8 Common Ingredients in Superfood Greens Supplements

By Michael Martin

Why should you try a super greens supplement? Even if you're conscientious about eating a healthy, balanced diet, you probably wouldn't mind a little extra support. Some added insurance that you're not overlooking any potential nutritional gaps and giving your body the fuel it needs to help it perform at its best. That's where a superfood greens supplement can help.

Super greens supplements contain ingredients that help support vitality, bone health, gut health, and your immune system, among other benefits. Here are some of the most common ingredients in leading superfood greens supplements.*

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1. Magnesium

Many greens supplements contain magnesium, which is an MVP in terms of all-around nutritional support. Magnesium is involved in more than 600 of the body's processes. Among the most important: "Magnesium is a component of bone, so a magnesium supplement helps support bone health, and it helps support the immune system as well," says Paul Falcone, senior scientist at LADDER.

"People tend not to get enough magnesium in their diet, so a greens supplement can be an easy, convenient way to do that."

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2. B Vitamins

"B vitamins are great for supporting energy metabolism," explains Falcone. "They're essential components to the basic process of turning sugar, fat or protein into glucose, then ATP, which is the molecule responsible for energy."

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3. Rhodiola Root

According to Falcone, rhodiola root is an adaptogen, meaning it has traditionally been used to help the body adapt to the effects of stress. It may help enhance physical endurance and can help support the nervous system.

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4. Zinc

This mineral plays an important role in the immune system and is found in cells throughout the body. When you're deficient in zinc, your immune system may function less effectively because your T-cells may not have the fuel they need to spring into action. Zinc also provides support to muscles by helping them repair after exercise.*

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5. Vitamin C

Like zinc, vitamin C is critical to immune function. "Vitamin C is an essential antioxidant in the body," says Falcone. "Bolstering antioxidant benefits can directly help with the immune system." It helps neutralizes free radicals that damage cells, supporting overall health. Vitamin C also helps support the synthesis of collagen.

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6. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is important for bone health — it helps the body absorb calcium, a critical component of bone. This helps keep your teeth and bones strong. Vitamin D is also believed to help support the immune system.*

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7. Prebiotics and Probiotics

To support gut health, greens supplements often contain fiber and probiotics, which work together to support a healthy gut microbiome.

“A prebiotic serves to help feed healthy gut bacteria," explains Falcone. "It's essentially a fiber your body won't digest, but the bugs in your gut will. Fiber has been shown to have a positive effect on your gut microflora. A probiotic is a gut bacteria that helps your small intestine establish a colony of good bacteria, which can promote your health."*

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8. Greens

Look for a greens powder that contains a variety of greens, including, but not limited to:

• Broccoli seed
• Spinach leaf
• Matcha tea leaf
• Chlorella

Matcha tea leaf is a form of green tea that provides a small amount of caffeine for energy, along with a host of phytonutrients. Chlorella is a micro-algae that is extremely nutrient-dense. "Microalgae are nutrient powerhouses," says Falcone.*

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Who Should Take Superfood Greens?

"Greens are great for anyone who might have a challenge getting the number of fruits and vegetables into their diet that they'd like every day," says Falcone. "It can give you some peace of mind that you're filling some of those nutritional gaps with a variety of superfood greens, combined with specific vitamin and mineral complexes, to help provide targeted support for immune health, gut health, and bone health."*

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.