One Green Drink A Day

Even if you’re eating “clean” most of the time, some nutrients can be hard to attain. Consuming a green drink daily is a great way to load up on vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in your day and reap the tremendous health benefits green foods have to offer. To help you stay consistent, build your green drink into your daily routine, so it becomes part of your lifestyle. Try starting your day with a hydrating green juice or greens powder mixed with water, or enjoy an energising green smoothie as your afternoon snack!

CONSUME YOUR GREENS

We’ve all been told to “eat your greens” and for good reason. Green foods like kale, broccoli, kiwi, zucchini, parsley, Swiss chard and green peppers are loaded with beneficial vitamins and minerals, including folate, vitamin K, and calcium. Green foods not only nourish our bodies, but they also have added benefits such as:

• Naturally detox the body
• Support the immune system
• Restore energy and vitality
• Fight against inflammation
• Support bone metabolism
• Support eye health
• Reduce the risk of age-related dementia
• Improve mood

Tip: Adding more dark leafy greens like arugula, beet greens, and bok choy into your diet will help increase your consumption of alkalizing minerals to fight acidic wastes. They are rich in phytochemicals and nutrients, including fibre, antioxidants, and chlorophyll. They also act as prebiotics to encourage friendly bacteria to support gut health.

If you’re finding it difficult to incorporate more greens into your diet, look for simpler ways. You don’t necessarily have to eat your greens, you can drink them too!

GREENS POWDERS AND LIQUIDS

A convenient approach to drinking your greens can be found in supplements like greens powders and liquid greens. They are often rich in chlorophyll along with other nutrients that support immunity, promote energy and vitality, while naturally supporting detoxification, which is key to improving overall health and well-being.

Powders

Greens powders are a concentrated source of nutrients made from green vegetables (and sometimes fruits) that have been dried and ground up into a fine powder, making them a convenient option for your daily green drink mixed into water. Common ingredients include chlorella, spirulina, wheatgrass, cabbage, beets, broccoli, kale, and spinach, and fruits like blueberries or acai berries. Some companies may add other vitamins, minerals, enzymes, adaptogens, probiotics and/or prebiotics too.

Liquids

Liquid greens, such as liquid chlorophyll are sourced from plants like wheatgrass, oatgrass, alfalfa grass, barley grass, herbs, superfoods, and vegetables, and may include other ingredients like activated charcoal to enhance detoxification.

While greens powders and liquids are convenient and have a longer shelf life than fresh foods, they are often pricey and should be used to supplement your diet, not replace nutrients obtained from whole foods. Real whole vegetables, fruits, and herbs provide a combination of nutrients that work together synergistically.

TIP: When choosing a greens powder or liquid greens product, always read the ingredient list and choose a brand that has been third-party tested for purity and potency. Stay clear of ingredients you can’t easily pronounce and avoid added flavours, sweeteners, or colours.

JUICES

More than just a trend, green juices made with green vegetables, herbs, and/or fruits can be an easy and efficient way to boost your nutrient content. Since these nutrients are in liquid form, they are more easily digested and absorbed by the body. Juices are also super hydrating as vegetables have a high-water content, which can help you feel more energised. However, since the majority of the fibre is removed during juicing, they should not be exclusively used to substitute whole vegetables and fruits. 

Vegetables also contain minerals like potassium and magnesium, which help maintain fluid balance in your cells. Certain compounds found in fresh juices can also function as prebiotics, which feed and support the growth of beneficial bacteria living in your digestive tract. Opt for fresh juices made at home, as many store-bought juices have added sugars and are pasteurised, which may damage beneficial nutrients that are heat-sensitive.

SMOOTHIES

Where juices are made with a juicer (and the insoluble fibre is separated from the fruit and veggies), a smoothie is made in a blender and can be a complete meal with the addition of healthy fats and protein. The fibre in vegetables and fruits can promote bowel regularity, improve digestion, and aid in nutrient absorption. Smoothies are an excellent vehicle to mask the flavours of green vegetables, especially dark leafy greens like kale, beet greens, fresh herbs, and chard. Smoothies are perfect for children who struggle to eat their greens, but also for adults looking for a quick and tasty way to increase their fruit and veggie intake. 

A diet high in alkaline foods such as vegetables and fruits may decrease your risk of diabetes and kidney stones, and they are linked to heart health and brain function.

Whether you choose a green juice, smoothie, greens powder or liquid supplement, consistency is key. Consider your daily green drink as an insurance policy, not a replacement for green foods in your diet. Try adding a green drink to your daily routine to increase your nutrient intake as well as support your overall health and well-being. Cheers to your health!

Disclaimer: As with any supplement, greens powders and liquid greens may not be suitable or appropriate for some people, such as children, people who are pregnant or nursing, those taking certain medications, or those who take dietary supplements. Consult your healthcare professional before taking any new supplement.

RECIPE: PINEAPPLE GREEN SMOOTHIE

This pineapple green smoothie is a delicious way to drink your greens. The tart, natural sweetness of the pineapple works well to offset the strong flavours of the dark leafy greens, and cashew butter adds healthy fats and provides a creamy texture without adding any dairy. The pineapple juice also adds a tropical vibe and is high in bromelain, an enzyme known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Smoothies are a great vehicle to add in extra superfoods like beetroot powder, a quality greens powder, or any superfood of your choice!