SuperGreen Tonik and Athletic Greens are both super greens powder supplements that mix with water and provide many vitamins and minerals from superfoods concentrated in one drink. There are numerous health benefits to any supplemental super greens drink, but which between the aforementioned two is better?
SuperGreen Tonik is a better choice for most people than Athletic Greens because it is made from all-organic produce. Whereas Athletic Greens has concentrated levels of pesticides from non-organic produce. SuperGreen Tonik is also made for increased energy, focus & concentration, and overall health.
This article will discuss the health benefits and drawbacks of super greens powders in general, compare SuperGreen Tonik with Athletic Greens, and give recommendations about the best ways to use these and other super greens powders.
What are Super Greens Powders?
Super Greens powders are dietary supplements that are meant to detoxify & cleanse the body and supply nutrients that are missing from the average diet. They are designed especially for those who lack fresh fruits and vegetables in their regular diet.
Super Greens powders mix with water to make a grassy/earthy drink usually sweetened with natural sugar supplements. Some brands do cover up the taste better than others. They typically contain 25-40 ingredients, with these being the most common:
- Leafy greens like spinach and kale
- Seaweed
- Green, purple, orange and red vegetables
- Grass like wheatgrass or barley grass
- Fruits with antioxidants, like berries
- Extracts (e.g., green tea extracts, grape seed extract)
- Probiotics for digestion
- Digestive enzymes from plants
- Herbs, especially basil
- Mushrooms
- Sugar substitutes
- Fiber
These ingredients are usually dried and ground into a powder or dehydrated after juicing. Alternatively, some newer blends are fermented, which increases vitamin levels. Either way, this means that super greens powders are high in the following vitamins and minerals:
- Vitamin A: improved vision and immune system function
- Vitamin C: boost in immunity
- Vitamin K: improved blood clotting, wound healing
- Selenium: improves metabolism
- Iodine: improves hormone production
- Chromium: reduces the negative impacts of diabetes
- Antioxidants: reduce the risk of cancer
- Anti-inflammatories
Super Greens powders are low-calorie but may or may not list nutritional information on the label because they are classified as supplements and therefore are not regulated by the FDA.
Risks and Reminders
On the downside, super greens powders do not have as much fiber as fresh vegetables and so do not make you feel as full after a drink as you would after eating a vegetable-rich meal.
Another possible super greens side effect is it may have high levels of pesticides because so much produce is concentrated into one drink, and so organic powders are a better choice.
It’s a good idea to slowly integrate any kind of super greens powder into your diet because your digestive system will need to adjust to the new and unfamiliar ingredients.
It also may be a bad idea to incorporate super greens if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have thyroid disease, because of the mineral levels in these supplements.
Another important thing to remember is that no super green supplement can replace the effects of good sleep, a low-carb diet, and daily exercise. Supplements should be just that: supplemental to an otherwise healthy diet, exercise, and sleep routine.
Ideal Uses
Super Greens powders are great for people working to improve their fitness but early in the process, resulting in more gaps in their fitness and nutrition.
They are also useful for people who are unable to get a consistent sleep cycle due to work or have to be on the road all day, or those who don’t have the resources to spend on fresh groceries.
Super Greens powders can be bitter, so many people recommend adding natural sweeteners like lemon juice and mixing the powder with fruit juice or coconut water.
Often super greens powders will come with stevia already added, but it may or may not completely counteract the bitterness of the ingredients.
You can also stir super greens powder into your salad dressings or soups to improve their nutrient content.
Why Should You Use SuperGreen Tonik?
SuperGreen Tonik is made with an innovative formula that provides many benefits in just one scoop.
Benefits
The top five benefits of Supergreen Tonik are:
- Energy levels: Improve stamina and energy.
- Focus and concentration: Boost your mental performance.
- Anxiety: Calm anxiety and enjoy life.
- Sleep: Have better quality, deeper sleep.
SuperGreen Tonik is made of 38 organic ingredients, including 16 superfoods loaded with vitamins and minerals, and sweetened with stevia. The recipe was designed for health and flavor. The Minty taste of SuperGreen Tonik alone was developed over four months of research and development.
SuperGreen Tonik is also quick to use. It takes only one scoop mixed with a cup of water or juice to make this delicious and nutritious beverage. Making it great for busy people.
SuperGreen Tonik is unique among super greens powders in that it includes ingredients that improve memory and concentration, in addition to physical health benefits. This is due to the inclusion of nootropic ingredients like bacopa leaves, rhodiola root, and l-theanine.
Nootropics
Nootropics can be divided into three categories: prescription drugs, synthetic compounds, and dietary supplements.
Prescription Nootropics
These are mainly stimulants aimed to help those with ADHD, which are not recommended for general use by patients with general concerns about focus and attention. These drugs are often misused illegally, which poses a serious risk to the cardiovascular system and can be addictive.
The prescription nootropic modafinil is FDA-approved for the treatment of sleep disorders but may also be helpful for improving memory in healthy people. It is considered to be safer than other nootropics but still needs more research.
Synthetic Compounds
Synthetic compounds like piracetam are sold over the counter in the United States but are only prescribed in some other countries. These are most helpful for older people who have experienced a decline in mental ability and may not be safe for healthy, younger people.
Dietary Supplements
These are the most promising options for people without cognitive disorders. However, any new supplement should be discussed with a doctor to ensure it doesn’t interfere with any existing medications or conditions.
Caffeine is one of the most helpful ingredients you can add to your diet to improve mental function, not only because it causes alertness but also because it helps with short-term memory and learning. L-theanine is a common supplement that enhances the effects of caffeine and counteracts the jitteriness.
It is important to note that it is very possible to take in toxic levels of caffeine if you take it in a pill or powder form, and so sticking to coffee or tea is a better way to go.
CDP-choline is a supplement proven to improve memory in people with dementia and has no known side effects. It is considered a prescription drug in Europe.
Creatine monohydrate is often included in body-building supplements and also improves short-term memory and reasoning skills.
Bacopa monnieri is an Indian herb that helps you process information faster and helps nerve cells to grow, although it can take four to six weeks of regular intake to produce results.
Doctors recommend trying one or two supplements at a time, rather than combining them, and warn that taking nootropics too often can result in tolerance. Tolerance means that you’ll need more and more over time in order to feel any effects.
Because supplements are not regulated by the FDA, make sure that you choose reputable brands and listen to your body for side effects or ineffectiveness.
Transparency
Unlike many manufacturers of supplements, SuperGreen Tonik is extremely transparent about their ingredients and includes the exact amount of each ingredient included in the product on their Supplement Facts label found on every product. Because supplements are not regulated by the FDA, many brands do not do this.
SuperGreen Tonik includes 22 vitamins, including the following:
- Vitamin A: better vision, immune system
- Vitamin B12: required for proper brain, nerve, and blood cell function
- Vitamin C: protects the immune system
- Vitamin D: bolsters bone and teeth development
- Vitamin E: protects cells from damage, boosts immune system
- Vitamin K: promotes wound healing and bone health
- Vitamin Ca: strengthens bones and prevents osteoporosis
- Vitamin Fe: increases energy production
- Zinc: improves wound healing and digestion
These come from the following ingredients included in SuperGreen Tonik:
- Organic kale
- Organic chlorella
- Organic moringa leaf
- Organic spirulina
- Ashwagandha roots
- Bacopa leaves
- Rhodiola root
- L-theanine
- Ginko leaves
- L-tyrosine
- Garlic bulb
- Dandelion leaf
- Olive leaf
These ingredients are also completely keto-friendly, paleo-friendly, dairy-free, and soy-free.
SuperGreen Tonik has a light amount of stevia, making for a subtle sweet taste that reduces the need for added sugar or other sweeteners.
Cost
One 30-day supply tub of SuperGreen Tonik costs $87 for one tub, $227 for three tubs, or $327 for five tubs. If you purchase the bundled offer, you can save up to 30% and pay just over $2 per serving. The product is manufactured in the United States and comes with free shipping.
Additionally, any unused product can be returned within a year of purchase, so if you purchase a bundle and don’t love the product, you can send it back for a refund.
READ MY FULL SUPERGREEN TONIK REVIEW HERE
… OR …
Why Should You Use Athletic Greens Ultimate Daily (AG1)?
Athletic Greens Ultimate Daily is a super greens powder supplement made in New Zealand, designed for athletes, certified by the NSF, and partnered with the USA Cycling National Team as their official daily supplement. For athletes, every slight gain in performance makes a difference, and so they are more likely to see a benefit from this particular beverage.
September 2021 UPDATE: Athletic Greens has recently rebranded and is now called “AG1”. it’s the same formula only the branding has been upgraded.
Benefits
Athletic Greens is made of all-natural ingredients with low carbohydrates, and so are friendly to those with paleo and keto diets, made of 75 highly absorbable ingredients. These include the following:
- Vitamins and minerals: Supports a healthy nervous system and immune system.
- Superfoods: Provides the same amount of antioxidants as 12 servings of fruits and vegetables.
- Antioxidants: Reduces the risk of cancer and improves cognition, stress levels, and sleep patterns.
- Probiotics: Improves digestive health.
- Digestive enzymes: Promotes digestion and nutrient absorption.
Athletic Greens is certified vegan, making them safe for those with food allergies and good for those with other special dietary needs. Their ingredients are free from gluten, eggs, and nuts.
You might consider using Athletic Greens if any of the following applies to you:
- You’re an athlete and want to improve your performance.
- You travel frequently.
- You want to feel more energetic.
- You want to improve your overall health.
This formula can safely be used by anyone looking to improve their overall health and well-being. However, it is especially designed for top athletes due to its help with recovery after a difficult workout and quick absorption.
Transparency
Although Athletic Greens has diverse ingredients and a high micronutrient density, not all of their ingredients are organic. With so many ingredients involved, this means that the pesticides associated with non-organic produce are of great concern.
Athletic Greens also does not include any fat, and so without added oil, not all of the vitamins included will absorb well. It is recommended that you add a few drops of your favorite oil to each serving.
Additionally, Athletic Greens does not specifically state the amount of each ingredient that is in the final product. It could be a few grams of product X or several grams. It’s hard to tell if you’re getting enough of a ingredient to actually make a difference.
This product has high levels of stevia and so is very sweet, which some consumers like and others don’t. Regardless, this is a healthy, plant-based sugar substitute, so you don’t have to worry about your sugar intake in spite of the sweetness.
Cost
One 30-day supply pouch of Athletic Greens costs $97, or $77 with a subscription for monthly supplies.
They are also available in packages of 30 daily pouches, which cost $87 with a subscription and $107 without. This translates to about $3-4 per daily serving.
CLICK HERE TO READ MY FULL ATHELTIC GREENS REVIEW
What Are the Downsides of Super Greens Powder?
Incorporating any super greens powder into your routine can be expensive, especially if you include a super greens powder in addition to a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables. They also can be misleading in claims to completely replace the need for fresh produce, which no supplement can do.
It’s important to eat whole vegetables and fruits because they supply more fiber than super greens and make you feel fuller. It’s recommended to incorporate fresh produce into your super greens shakes to improve the quality of the drink.
Many super greens powders, including Athletic Greens, include large amounts of non-organic produce, which leads to concentrated levels of pesticides.
Pesticides
Pesticides can damage the nervous system and cause cancer, counteracting the positive benefits of super greens powder and posing a risk for the consumer.
Pesticides are used on produce to prevent pests from destroying plants, but unfortunately, are toxic to humans and insects. Pesticides vary in toxicity, although exposure to any amount of a pesticide poses a potential health risk.
Many pesticides include organophosphates and carbamates, both of which negatively affect the nervous system. The EPA produces a Pesticide Chemical Search that allows you to read more about the specific effects of these and other chemicals included in pesticides. Many of these affect hormone levels and include carcinogens.
The EPA regulates the amount of health risk posed by pesticide by limiting the amount allowed to remain on non-organic produce when it’s sold, to the degree that there is “reasonable certainty of no harm” in the residues of pesticides left on produce sold as food.
However, super greens powders include an exceptionally large amount of produce, which means that the concentration of pesticide residue is much higher than it would be on a single fruit or vegetable.
Super Greens powders are also not regulated by the FDA, which means that the levels of toxicity in their ingredients are not necessarily well tracked.
Which Super Greens Powder Should You Choose?
SuperGreen Tonik is a better choice for most people because it promotes mental performance in addition to physical performance and is a cheaper option that’s more accessible to people.
Athletic Greens are made for athletes, and so are made more for athletic performance than general well-being. Factors like anxiety reduction are less of a priority, as well as mental performance.
Benefits
SuperGreen Tonik is unique in that it includes mental benefits like improved memory and concentration, in addition to physical benefits. This is due to the inclusion of nootropic ingredients not found in most other supplements, including Athletic Greens.
Transparency
SuperGreen Tonik, unlike Athletic Greens, is also made from all organic ingredients, which means that there are no pesticides included. This is especially important in the case of a green powder because there are so many vegetables included, which means that any pesticides they’re carrying will be very concentrated.
SuperGreen Tonik is also more transparent than Athletic Greens about the ingredients used, including the exact amount of each nutrient included in the powder.
However, Athletic Greens is certified as vegan, whereas SuperGreen Tonik is not. That said, SuperGreen Tonik does not include eggs or dairy.
Cost
SuperGreen Tonik is made and processed in the United States, where Athletic Greens is made in New Zealand.
Shipping costs for SuperGreen Tonik are completely free, whereas Athletic Greens has a significant shipping charge to make up for their own international shipping. For one pouch, a consumer can easily spend $9 on shipping.
Conclusion
SuperGreen Tonik is a better choice for most people because it includes all organic ingredients. Athletic Greens includes non-organic produce, which leads to concentrated levels of pesticides. Athletic Greens was also designed for athletic performance, where SuperGreen Tonik is made for overall health and well-being.
SAVE 10% with Exclusive SuperGreen Tonik Coupon Code: ESR10
Our Top Recommended Super Greens Shakes
NAME | DESCRIPTION |
#1 Supergreen Tonik | Supergreen Tonik is one of the most powerful supergreens shake on the market. Unlike other Super Green Powders and shakes in general, SuperGreen Tonik does not hide behind Proprietary Blends so that you don't know how much of each ingredient you're really getting, if any at all. Instead, SuperGreen Tonik tells exactly what you’re getting of every ingredient. The SuperGreen Tonik comes in two enjoyable flavors: mint and berry. Supergreen Tonik has helped me and others with:
With a 1 YEAR MONEY BACK GUARANTEE, It's hard to argue against trying out Supergreen Tonik for yourself. PLUS, SAVE 10% with Coupon Code: ESR10 |
#2 MacroLife Macro Greens | While Supergreen Tonik will always remain #1 to me, MacroLife Macro Greens comes in second. Similar to Supergreen Tonik, it contains 38 super food ingredients. The benefits of Macro Greens include:
If you're not interested in Supergreen Tonik, then check out Macro Greens below. |
#3 Shakeology | Shakeology is #3 on our Super Greens list because it doesn't only have super greens ingredients. Instead, it's a nutrient dense shake that includes several more ingredients than you may actually be looking for. This includes:
Shakeology is perfect for weight loss, increased energy, digestive health, reduced cravings, and overall better health. Plus, Shakeology has stood the test of time as it has been around since 2009 without compromising its whole food ingredients. Instead, Shakeology has improved their flavors in taste and potency, and has even added vegan and gluten free options. If you're only looking for a super greens shake, stick with Supergreen Tonik. However, if you're looking for a more complete supplement, check out Shakeology instead. |
Sources
- Healthline: Super Greens: Are Greens Powders Healthy?
- Women’s Health: What You Should Know about Greens Powders, According to Nutritionists
- PR News Wire: Athletic Greens Named Official Daily Supplement of USA Cycling and USA Cycling National Team
- Michael Kummer: Best Superfood (Greens) Powders
- WebMD: Zinc
- EPA: Human Health Issues Related to Pesticides
- Livestrong: The 5 Best Greens Powders, According to a Dietitian
- WebMD: Nootropics