TikTok has elevated previously unnoticed health and wellness advice—like rice water for hair growth, liquid chlorophyll, and protein coffee—to the forefront of everyday routines. However, greens powders are currently popular on the platform, and videos showcasing their advantages have been appearing all over our FYP. We spoke with holistic nutritionist Jennifer Hanway to learn more about the trend’s origins, and she informed us that many of her friends and clients have recently inquired about the advantages of greens powders as well.
Greens powders are often a combination of dried fruits and vegetables that are converted into a powdered supplement that can be mixed with water, according to Hanway. “Many products also include antioxidant- and phytochemical-rich’superfoods,’ such as chlorella and spirulina, mushrooms and adaptogens, pre and probiotics, and even protein powders, in addition to the fruits and vegetables.”
But why the dramatic increase in appeal? Hanway claims that the trend was most likely sparked by a single item, the AG1 by Athletic Greens ($99). It appears on my Instagram page at least three times every day. It is currently being marketed by everyone, including functional medicine physicians and Peloton instructors. They are simple to use and include into your everyday routine, which is another reason for their fast increase in popularity. In terms of the quantity of ingredients the powders contain, they offer good value.
Greens powders are loaded with vitamins and minerals, but Hanway advises against substituting them for actual fruits and vegetables. These items lack fibre, which is something that most Americans’ diets lack on a daily basis. Fiber is crucial for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, controlling blood sugar levels, balancing hunger hormones, and sustaining gut and digesting health. While drinking a glass of water with powder in it is undoubtedly easier than eating a big dish of broccoli, it cannot substitute for a diet high in fibre.
