Beyond The Blender

Sick of smoothies? There are plenty of other ways to enjoy the benefits of green foods and other superfood powders.

- Lisa Turner

Recent studies show that people who eat the most fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens and other green vegetables, have a 30 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease and other diseases. If your diet's still short of the recommended 8 servings per day, change it fast with green foods powders. They're concentrated, portable, and contain vegetables we don't eat often enough (think broccoli), as well as those we rarely eat-such as seaweed or alfalfa. Most are also fortified with fruit antioxidants and other nutrients, including protein, fiber, probiotics, and superfoods.

When it comes to choosing the right powder, there's no shortage of options. You can find dozens of varieties ranging from simple to complex. In general, though, most powders are made of a few basic components: 

THE TOP 7 GREEN FOOD INGREDIENTS

1. The Greens

These should make up the bulk of the blend, and may include anything from grasses to spinach, kale, and broccoli sprouts. Some of the best:

• WHEAT GRASS is rich in superoxide dismutase (SOD), a potent heart-protective antioxidant that keeps blood vessels healthy. Studies also show that wheat grass can help ulcerative colitis and promote detoxification of bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor.

• BARLEY GRASS, like wheat grass, contains SOD, and has anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity. It may also improve the health of people with diabetes.

• OAT GRASS, like other grasses, is high in nutrients, and may also support the growth of Lactobacillus, a beneficial type of bacteria that supports gut and immune health.