Nutrition

Why Athletes Need a Greens Powder

Rachel Chan · Jul 14 2017

Do you think that a well-balanced diet is all you need to provide your body with the nutrients necessary for a healthy life?

While it is possible, it’s not always the case. Nobody is perfect when it comes to eating healthily, and many people often find themselves lacking in certain vitamins or minerals despite their best efforts at maintaining a wholesome diet.

Athletes in particular tend to be at greater risk of nutrient deficiency, as exercise is known to increase a person’s nutrient needs. As a result, many athletes turn to greens powders and other dietary supplements to ensure that they get all the nutrition they need to support their dynamic lifestyle.

A greens powder is typically a blend of powdered vegetables, fruits, herbs and extracts that is designed to deliver all the nutrients found in an array of natural foods into one highly concentrated, easily consumable drink.

What is a greens powder?

Most people usually take greens powder to supplement a diet that is deficient in fruits and vegetables. It’s typically high in fiber and provides a variety of amazing health benefits, especially for those with active lifestyles.

Why do athletes need a greens powder?

A good greens powder can be especially beneficial for athletes, helping them do far more than simply filling in their dietary nutrient gaps.

Here are some other great reasons why athletes need a greens powder:

1. To boost energy

Athletes burn off energy at much faster levels than other people. In order to perform at their best, they need to make sure that all their nutritional needs are met.

Greens powders are packed with phytonutrients, which can help give athletes a natural, lasting energy boost to help them power through their day. No caffeine or sugar rushes necessary!

2. To provide antioxidants

Exercise causes elevated aerobic metabolism, which in turn increases the production of killer molecules known as free radicals: ions which can cause damage to cells and prevent muscle repair and cell growth.

Greens powders contain a great mix of vitamins and minerals which help provide fuel to the brain, allowing a person to focus better, think more clearly and balance their moods.

Greens supplements are rich in antioxidants, which allow athletes to combat the cellular damage caused by free radicals. This allows them to recover more quickly after training, and strengthens their bodies’ natural defenses.

3. To maintain your body’s pH balance

An athlete’s diet tends to be high in protein, red meat, dairy and grains. These foods can have an acidic effect on the body, which increases cortisol levels and hinders training recovery and adaptations.

Greens powders contain nutrients from many different kinds of vegetables, which have an alkalizing effect on the body. This is why athletes who regularly consume acid-forming foods should supplement their diet regime with a greens powder to help restore the body’s natural pH balance.

4. For a brain power boost

Greens powders contain a great mix of vitamins and minerals which help provide fuel to the brain, allowing a person to focus better, think more clearly and balance their moods. This allows athletes to be more alert while training, thereby improving their overall performance, hand-eye coordination and reaction time.

What To Avoid In A Greens Powder

Athletes know the saying “you are what you eat” better than anyone else. A person’s body will reflect what they choose to put into it – which is why you should always read the label carefully before buying a greens powder. It’s best to be aware of exactly what you’ll be consuming.

Here are some add-ins that you don’t want to have in your greens powder:

1. Caffeine

Sugar contributes to weight gain and can seriously impair athletic performance, while artificial sweeteners have been linked to cancer and obesity. Both have no business in your health supplement!

While some studies show that caffeine may actually help boost an athlete’s performance, it’s best not to have this stimulant in your greens supplement.

Every athlete reacts differently to caffeine. If you’re particularly sensitive to it, you may suffer from negative effects that will hamper your performance, such as nausea, or increased anxiety and nervousness.

2. Sugar/artificial sweeteners

Sugar contributes to weight gain and can seriously impair athletic performance, while artificial sweeteners have been linked to cancer and obesity. Yes, they can provide you with some quick energy in the form of a sugar rush, but this doesn’t last long, and you’ll crash and burn as soon as it wears off.

A Natural Option for Athletes.

As athletes, it’s important to ensure that you are getting all the vitamins and minerals you need for your active lifestyle. A good greens powder is a safe and natural way to supplement your diet and ensure that you get the energy and nutrition necessary for you to perform at peak performance each day. There is a long list of benefits to supplementing with Super Greens, but the one that most people can feel right away is the natural energy boost. You’ll be giving your body an injection of the micronutrients it needs for fuel. Unlike with caffeine, sugar and other stimulants, there’s no harsh crash.