There is an overwhelming amount of information out there about healthy eating for parents to decipher. Between busy schedules and picky eating, many parents consider super greens for kids. But what are they, and how can you choose the right one for your little one? Let’s dive in.
What Are Greens Powders Made Of?
Greens food supplements are usually a blend of greens, vegetables, and sometimes other ingredients powdered and mixed together. They are designed to be a concentrated source of nutrients, which can be a partiulcarly helpful addition to your kids diet if they refuse their dinner time broccoli. The exact ingredients and blends can differ depending on the brand, but can include:
- Leafy Greens: Kale, spinach
- Grasses: Wheatgrass, barley grass
- Seaweed: Spirulina, chlorella, kelp
- Fruits and Vegetables: Beetroot, broccoli, berries (like goji berry or acai), apple, lemon
- Probiotics: Live bacteria like Lactobacillus rhamnosus
- Enzymes: Digestive enzymes
- Other superfoods: Maca, cacao
- Roots: Ginger, turmeric
- Herbs: Moringa, matcha, milk thistle
- Mushrooms: Reishi, shiitake, maitake
- Grains: Oats, millet
- Sweeteners: Natural sweeteners like monk fruit
While not completely magic, powdered greens are generally full of ingredients rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. By tapping into a blend of superfoods for kids, greens can be a popular choice for bridging nutritional gaps alongside a healthy and balanced diet.
Are Greens and Superfood Powders Safe For Kids?
As parents, we always want to give our kids the best and safest start. So, are super greens safe for kids, and what should you keep in mind when choosing them? Here’s what you need to know.
Invest In Quality Brands
Like any supplement, quality can differ massively between brands. Unfortunately, not all greens powders are created equal (or their kids products are created as an afterthought to their adult focused forumations), so choosing high-quality options is important. Here’s how to spot quality brands:
- Safety and Purity: Look for quality ingredients and brands free from contaminants like heavy metals.
- Quality Control: High-quality brands typically adhere to stricter quality control measures, which ensure that each dose delivers consistent potency and purity.
- Transparency: Labels should include a clear list of ingredients, their source, and the amount of each ingredient per serving.
- Added Sugars and Fillers: Lower-quality brands typically contain added sugars and fillers to bulk the product cheaply without adding any extra nutritional benefit.
- Reviews: Read reviews from other parents to get a feel for the brand and feedback from parents who use kids' greens.
The best greens and superfoods for kids should be specifically formulated for children. As with any change, consult your pediatrician when introducing a new supplement.
Follow Guidelines
You should always follow the guidelines for greens powders. Super greens can contain concentrated ingredients, and it’s important to stick to the intended dosage for kids so yours gets the right amount for their age and weight. While greens powders can be safe for children, review the label carefully, research the brand, and consult your pediatrician. Check for organic ingredients and no added sugar and fillers.
Introduce Slowly
When introducing new food or supplements, it’s best to start slowly with a small amount and gradually increase to the recommended dosage. This way, you can monitor your child's response and look for potential reactions or allergies.
3 Reasons To Choose Greens Powders For Kids
Most super green vitamins and supplements are designed to boost nutrient intake in a way that’s convenient and quick. Let’s talk about the reasons why parents consider greens for kids.
1. Health Boost
Many greens powders contain a variety of ingredients packed with essential vitamins and minerals, like antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and E.
Here’s a breakdown of the potential benefits of greens:
- Increase Mineral and Vitamin Intake: Greens offer a concentrated dose of nutrients, which can be helpful for picky eaters or kids who don’t usually eat enough fruits and vegetables. It can also be a helpful supplement for kids in sports or active lifestyles to keep their energy levels up throughout the day.
- Antioxidant Powerhouse: Many greens powders contain antioxidant-rich ingredients that can help fight free radicals.
- Support Gut Health: Some super greens also contain probiotics, live bacteria that may contribute to a healthy gut microbiome.
Greens powder for kids or green blends are not a replacement for a healthy diet but could offer a helping hand to support a child’s overall well-being.
2. Support Active Kids and Picky Eaters
Remember, fostering healthy eating habits is an ongoing process. While parents continue to offer and encourage the consumption of whole vegetables, greens powders can be an excellent interim strategy to ensure your child receives the essential nutrients found in leafy greens.
The quantity of ingredients found in many kids greens powders can also mean your kids are able to consume a much wider array of nutrients from those sources without running up a huge grocery bill. Greens can also help fill nutritional gaps, especially with picky eaters.
3. Quick and Easy Super Supplement
Greens for toddlers and kids appeal to many parents. Greens supplements are pre-measured and readily available, making them a seemingly effortless way to add some extra vitamins and minerals to a child’s diet - but most options out there are created for adults, with adult dosing recommendations, making them not suitable for children.
Instead of getting a child to eat a plateful of vegetables, greens powders can be mixed into drinks or familiar foods, making them appear less intimidating. This can be especially useful for children who don’t like to eat new foods or have restricted eating patterns or habits.
When searching for the right super greens for your family, be careful of brands that use high concentrations of certain ingredients, such as added sugars, fillers, or bulking agents. Unfortunately, even supplements designed for kids can contain ingredients that have no nutritional benefit, so be wise while reading labels to ensure the brand is reputable.
One study found that several kids' vitamins contained a significant amount of added sugars, and some even exceeded the daily recommended intake for kids. This study highlights just how important it is for parents to check sugar content and read supplement labels thoroughly.
How To Add Greens Powders To Your Kids’ Diet
Greens powders can have an earthy or slightly grassy taste as they contain concentrated vegetables and greens. The precise flavor will depend on the specific ingredients and the processing method of the greens supplement you choose, but many created for children come in other flavors that make them easier to mix into milk or shakes.
For the best results, follow the guidelines on the greens powder you have, and again - make sure it’s been formulated specifically for kids. The label should tell you about dosage and serving suggestions. If a greens powder contains a higher concentration of leafy greens like kale and spinach, it may taste slightly more bitter. Other products tend to blend greens with fruits and other flavorings that can create a neutral or sweeter taste, more suitable for developing taste buds.
Often, greens and superfoods brands recommend stirring the powder into water, milk or milk substitutes, juice, and smoothies.
Here are some tips for adding super greens to your kid’s diet:
- Blend spinach, kale, or a super greens powder with their favorite fruits, such as bananas, berries, or mangoes. The sweetness of the fruit helps mask any grassy taste.
- Make a creamy avocado-based dip with a touch of super greens. Pair it with veggie sticks or crackers for a fun and healthy snack.
- Add it to yogurt for an easy greens upgrade.
- Stir into scrambled eggs or omelet for a yummy breakfast.
Keep in mind that heating greens powder may affect some nutrients, like vitamin C and probiotics. Many nutrients, like vitamins A, C, and some B vitamins, are sensitive to heat. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that degrades easily during cooking, especially at elevated temperatures and long cooking times.
Again, always check the specific label for instructions on serving and storing and whether the formula has been designed to withstand some heat.
Support Your Kids’ Health With Greens
If you’re looking to boost your little one’s vitamin and mineral uptake, you, like many health-conscious parents, might be curious about greens supplements. Greens powders can be a quick and convenient way to bridge nutritional gaps in kids, especially for picky eaters and busy families.
Choose a high-quality brand, check for organic ingredients, and avoid added sugars and fillers.
Greens could be a smart tactic for picky eaters, but always check with your pediatrician first. They can help you decide if a greens powder is suitable for your kids and advise on the best course of action, taking into account your child’s specific needs.
While greens powders can offer a concentrated dose of vitamins and minerals, they should never replace a balanced diet full of whole foods, fruits, and vegetables. Focus on building a love of a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, involve your little one in meal planning and preparation, and make dinnertime exciting.
Raising a healthy child takes time. The real secret weapon? Make health fun! Setting a good example with healthy choices and prioritizing physical activities as a family are all key for a happy and healthy life. By fostering a love for healthy habits and having plenty of adventures together, you’re raising a champion.
Sources
Antioxidant-Rich Superfoods for Optimal Health | WebMD
Assessing Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements Marketed to Children in Canada | NIH
The 9 Best Nondairy Substitutes for Milk | Healthline
Why Are Eggs Good for You? An Egg-Ceptional Superfood | Healthline
