Green drink powder is a common term for a blend of dehydrated vegetables and grasses that is mixed with water or juice to create a health drink. Green drink powder contains a high concentration of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. The drink is used as a replacement for servings of vegetables in the diet and to support good health and body function. It is normally sold in a large plastic container along with a scoop used to measure the powder so it can be mixed with a liquid or blended with various types of fruit.
Most green drink powders contain ingredients such as wheatgrass, barley grass and seaweed, along with a variety of vegetables such as broccoli, spinach and kale. Green tea and blue-green algae are often included for their antioxidant and probiotic properties. The high content of vegetables and grasses means green drinks are considered a good source of fiber.
Green drink powder is used to help get the recommended number of vegetable servings into a diet. Depending on the potency of the powder, it can be the equivalent of up to five servings of vegetables. Most health organizations propose a diet that includes from five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Vegetables are considered an integral part of the diet and are a key nutritional component in fighting illnesses such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
Proponents of green drink powder use the beverage to maintain health and fight disease. It contains high levels of cancer-fighting antioxidants along with digestive enzymes and probiotics that support the immune system. Green drinks introduce many alkaline-based minerals, such as sodium and potassium, which help reduce the body’s acidity levels. High acidity is considered a factor in inflammation-based diseases such as arthritis, cancer and heart disorders. Balancing the body’s pH levels with alkaline foods is considered an aid to fighting these diseases.
Many claims have been made concerning the benefits of green drink powder, including decreased risk for strokes and heart attacks, increased ability to metabolize fat and reduced risk for cancer. It is also widely credited with increasing energy and mental sharpness and aiding in weight loss. Most of these claims have not been substantiated by any governing bodies, though more studies are being conducted to determine the benefits of green drink powder.
The beverage was first popularized in Japan, where it is called aojiru. Aojiru is usually thought to taste foul, so many companies have attempted to create a more pleasant-tasting green drink powder. The mix is often blended with protein powder drinks or added to fruit smoothies to mitigate the unpleasant taste.