What Does 8Greens Taste Like?
8Greens has a much less intense taste than ordinary greens powders. This is unsurprising since there is so little in it compared to most greens powders. The advantage is that it does make it a lot easier to consume. Customers generally report liking the taste, or, at least, not hating it.
8Greens Ingredients
Vitamin C (400mg) - Vitamin C has been linked to mood and energy levels in several studies. Experts now agree that sufficient amounts of vitamin C are needed to maintain a positive outlook and steady energy.
Vitamin B6 (3mg) - Like vitamin C, B6 is associated with mood improvement and is thought to combat depression in adults. Vitamin B6 is pretty common in foods and drinks, so there are few people who are deficient, but a small dose like the one included here in 8Greens is enough to catch anyone who happens to be.
Vitamin B12 (9mcg) - A versatile vitamin, B12 is thought to improve bone health, red blood cell formation, and improve mood and energy levels. Another good booster vitamin for 8Greens to include. Vitamin B12 is thought to play a role in creating serotonin, a neurochemical strongly linked to mood that is often the focus of antidepressants.
Pantothenic Acid (15mg) - Also known as vitamin B5, pantothenic acid turns carbohydrates into glucose that the body can use for energy. In addition, vitamin B5 is thought to be important in treating and preventing a whole host of illnesses, syndromes, and conditions.
Potassium (90mg) - Potassium is important for a wide range of things, such as blood pressure and digestion. Potassium can be found in many common foods including leafy greens, bananas, meat, and nuts. As such, most people are not deficient in potassium, so a small dose like the 90mg included in 8Greens is reasonable as it will just bump up your overall potassium levels and ensure no one is deficient.
Zinc (6mg) - Zinc is a very important mineral and one that many people are deficient in. Low zinc can cause all sorts of problems such as reduced testoterone production in men, hair loss, cracked skin, and even impotence. The 6mg dose included in 8Greens is enough to stave off deficiency and keep you healthy between servings of a proper greens powder drink.
Proprietary Blend:
Microcrystalline Cellulose - This is a binding agent that adds nothing to the nutritional profile of 8Greens. It is somewhat telling that this is the first ingredient in the proprietary blend as it means that this ingredient is included in the greatest amount. That said, 8Greens is really about topping up your nutrition rather than providing the foundation, and, as we’ll see, the following ingredients are all pretty good, the problem is the doses are too low to be more than a nutritional top-up.
Spinach - One of the best ingredients for greens powders, spinach is packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
Aloe Vera Leaf - Aloe vera leaf can improve digestion when consumed. A study conducted in 2018 showed a strong connection between improved digestion among sufferers of IBS and the consumption of aloe vera leaf [1].
Wheatgrass Powder - Grass powders are common in greens powders and 8Greens is staying true to form here with the inclusion of wheatgrass. Wheatgrass is a great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
Kale - Often hailed as a superfood, kale is a nutrient-rich plant that is full of vitamins. A good choice of ingredient, although, again, probably not enough of it in 8Greens to enjoy the full benefits.
Barley Grass - Another grass powder, barley grass is a good source of enzymes that the body needs. Barley grass also contains vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin K.
Blue Green Algae - A beneficial form of algae that is linked to immune improvements and stress reduction.
Spirulina - Another common greens powder ingredient, spirulina offers a lot of health benefits, however, most of these are thought to come with high doses, which obviously aren’t available in 8Greens.
Broken Cell Chlorella - This ingredient is a decent source of omega-3s, antioxidants, and vitamins. Since it’s at the end of the ingredients list, however, we can assume there is barely any in 8Greens.
There are a few more ingredients but they are stated as colours and unlikely to be included in amounts significant enough to have health benefits.
Resources
1. Hong, S., et. al. (2018) Aloe vera Is Effective and Safe in Short-term Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Available at: https://www.jnmjournal.org/journal/view.html?doi=10.5056/jnm18077
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