If you have read this blog for any amount of time you know I am not someone who pushes supplements. Rather, I am all about a food-first approach!

But I do believe there is a time and a place where certain supplements can be really helpful- especially if used to "fill in the gaps" to an already healthy diet. Athletic Greens AG1 is one of the most popular supplement powders on the market today, promising a range of health benefits through its comprehensive blend of ingredients. As a registered nurse and holistic health coach, I’m here to break down what’s inside AG1 and help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.

TLDR: I personally hate the taste and cannot stand it. On the other hand, my husband drinks it every single morning and swears by it. In my opinion, I would just rather eat a handful of microgreens and call it a day.😅 Still curious? Let's dive in... And as a heads up, I have no affiliate partnership with the company and am just sharing my own honest opinions. Any link in this blog post is just a good ol’ “refer a friend link” through my husbands subscription that will give you a year’s worth supply of Vitamin D and K2 with any order (plus a few travel packets of AG1)!

What is Athletic Greens AG1?

Athletic Greens AG1 is a daily supplement powder designed to provide a wide range of nutrients in one small scoop. AG1 targets busy individuals looking to enhance their nutritional intake. It's marketed as an all-in-one solution to support overall wellness, energy, and digestive health. It also is one of the dietary supplements that I most frequently hear advertisements for on podcasts and social media-- seriously, it's everywhere. 

And any time I hear a product boast all these health claims, it honestly always makes me a bit suspicious. When my husband first talked about trying it though, I was excited to hear a first-hand honest report of the product. 

Full List of AG1 Ingredients

So what's in athletic greens that can provide all these potential benefits? The Ingredient list can be divided into four main groups, as follows:

Vitamins and Minerals

AG1 includes essential vitamins like Vitamin C, known for supporting the immune system, and Vitamin B12, crucial for energy production and neurological function. It also includes important minerals such as zinc and magnesium.

• Vitamin A (as beta-carotene)

• Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid)

• Vitamin E (as d-alpha-tocopheryl succinate)

• Vitamin K2 (as menaquinone-7)

• Thiamin (Vitamin B1)

• Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

• Niacin (Vitamin B3)

• Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxine HCl)

• Folate (as 5-MTHF)

• Vitamin B12 (as methylcobalamin)

• Biotin

• Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)

• Calcium (from calcium citrate)

• Phosphorus (from potassium phosphate)

• Magnesium (from magnesium citrate)

• Zinc (from zinc citrate)

• Selenium (from selenomethionine)

• Copper (from copper citrate)

• Manganese (from manganese citrate)

• Chromium (from chromium polynicotinate)

• Molybdenum (from molybdenum citrate)

• Sodium (from sea salt)

• Potassium (from potassium citrate)

Superfood Complex

This complex is packed with nutrient-dense superfoods like organic spirulina, chlorella, and wheatgrass. Spirulina is a powerhouse of protein and essential amino acids, chlorella aids in detoxification, and wheatgrass provides a rich source of chlorophyll and antioxidants.

• Organic Spirulina

• Organic Chlorella (cracked cell wall)

• Organic Wheat Grass Juice Powder

• Organic Barley Leaf Juice Powder

• Organic Alfalfa Powder

• Organic Broccoli Flower Powder

• Organic Spinach Leaf Powder

• Organic Carrot Root Powder

• Organic Beet Root Powder

• Organic Green Tea Leaf Extract (decaffeinated)

• Organic Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract

• Organic Ashwagandha Root Extract

• Organic Reishi Mushroom Extract

Herbal Extracts and Antioxidants

AG1 features a range of herbal extracts like ashwagandha and Rhodiola rosea, both adaptogens that help the body manage stress. Antioxidants from ingredients such as green tea extract and cocoa bean powder help combat oxidative stress and support overall health.

• Organic Acerola Fruit Juice Powder Extract

• Green Tea Leaf Extract (decaffeinated)

• Organic Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract

• Organic Ashwagandha Root Extract

• Organic Reishi Mushroom Extract

• Grape Seed Extract

• Milk Thistle Seed Extract

• Citrus Bioflavonoids

• CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10)

• Alpha Lipoic Acid

Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics

Digestive enzymes like bromelain and papain aid in the breakdown and absorption of nutrients. Probiotics, including Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum, support a healthy gut microbiome, which is crucial for digestion and overall health.

• Lactobacillus acidophilus

• Bifidobacterium bifidum

• Lactobacillus rhamnosus

• Bromelain (from pineapple)

• Papain (from papaya)

• Amylase

• Lipase

• Cellulase

Other Ingredients

• Organic Stevia Leaf Extract

• Natural Pineapple Flavor

• Natural Vanilla Flavor

• Natural Carrot Flavor

• Natural Cherry Flavor

• Citric Acid

• Silicon Dioxide

Pros of Athletic Greens AG1

1. Comprehensive Nutritional Profile

   • AG1 provides a wide range of essential nutrients in a single serving, making it easier to fill nutritional gaps in your diet. It is recommended that you take the greens powder supplement on an empty stomach to aid in nutrient absorption. 

2. Convenience and Ease of Use

   • The powder is easy to mix with water or your favorite smoothie, making it a quick addition to your daily routine. Its portable travel packs mean you can take it anywhere, making sure you never miss a dose. First thing every morning, my husband takes a scoop of ag powder mixed in 12 ounces of cold water on an empty stomach. It takes just a couple of minutes any he loves the way he feels on days he takes it. 

3. Quality and Sourcing

   • Athletic Greens prides itself on using high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients. The product is non-GMO, gluten-free, and dairy-free, catering to a variety of dietary needs.

4. Digestive Health Benefits

   • With a combination of probiotics and digestive enzymes, AG1 supports a healthy gut, which is fundamental to whole body health and wellness.This can lead to things like more regular bowel movements, decreased bloating, and improved digestion of nutrients.  

5. Energy and Immunity Boost

   • The blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants works synergistically to boost energy levels and support immune function, helping you feel your best. By supporting your immune health you can also help decrease potential illness and symptoms. 

Cons of Athletic Greens AG1

1. Cost

   • AG1 comes with a premium price tag, which may not fit everyone’s budget. It's important to weigh the cost against the potential health benefits and your personal needs. For us, it is a product that meets the needs and goals of my husband, making it worth the cost. 

2. Taste

   • While some people appreciate the taste, others not so much. Personally, I hate the smell and taste and I am not someone who is usually picky about flavor. If you’re sensitive to taste, you might want to mix it with a flavored beverage, blend it into a smoothie, or try another one of the many green powders out there (i’ve listed a few high-quality alternatives at the end of this post.)

3. Allergies and Sensitivities

   • Although AG1 is free from many common allergens, it’s always wise to check the ingredient list for any potential allergens that could affect you.

4. Over-Reliance on Supplements

   • While AG1 is a convenient way to boost your nutrient intake, it’s not a substitute for a balanced diet rich in whole foods. It's best used as a supplement to, not a replacement for, a healthy diet. 

5. Individual Variability

   • The effectiveness of AG1 can vary from person to person. Most of the time we only hear reviews from people who love the product (or are getting paid to say they do 🧐). Factors like your current diet, lifestyle, and health status can influence how well the supplement works for you.

Conclusion

Athletic Greens AG1 is a well-rounded supplement that offers a wealth of nutrients in a single, convenient serving and may support good health. While it comes at a higher price point and may not be everyone’s favorite flavor, its benefits for energy, immunity, and digestive health make it a compelling option for many. 

Customers of AG1 is generally positive, with many praising its comprehensive nutrient profile and convenience. Some users report improved energy levels and digestive health, while others appreciate the peace of mind that comes with knowing they’re getting a broad spectrum of nutrients. However, some criticisms focus on taste and cost, highlighting the importance of considering personal preferences and budget. 

It may be right for you if you are looking for:

something super convenient and quick

increasing your nutrient intake 

struggling with eating enough nutrient-dense foods 

It may not be the right choice if you:

are sensitive to supplement taste

have allergies or sensitivities to any of the ingredients

Other Green Powders You Could Try...

As I said at the beginning, I am always a fan of a food-first approach to wellness. But I also know that many people need more convenience in their lives- and that is where greens powders can be a good option! If AG1 isn't right for you-- i'm right there with you because it isn't right for me either-- there are so many other high quality options. Here are a few I would consider that avoid things like artificial sweeteners and still can support overall health and wellness:

• My personal fave powder lately is Daily Elements- What sets this brand apart from other greens powders is their use of microgreens 👏 microgreens are more nutrient-dense than mature vegetables, making it that much more impactful on nutrient levels. We use it in food or water, and it is truly the most mild-tasting green powder I have ever tried. If you are curious about trying it, you can shop through this link and save 20% off your first order ✨

• Garden of Life Perfect Food SuperFood in Chocolate- I have liked Garden of Life products for years. They focus on high-quality ingredients to support healthy living. Unlike other green powders, this one is chocolate-flavored and great to mix into a protein shake! 

• Ancestral Supplements Animal Based Greens- if you don't like the thought of mixing up a green drink, this would be my go to recommendation! Not only are they easy to swallow capsules, but they include a grass-fed freeze-dried organ blend 

As always, nothing on this blog is medical advice and is for informational purposes only. Consult with your personal healthcare professional before adding a new supplement to your routine.

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