Greens typically refer to nutrient-dense vegetables and grasses such as spinach, kale, broccoli, chlorella, and spirulina. These plant foods are rich in vitamins (A, C, K, folate), minerals (iron, magnesium), fibre, antioxidants, and phytonutrients that support overall health. Diets high in greens are consistently associated with a reduced risk of chronic disease and improved longevity.¹ ²
Despite well-known benefits, many adults fall short of recommended greens intake.³ Busy lifestyles, limited access to fresh produce, and digestive concerns may all contribute. Greens powders and supplements have emerged as a convenient way to help bridge nutritional gaps.
Key Benefits of Greens
- Phytonutrient-Packed
Common phytonutrients such as polyphenols, carotenoids, curcumins, and quercetin have demonstrated benefits related to neuroprotection and healthy aging.⁵
- Antioxidant Protection
Greens are rich in antioxidants such as lutein, beta-carotene, and vitamin C, which help neutralize oxidative stress and support cellular health.¹
- Digestive Support
Fibre and plant compounds in greens promote healthy digestion and nourish beneficial gut bacteria. A healthy gut microbiome is linked to immune, metabolic, and mental well-being.⁴
- Detoxification Support
Cruciferous greens such as broccoli contain compounds that support the body’s natural detoxification pathways.² Chlorophyll-rich greens may also assist in binding certain toxins.
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health
Higher intake of leafy greens has been associated with improved heart health markers and a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.¹ ²
Who Might Consider a Greens Supplement?
While whole vegetables should always be the foundation, a greens supplement may be helpful for:
- Individuals who struggle to eat enough greens daily
- Busy professionals
- Older adults with reduced appetite
- Athletes with increased nutrient demands
- Those looking to support digestion, energy, or immune health
Greens supplements are not a substitute for a balanced diet but may complement one.
Tips for Choosing the Right Greens Supplement
- Look for Diversity: A blend of land and sea greens, vegetables, and superfoods provides broader phytonutrient coverage.
- Check for Digestive Support: Added probiotics may enhance absorption and support gut health.
- Verify Quality and Testing: Choose brands that conduct third-party testing for purity and potency.
- Review Ingredient Transparency: Avoid proprietary blends that do not disclose ingredient amounts.
- Assess Additives: Select products free from artificial sweeteners, colours, or unnecessary fillers.
What Makes Genuine Health greens+ Unique?
More than just a quick fix, this greens blend is backed by clinical research and designed to support whole-body health. greens+ original is formulated to promote gut health, energy, and vitality. Unlike typical freeze-dried fruit and vegetable powders, this formula contains antioxidant- and phytonutrient-rich ingredients with standardized extracts to help ensure potency. Not all greens are created equal — greens+ offers a comprehensive approach.
Key Ingredients Include:
- 3 chlorophyll-rich grasses: Organic barley grass, organic alfalfa grass, organic wheat grass
- 3 sea vegetables: Organic Atlantic dulse seaweed, spirulina, organic chlorella
- 3 fibre sources & 8 probiotic strains: Apple fibre, organic brown rice flour, FOS (fructooligosaccharides from chicory root), bacterial cultures
- 5 botanicals: Licorice root extract, Siberian ginseng root extract, milk thistle seed extract, Ginkgo biloba leaf extract, green tea leaf extract
- 8 superfoods: Lecithin, organic soy sprouts, royal jelly, bee pollen, acerola berry juice, European bilberry extract, organic red beet juice, grape extract
The Bottom Line
Greens are foundational to a healthy diet, offering antioxidants and phytonutrients that support whole-body wellness. For individuals who find it challenging to consume enough daily, a high-quality greens supplement such as Genuine Health greens+ may be a convenient and effective addition to a balanced lifestyle.
References
1. Wallace TC, Bailey RL, Blumberg JB, et al. Fruits, vegetables, and health: A comprehensive narrative review. Adv Nutr. 2020;11(5):1183-1205.
2. Wang DD, Li Y, Bhupathiraju SN, et al. Fruit and vegetable intake and mortality: Results from 2 prospective cohort studies. Circulation. 2021;143(17):1642-1654.
3. Lee SH, Moore LV, Park S, et al. Adults meeting fruit and vegetable intake recommendations — United States, 2019. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2022;71(1):1-9.
4. Valdes AM, Walter J, Segal E, Spector TD. Role of the gut microbiota in nutrition and health. BMJ. 2018;361:k2179.
5. Kan J, Wu F, Wang F, et al. Phytonutrients: Sources, bioavailability, interaction with gut microbiota, and their impacts on human health. Front Nutr. 2022;9:960309. Published 2022 Aug 16. doi:10.3389/fnut.2022.960309
About the Author: Genuine Health Team
Genuine Health is a Canadian company that makes all natural, non-GMO supplements and is one of the original vendors to partner with HFN back in 1999. Genuine Health has a history of firsts, including: First superfood formula and first to launch a superfood designed for the gut, First with fermented supplements and the first complete fermented protein, and the First natural health supplement company to become a B Corporation worldwide.