Dietitians and doctors often advise you to “eat the rainbow”. FYI, this isn’t just to create a visually appealing meal; each colour actually signifies different nutrients your body needs. 

Take greens, for example.

 These contain many health-beneficial phytonutrients — natural chemicals or compounds produced by plants — including chlorophyll, catechins, epigallocatechin gallate, phytosterols, nitrates, and folate (vitamin B9).

 But here’s the catch.

 Different fruits and vegetables boast unique nutrient profiles, even within the same colour category. So, while you may already be loading up on “familiar” greens like avocados, Brussels sprouts, apples, and pears, you may still be missing out on the full array of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals greens truly offer that’ll benefit various areas of your health. 

The first step to fix that? Adding the following lesser-known greens to your diet.

#1: Spirulina 

What is it? Spirulina is a type of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) that grows in fresh or salt water. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine by the Aztecs in Mexico and people in the Lake Chad area of Africa. 

What does its nutritional profile look like? Spirulina is a superfood packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals. Of note, spirulina contains phycocyanin, a blue pigment protein complex with antioxidant properties.

What are its health benefits?

There is some evidence suggesting that spirulina may aid in:

•  Anemia management in adults with ulcerative colitis
• Weight loss
• Blood pressure regulation 
• Blood sugar regulation
• Post-workout recovery
• Skin health
•  Liver health

#2: Chlorella

What is it? Chlorella is a single-celled freshwater green algae naturally found in aquatic environments. 

What does its nutritional profile look like? Chlorella is considered a superfood because it’s incredibly nutrient-dense, containing protein (what’s more, it’s a complete protein source — meaning it contains all 9 essential amino acids), vitamin C, iron, B vitamins, and more.

What are its health benefits?

There is some evidence suggesting chlorella may aid in:

•  Enhancing the body’s natural ability to clear toxins
• Immune health
• Cholesterol level regulation
• Boosting the body’s antioxidant capability
• Blood pressure regulation
• Blood sugar regulation
• Aerobic exercise performance
•  Eye health

#3: Alfalfa grass

What is it? Alfalfa, scientifically known as Medicago sativa, is a nutrient-rich herb that has long been used in traditional medicine to treat various health conditions.  

What does its nutritional profile look like? Alfalfa is high in vitamins, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and iron. It also has a high content of bioactive plant compounds, including saponins, phytosterols, phytoestrogens, and alkaloids.

What are its health benefits? 

There is some evidence suggesting alfalfa grass may aid in:

• Cholesterol level management
• Blood sugar regulation
• Boosting the body’s natural ability to fend off oxidative stress
• Helping the body detox
•  Menopausal symptoms relief (On a related note, collagen is also one of the best natural supplements for menopause support)
• Supporting breast milk production
• Promoting sperm quality

#4: Wheatgrass

What is it? Wheatgrass is the young, freshly sprouted shoots of the common wheat plant (Triticum aestivum).  

What does its nutritional profile look like? Wheatgrass boasts an impressive nutrient profile.

 This superfood is rich in vitamins, minerals, protein, and bioactive compounds that could support many aspects of health. Wheatgrass is sometimes called “green blood” because it contains about 70% chlorophyll, which is believed to help detox the body, provide antioxidant properties, strengthen the immune system, boost energy levels, and more.

What are its health benefits?

 There is some evidence suggesting wheatgrass may aid in:

• Detoxification
• Digestive health
• Cholesterol level management
• Immune health
• Improving energy levels
• Supporting a healthy metabolism
•  Promoting cognitive function
• Blood sugar regulation
• The management of inflammation-related diseases, like arthritis
• Wound healing

#5: Barley grass

What is it? Also known as “barley leaves” or “barley green”, barley grass is the young leaf of the barley plant (Hordeum vulgare). 

What does its nutritional profile look like? This superfood is an excellent source of vitamin A, iron, and magnesium. It’s also rich in chlorophyll, antioxidants (such as lutonarin and saponarin), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and ferulic acid. 

What are its health benefits?

There is some evidence suggesting barley grass may aid in:

•  Blood sugar regulation
•  Supporting heart health
•  Promoting weight loss
• Cholesterol level management
• Soothing the central nervous system, potentially benefiting anxiety, relaxation, and sleep
• Immune health

OK, so, at this point, you may want to add all 5 greens to your diet. But motivation isn’t the problem here. Instead, it’s the execution that’ll be a bit (or, actually, a lot) of a headache — we mean, drinking all 5 different greens juices daily?! 

Well … what if we said you could get all 5 greens in a single, convenient, delicious serving that doesn’t even taste like greens? It’s not just something we’re saying. It’s a reality with our NEW Super Beauty Greens powder, a phenomenally powerful Organic Greens blend loaded with:

 All 5 greens mentioned in this article

• Hydrolysed collagen peptides
• Superfoods
• Natural sea mineral complex
• Herbal extracts
• Prebiotics and probiotics
• Digestive enzymes

It’s the ultimate all-in-one beauty, gut, immune, energy, and wellness support of your dreams.