It’s common knowledge that “greens are good for you.”  Most folks could also give a few reasons why. For instance:

• They’ve got tons of vitamins and minerals
• Greens are high in cancer-fighting antioxidants
• Many plant-based foods reduce inflammation
• The dietary fiber in greens is good for digestion

But none of these would surprise you. While they’re all major benefits of super greens powder, as they are for any greens in your diet, these points aren’t what makes a greens powder “super.”

The produce aisle is loaded with greens like kale, lettuce, spinach, and swiss chard. However, a super green isn’t just any dark, green, leafy vegetable. Usually, the term “super greens” refers to a very small minority of your options—specifically, a few of the cereal grasses (young grasses of grain plants), algae (yep, that green stuff in water), and high-chlorophyll plants with health-supercharging benefits.

Our GO GREEN Daily Super Greens Blend is loaded up with shockingly super ingredients like these. Here are a few of the surprising benefits of super greens powder that makes it a hero among greens.

Five Surprising Benefits of Super Greens Powder

Helps You Build Muscle

“What? I thought meat was for building muscle.” Not so fast, bub. While it’s true that most veggies aren’t super sources of the protein your body needs to bulk up, some totally are. Look no further than chlorella and spirulina protein powder—algae super greens that are among nature’s densest sources of protein.

Chlorella is made up of 50-60% protein — that’s right, a majority of its mass. Spirulina is even crazier: 60-70% of spirulina’s weight is all-out, punch-packing-protein (the highest known concentration of any food source!). These are complete proteins, too—a perfect complement to any high-intensity workout routine.

There’s a reason NASA has conducted studies on spirulina as potential food for space travel. Oh, yeah, and Mexico City has relied on it as a primary protein source for 5,000 years! Any super greens powder with these algaes mixed in can definitely contribute to your daily protein requirements.

Sharpens Your Mind, Too

No green superfood drink is complete without a healthy dose of matcha green tea. Matcha comes from green tea leaves that are grown in the shade, plucked young, and ground into powder. The rich caffeine and L-theanine in matcha powder makes it a proven mind booster.

Researchers have found that macha boosts attention, memory, alertness, and reaction time (1). The L-theanine actually changes caffeine’s effects to help you to dodge the usual energy crash, feel more relaxed, and lower your stress level. Many people who drink matcha report overall feelings of well-being and clarity (2)!

Aids in Healing Wounds

The high levels of chlorophyll in barley grass, matcha, and other super greens powders can aid in the healing of body tissues. One of the most potent benefits of super greens powders is their ability to prevent infections and help surgical wounds to heal (especially wounds that aren’t responding to other treatments!) (3).

Alkalizes and Detoxifies Your Body

Some super greens act as natural detoxifiers for the body. Algaes like chlorella and spirulina have been shown to bind to heavy metals (like lead or cadmium) and some other harmful chemicals (4.) Whether you’ve absorbed them through pollution, toxic jobs (like mining), or contaminated food, a super greens powder can soak them up and help get them out of your system.

Super greens are alkaline, so they also counteract the acids in your system and boost your PH (specifically in your urine). Some studies have shown that more alkaline urine may help rid the body of toxins like pesticides (5). The rich antioxidants in super greens powders, as well, will help combat any free radicals and detoxify the body.

Helps to Preserve Youth

The abundant vitamins A, C, and E in all of the best super greens powders keep you glowing by boosting circulation and supporting healthy skin. Together, the phytonutrients, minerals, and antioxidants in super greens can also protect your cells from a buildup of damage and help you age gracefully.