The green revolution

It seems like the health scene has gone mad for supergreens lately, from baking with the powders to adding them to juices and smoothies. Bring on the green revolution, we say! Celebs are constantly papped glugging the drinks and they simply swear by their health benefits. The green stuff doesn’t come cheap, and is certainly an acquired taste, so is it worth all the trouble?

We think so. Since they burst on to the radar a few years ago, companies have found ways to make them far more palatable, so you can now enjoy the taste as well as the health benefits. Here are just a few reasons why you should knock back a shot or two a day:

1. They’re good for digestion
Bupa.co.uk has reported that 20% of people in the UK suffer from IBS, with women twice as likely to suffer from the digestive condition than men. Supergreens are packed with digestive enzymes that encourage efficient breakdown of food. This is especially helpful as we get older, as the production of these enzymes fall.

2. They boost immunity
No one likes getting ill, right? Greens powders are so nutrient-dense (hence supergreens) with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that they can give the immunity a real boost, warding off illness and disease. Sign us up!

3. They’re energising
The alkalising properties of supergreens help to bring the body to an optimal pH balance, which in turn can really boost energy levels. Unlike quick-fix, sugary juices and energy drinks packed with caffeine and chemicals, there’s no crash that follows your supergreens high.

4. They’re high in fibre
Not only is fibre linked to maintaining a healthy weight thanks to its ability to help stabilise blood sugar levels but it’s also more good news for our tummies. Fibre-rich greens help to support healthy bowel movements, if you know what we mean. Happy tums all round!

Greens powders are everywhere you turn these days and beginning your love affair with them can be a little daunting. Don’t know where to start? Check out the greens powders we heart:

1. The Protein Works Super Greens
There are a whopping 23 superfoods in this easy-to-use powder, including greens heroes spirulina, wheatgrass and barley grass.
£8.99, theproteinworks.com

2. Fushi Chlorella Superfood Powder
Chugging an algae might sound grim but the super-high levels of chlorophyll make it worth it, we promise.
£12.95, fushi co.uk

3. Amazing Grass Green Superfood Chocolate Drink
Organic cocoa certainly makes this drink go down smoother – you’ll barely notice the alfalfa, broccoli and spirulina.
£19.16, amazon.co.uk

Our top tips for going green:
1. They can be a little hard to stomach at first, so try starting with a flavoured version or by adding them to your own smoothies and juices with dominant flavours. Try our recipes for supergreen shots.

2. Add them to cakes, cookies and any other baking you do. They might turn your masterpieces a funny colour, but can help shift that guilt when tucking into an afternoon treat.

3. If you’re having a shot of supergreens, have a chaser at the ready. Coconut juice works well.