The Huel Daily Greens Formula Explained

Huel Daily Greens is a green superblend supplement designed to boost nutrition in the diet with the essential vitamins and minerals as well as whole-food-sourced nutrients, phytonutrients, adaptogens, macronutrients and probiotics. Each serving is vegan, gluten-free, and contains less than 1g of sugar.

Like all Huel products, Huel Daily Greens contains no lactose, soy, GMOs, or any animal products.

Huel Daily Greens Macronutrients

The principal macronutrients that we obtain energy from food are carbohydrates, fat, protein, and fiber. As Daily Greens is a supplement, not a meal or snack, it focuses less on providing macronutrients and more on vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, adaptogens and probiotics.

Huel Daily Greens Original flavor contains 30 calories, 5g of carbohydrates, 0g fat, <1g protein, and 1g of fiber in one 8.5g scoop.

Plant-Based Protein and Raw Superfood Blend

Huel Daily Greens Plant-Based Protein and Raw Superfood Blend provides protein, carbohydrate, essential fats, fiber, and key vitamins and minerals.  Oat flour contains a special class of fiber called beta-glucans, which have been shown to have a favorable effect on cholesterol and blood glucose levels[1, 2]. The oats used in Huel Daily Greens are certified gluten-free. Tapioca is a starch extracted from cassava, a root vegetable, similar to sweet potato. Along with providing carbohydrates, the tapioca in Huel Daily Greens helps with mixability and provides a smoother texture.

Pea protein complements the other plant-based proteins to create a complete amino acid profile. It's high in important branched-chain amino acids such as leucine, which plays a key role in muscle protein synthesis[3], and has a lower allergenic risk versus other protein sources such as soy and whey. Organic faba bean protein is high in phenolic acid and flavonoids (which are antioxidants) and the processing of this ingredient also reduces its antinutritional properties, such as phytic acid, thereby allowing improved absorption of key minerals, such as iron and zinc [4,5]. Organic sprouted quinoa is grown in a nutrient-rich medium meaning it's even higher than quinoa seeds in several b-vitamins, particularly vitamin B12 which is extremely rare in plant-based foods.

Organic Antioxidant Greens Blend

Chlorella is the collective name for several species of green algae. These algae are a source of key micronutrients including B-vitamins, vitamin E, choline, phosphorus, and iron, as well as essential fatty acids, amino acids, and fiber. 

Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable high in fiber. It’s also high in glucosinolates, a group of phytonutrients with a range of properties from antioxidant to anti-inflammatory properties[6]. The nutrient profile of broccoli sprouts is more concentrated when compared to older broccoli, which is why we’ve included both in Huel Daily Greens.

Black garlic extract is made from raw garlic that has been exposed to low heat and humidity to alter its taste, color, and structure. It has been shown that its antioxidant components, including the polyphenol and flavonoids contents of black garlic, increase with the aging of the garlic[7].

Organic Superfruit Blend

Organic tomatoes are rich in vitamin A and phytonutrients, one of particular interest is lycopene, which is the pigment that gives tomatoes their red color, and is an antioxidant that’s been linked to better cardiovascular health[8].

Organic acerola cherries (aka Malpighia emarginata) are grown in Central and South America and are rivaled by few other fruits in respect of their high vitamin C content, and also contains several phytonutrients such as flavonoids. Organic tart cherries are distinct from their sweet cousins and have a brighter red color. They contain a number of phytonutrients which may reduce inflammation[9].

One of the first popularized ‘superfoods’, blueberries have a high number of polyphenolic compounds and anthocyanins, and there’s growing research on the positive effects of including blueberries that can be supportive of brain health[10, 11]. 

Super Mushroom Adaptogen Complex

The term ‘adaptogen’ was coined in the late 1950s by Soviet scientists to describe any substance that exerts positive effects on both sick and healthy individuals without producing unwanted side effects[12]. While we now know that’s not strictly true, the evidence base for adaptogens positive effects is growing and strengthening. 

One popular adaptogen is ashwagandha, a herb used historically in Indian medicine. Ashwagandha has been shown to reduce cortisol (a stress hormone), which may help to lower stress levels over time[13, 14]. Another adaptogen, rhodiola root extract, has been shown to reduce fatigue, particularly stress-induced fatigue, such as exam stress[15, 16].

A study on shiitake mushrooms suggested that they improved the body’s immune response while also creating a less inflammatory environment[17]. Cordycep mushrooms on the other hand have been shown to to improve a person's VO2 max[18,19]. 

Ginseng mainly refers to the roots of plants that belong to the genus Panax. The Huel Daily Greens Super Mushroom Adaptogen Complex contains three varieties. White ginseng is the dried root and has been shown to reduce reactive oxygen species, which can cause negative health effects, and it may do this by increasing the level of glutathione in cells[20]. Red ginseng is the root that’s been steamed and then dried. In certain groups, such as those with chronic illness and postmenopausal women, red ginseng may reduce symptoms of fatigue[21].

Botanical Blend

Cinnamon, a popular flavoring, may play a role in helping to control blood glucose levels[22] and may also have antimicrobial attributes[23]. 

Echinacea is a herb that contains bioactive compounds called alkylamides. Research suggests that the alkylamides could modulate the immune response[24] and decrease the odds of developing a common cold as well as the duration of experiencing cold symptoms[25]. 

Lemongrass leaf has been used in traditional medicine around the world, it contains a number of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids and tannins which together potentially exert anti-inflammatory effects[26].

Probiotics in Huel Daily Greens

Huel Daily Greens contains the probiotic Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 (25 Spores (Millions)) and Bifidobacterium Bifidum (125 CFU (Million)).

Probiotics are ‘good’ bacteria that – when consumed in adequate amounts – may have health benefits, particularly for gut health[27-29]. Bacillus coagulans is a robust and stable probiotic which makes it a great addition to Huel Daily Greens[30]. Bifidobacterium bifidum could help improve the immune system's resilience to stress[31] this is because stress can weaken the immune system making us more susceptible to bacteria and viruses.

Vitamins and Minerals in Huel Daily Greens

Huel Daily Greens contains 27 essential vitamins and minerals.

There is ever-growing evidence demonstrating that, for many micronutrients, levels higher than the US Daily Values (DVs) may have beneficial effects to health. For example, it’s widely considered that the amount of vitamin C we’re recommended to consume is too low[32-34], so we’ve added a high inclusion in the Huel Daily Greens formula. The benefits of consuming more vitamin C include supporting a healthy immune system, skin and also possesses antioxidant properties. Vitamin C and it also aids the absorption of some minerals like iron and zinc[33-35].

Huel Daily Greens is rich in all nine essential B-vitamins. Of particular note is vitamin B12 as it’s rare in plant foods, meaning that vegans are particularly vulnerable to B12 deficiency if they don’t supplement with it. Huel Daily Greens contains 231% of the DV for vitamin B12. 

Huel Daily Greens is rich in 12 essential minerals. These include iron and zinc, trace elements that are often lacking in people’s diets, as well as potassium, calcium, magnesium, selenium and iodine.

Read more about vitamins and minerals and their role in human health.

Summary

Huel Daily Greens is a green superblend powder supplement with 91 vitamins, minerals and whole-food-sourced nutrients and, as such, has a superior nutritional profile to the majority of other greens powders. Unlike other Huel products, Huel Daily Greens should not be used as your sole source of nutrition, but as a supplement and alternative to inferior multivitamin tablets. It’s the ideal accompaniment to breakfast.

Huel Daily Greens Cautions and Allergen Advice

As some conditions require dietary intervention, like with any supplement, please heed the notes below for the following conditions:

  • Diabetes mellitus: For those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, Huel Daily Greens can be a part of a carbohydrate controlled diet. Please review the carbohydrate, sugar and other nutrition facts to see if/how it can fit your current routine.

  • Celiac disease: Huel Daily Greens is gluten-free and is made with no gluten-containing ingredients.

  • Inborn errors of metabolism: If you have a glycogen storage disorder (GSD) or other inborn error of metabolism where you require dietary manipulation, you must consult your doctor or specialist clinician before trying Huel Daily Greens.

  • Inflammatory bowel disease: If you suffer from Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or proctitis, and are experiencing a flare-up, we advise caution when having Huel Daily Greens. It would be best to talk to your doctor before trying Daily Greens.

  • Pregnancy & lactation: Due to the high levels of vitamins and minerals, Huel Daily Greens is NOT suitable for those who are pregnant or nursing.  

  • Children: Huel Daily Greens is not suitable for children.

  • Eating Disorders: We recommend that individuals with eating disorders talk to their doctor or relevant clinician before trying Daily Greens.

  • Phenylketonuria (PKU): Huel Daily Greens is not suitable for those who suffer from phenylketonuria (PKU).

  • Medications: There may be specific drug-nutrient interactions relating to a particular medicine you're using, so we recommend you read the drug information provided with your prescription and talk to your doctor if you aren’t sure if Daily Greens would be compatible.

Allergen Advice

We thoroughly assess our ingredients and the processes we use to make Huel and whenever we identify potential routes of allergen contamination we will first take steps to eliminate the possibility of any contamination of our product. However, where it is not possible to remove the risk we will highlight any allergens that might be present on our product packaging (and ingredient lists) in line with current US food safety guidelines.

Huel Daily Greens is gluten-free and uses oats that are grown and processed in a wheat-free environment and are therefore free of wheat. However, we recognize that individuals can have allergies to any protein in any ingredient therefore if you have a specific allergy that is outside of the remit above, please contact us directly and we will do our best to guide you on which products are suitable.

References

  1. Paudel D, et al. A Review of Health-Beneficial Properties of Oats. Foods. 2021; 10(11).

  2. Sang S, et al. Whole grain oats, more than just a fiber: Role of unique phytochemicals. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2017; 61(7).

  3. Zaromskyte G, et al. Evaluating the Leucine Trigger Hypothesis to Explain the Post-prandial Regulation of Muscle Protein Synthesis in Young and Older Adults: A Systematic Review. Front Nutr. 2021; 8:685165.

  4. Dahiya PK, et al. Mung bean: technological and nutritional potential. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2015; 55(5):670-88.

  5. Hou D, et al. Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L.): Bioactive Polyphenols, Polysaccharides, Peptides, and Health Benefits. Nutrients. 2019; 11(6).

  6. Connolly EL, et al. Glucosinolates From Cruciferous Vegetables and Their Potential Role in Chronic Disease: Investigating the Preclinical and Clinical Evidence. Front Pharmacol. 2021; 12:767975.

  7. Martínez-Casas L, et al. Changes in the Aromatic Profile, Sugars, and Bioactive Compounds When Purple Garlic Is Transformed into Black Garlic. J Agric Food Chem. 2017; 65(49):10804-11.

  8. Institute LP. Oregon State University α-Carotene, β-Carotene, β-Cryptoxanthin, Lycopene, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin. Date Accessed: 01/10/23. [Available from: https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/carotenoids]

  9. Chai SC, et al. Effects of Tart Cherry Juice on Biomarkers of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Older Adults. Nutrients. 2019; 11(2).

  10. Hein S, et al. Systematic Review of the Effects of Blueberry on Cognitive Performance as We Age. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2019; 74(7):984-95.

  11. Travica N, et al. The effect of blueberry interventions on cognitive performance and mood: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Brain Behav Immun. 2020; 85:96-105.

  12. Baranov AI. Medicinal uses of ginseng and related plants in the soviet union: Recent trends in the Soviet literature. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 1982; 6(3):339-53.

  13. Chandrasekhar K, et al. A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian J Psychol Med. 2012; 34(3):255-62.

  14. Salve J, et al. Adaptogenic and Anxiolytic Effects of Ashwagandha Root Extract in Healthy Adults: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study. Cureus. 2019; 11(12):e6466.

  15. Shevtsov VA, et al. A randomized trial of two different doses of a SHR-5 Rhodiola rosea extract versus placebo and control of capacity for mental work. Phytomedicine. 2003; 10(2-3):95-105.

  16. Spasov AA, et al. A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of the stimulating and adaptogenic effect of Rhodiola rosea SHR-5 extract on the fatigue of students caused by stress during an examination period with a repeated low-dose regimen. Phytomedicine. 2000; 7(2):85-9.

  17. Dai X, et al. Consuming Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) Mushrooms Daily Improves Human Immunity: A Randomized Dietary Intervention in Healthy Young Adults. J Am Coll Nutr. 2015; 34(6):478-87.

  18. Chen S, et al. Effect of Cs-4 (Cordyceps sinensis) on exercise performance in healthy older subjects: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Altern Complement Med. 2010; 16(5):585-90.

  19. Hirsch KR, et al. Cordyceps militaris Improves Tolerance to High-Intensity Exercise After Acute and Chronic Supplementation. J Diet Suppl. 2017; 14(1):42-53.

  20. Kim HG, et al. Antioxidant effects of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer in healthy subjects: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Food Chem Toxicol. 2011; 49(9):2229-35.

  21. Arring NM, et al. Ginseng as a Treatment for Fatigue: A Systematic Review. J Altern Complement Med. 2018; 24(7):624-33.

  22. Kizilaslan N, et al. The Effect of Different Amounts of Cinnamon Consumption on Blood Glucose in Healthy Adult Individuals. Int J Food Sci. 2019; 2019:4138534.

  23. Nabavi SF, et al. Antibacterial Effects of Cinnamon: From Farm to Food, Cosmetic and Pharmaceutical Industries. Nutrients. 2015; 7(9):7729-48.

  24. Sullivan AM, et al. Echinacea-induced macrophage activation. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 2008; 30(3):553-74.

  25. Shah SA, et al. Evaluation of echinacea for the prevention and treatment of the common cold: a meta-analysis. The Lancet Infectious Diseases. 2007; 7(7):473-80.

  26. Shah G, et al. Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Cymbopogon citratus, stapf (Lemon grass). J Adv Pharm Technol Res. 2011; 2(1):3-8.

  27. Majeed M, et al. Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 supplementation in the management of diarrhea predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome: a double blind randomized placebo controlled pilot clinical study. Nutr J. 2016; 15:21.

  28. Hemarajata P, et al. Effects of probiotics on gut microbiota: mechanisms of intestinal immunomodulation and neuromodulation. Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2013; 6(1):39-51.

  29. Nagpal R, et al. Human-origin probiotic cocktail increases short-chain fatty acid production via modulation of mice and human gut microbiome. Sci Rep. 2018; 8(1):12649

  30. Majeed M, et al. Evaluation of the stability of Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 during processing and storage of functional foods. International Journal of Food Science & Technology. 2016; 51(4):894-901.

  31. Langkamp-Henken B, et al. Bifidobacterium bifidum R0071 results in a greater proportion of healthy days and a lower percentage of academically stressed students reporting a day of cold/flu: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. British Journal of Nutrition. 2015; 113(3):426-34.

  32. Deruelle F, et al. Vitamin C: is supplementation necessary for optimal health? Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, NY). 2008; 14(10):1291-8.

  33. Combs J, et al. The Vitamins. 4th ed. Burlington: Elsevier Science; 2012.

  34. Hathcock JN, et al. Vitamins E and C are safe across a broad range of intakes. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2005; 81(4):736-45.

  35. Institute LP. Oregon State University. Vitamin C. Date Accessed: 01/10/23. [Available from: https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-C]

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