics, which may support digestive health, but this benefit is product-specific and requires further research. Benefits are typically observed after 4 weeks to several months of consistent supplementation.
How it works
Greens blends exert their effects primarily through their rich content of antioxidants, which help to scavenge reactive oxygen species and reduce oxidative stress. This antioxidant activity contributes to anti-inflammatory effects and may improve endothelial function. The various plant compounds can also modulate lipid metabolism, leading to improvements in cholesterol levels. When probiotics are included, they interact with the digestive system by supporting a healthy gut microbiota, which can influence overall immune function and nutrient absorption. The bioavailability of nutrients varies by ingredient and processing, but the powdered form can sometimes enhance absorption compared to whole foods.
Side effects
Greens blends are generally considered safe when consumed at recommended doses, with no serious adverse effects reported in studies of fruit/vegetable concentrates. The most common side effects, reported occasionally, include mild gastrointestinal discomfort or bloating, especially in products containing probiotics or high fiber. Rare allergic reactions may occur depending on specific plant components in the blend. Individuals on anticoagulant medications should exercise caution due to the potential for vitamin K content to interact with blood thinners. Contraindications include known allergies to any specific ingredients. Data on safety in pregnant or lactating women is limited, so caution is advised for these populations. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare provider, especially if on medication or with pre-existing health conditions.
Dosage
The optimal dosage for greens blends varies significantly by product due to differing formulations and concentrations. Studies on fruit/vegetable concentrates have used doses equivalent to several grams daily, for example, 6 teaspoons per day in one study. Generally, recommended dosages for powdered blends range from 3 to 10 grams per day, as per manufacturer instructions. There is no well-defined maximum safe dose, but excessive intake may lead to increased gastrointestinal upset. Greens blends can be taken at any time of day, though some individuals prefer to consume them with meals to minimize potential digestive discomfort. They are typically mixed with water or juice. For optimal absorption of fat-soluble vitamins that may be present, consuming the blend with a meal containing some dietary fat is advisable.
FAQs
Do greens powders "detoxify" or alkalize the body?
No, there is no scientific evidence to support claims that greens powders detoxify the body or significantly alter blood pH. These are marketing claims not backed by research.
Are greens powders a substitute for whole fruits and vegetables?
Greens powders are a supplement and do not replace whole fruits and vegetables. Whole foods provide fiber and a complex matrix of phytochemicals that powders cannot fully replicate.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Some improvements in antioxidant status, lipid profiles, and blood pressure have been observed within 4 weeks of consistent supplementation in research studies.
Are there side effects?
Mild gastrointestinal discomfort or bloating is possible, especially when first starting. Generally, greens powders are well-tolerated, but individual reactions can vary.
Is the taste an issue?
The taste of greens powders varies widely between brands. Some products may have a noticeable earthy taste or an aftertaste, while others use natural sweeteners to improve palatability.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6912365/ – This systematic review of randomized controlled trials found that supplementation with fruit and vegetable concentrates significantly reduced total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, and markers of oxidative stress in adults. The study highlights the potential benefits of these concentrates in improving cardiovascular risk factors and antioxidant status, despite heterogeneity in interventions and sample sizes across included studies.
- https://dieteticallyspeaking.com/the-truth-about-greens-powders/ – This article discusses the purported benefits and common misconceptions surrounding greens powders. It emphasizes that while greens powders can contribute to antioxidant intake, they are not a substitute for whole fruits and vegetables and do not 'detoxify' or 'alkalize' the body, as these claims lack scientific backing.
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/WeightLoss-HealthProfessional/ – This resource from the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements provides an overview of various dietary supplements, including greens powders, in the context of weight loss and metabolic health. It generally notes that greens powders are considered safe and may offer some metabolic benefits, but points out the limited direct high-quality randomized controlled trial evidence for proprietary blends.
- https://barbend.com/best-greens-powder/ – This article reviews various greens powder products, discussing their ingredients, potential benefits, and taste profiles. It provides practical insights into what consumers might expect from different brands and highlights common ingredients found in these blends, such as spirulina, chlorella, and digestive enzymes.
- https://www.innerbody.com/best-greens-powder – This review evaluates several popular greens powder supplements, focusing on their ingredients, nutritional content, and potential health benefits. It also addresses common questions about greens powders, including their efficacy and whether they can replace whole food intake.
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