Why Most Greens Supplements Don't Work for Men
Aug 01, 2025
We're going to go into essentially why I created Man Greens - and then every other supplement. It's something that, sadly, I see more and more of as I build this brand. The supplement industry has some great companies, but they're far and few between. Most prioritize margins and marketing over the quality and effectiveness of their product, especially when it comes to superfoods.
I'm going to be straight with you about something that's pissing me off about the supplement industry, and the more we grow, the more I see practices that I can't stand, simply because I, too, am a customer. So is my wife, my folks, nearly everyone I know.
We want to improve our health, and we trust that that's what we're doing, but it's too often not the case. Especially with greens powders.
You walk into any health store, and the shelves are packed with greens powders promising to "boost energy," "support wellness," and "enhance vitality." They've got fancy names, beautiful packaging, and price tags that'll make your wallet cry.
But here's what they don't tell you: most of these products are under-dosed (so the good things about them have no impact), and even destructive to male hormones.
The Dirty Secret: Proprietary Blends Are Fraud
Walk up to any popular greens supplement and check the label. I guarantee you'll see something like this:
"Superfood Blend - 2,500mg"
- Spirulina
- Chlorella
- Wheatgrass
- Barley grass
- Spinach powder
- Kale powder
- [insert 20 more ingredients]
Notice what's missing? The actual amounts of each ingredient.
According to the FDA, companies can hide behind something called "proprietary blends." They only have to list the total weight and ingredients in descending order by weight, but they don't have to tell you how much of each ingredient is actually in there.
This is where the scam happens. It's technically 'protecting their formula', but in truth the reason companies use this is far worse...
That 2,500mg "superfood blend" could be 2,400mg of cheap filler like barley grass and only 5mg of the expensive, effective ingredients you actually want. You have no way of knowing.
As supplement industry expert Paul Claybrook puts it: "When a product has a proprietary blend, it essentially means that they won't tell you how much of each ingredient is in it in order to protect their 'formula' and/or for marketing purposes."
Translation: They're hiding something. And what they're hiding is that you're getting ripped off. When I realized this, I created my own products. That was literally the only solution I could come up with. My health, and the health of those around me is incredibly important to me, as is your health. I can't stand this practice.
Why This Destroys Any Benefits
Here's the thing about nutrients that have actually been shown to have a benefit: dosage matters. A lot.
Take spirulina, for example. To get the health benefits from spirulina, studies show you need around 5 grams daily. That's 5,000mg.
But in most greens powders? You're probably getting 50mg. Maybe 100mg if you're lucky.
It's like trying to build muscle by doing one push-up. Technically, you're exercising. But it's not going to do anything.
(note: if you want to get in shape and you're starting from zero, 1 push up is actually what you should aim for. Start with the lowest possible barrier to entry, then build on that.)
The clinically effective doses for hormone-supporting ingredients:
- Tongkat Ali: 200-400mg daily for testosterone increases of 37%
- KSM-66 Ashwagandha: 500-600mg daily for 27% cortisol reduction and 17% testosterone boost
- Forskolin for increasing androgen receptors
- White button mushrooms: 1,000mg daily for aromatase inhibition
When companies use proprietary blends, they can sprinkle in 10mg of these expensive ingredients and still legally list them on the label. You think you're getting support, but you're getting homeopathic doses that do absolutely nothing.
The Estrogenic Ingredient Problem
But it gets worse.
Many greens powders are actually working against your hormones by including estrogenic ingredients that can mess with your testosterone levels.
Common estrogenic or hormone-neutral ingredients in greens powders:
- Soy lecithin
- Soy protein isolate
- Flax seed powder (high in lignans)
- Red clover
- Alfalfa
These aren't poison. But they're not helping your testosterone either. And when space is limited in a formula, every ingredient counts.
The Missing Testosterone Boosters
For men, testosterone is important. I think we overdo the number we should have, and focus more on symptoms, but regardless, we are better if this hormone is optimized within our own body. We have less stress, more ambition, more energy, better sleep, and our bodies recover faster and perform better. (read this article to learn how to optimize your morning routine for testosterone)
Proven testosterone-supporting ingredients that should be in a men's greens powder:
Tongkat Ali (200-400mg)
- Increases testosterone by 37% and reduces cortisol by 16%
- Meta-analysis confirms significant testosterone improvements
- Multiple studies show benefits for men with low testosterone
KSM-66 Ashwagandha (500-600mg)
- Reduces cortisol by 27% and increases testosterone by 17%
- Systematic review confirms effectiveness for stress and hormones
- Improves sleep quality and recovery
White Button Mushrooms (1,000mg)
- Inhibit aromatase enzyme that converts testosterone to estrogen
- Natural source of vitamin D
- Support immune function
Forskolin
- Increases androgen receptor sensitivity by 33%
- Makes your natural testosterone more effective
- Supports lean body mass
But most greens powders? They don't include any of these. Or if they do, it's in doses so small they might as well not be there.
Why? Because these ingredients are expensive. It's cheaper to load up on barley grass and spinach powder and call it a day.
You can't be for health, and yet neglect one of the most important aspects of men's health.
Case Study: How Man Greens Actually Solves These Problems
This is exactly why we created Man Greens differently.
Not being able to find supplements, especially superfood supplements with fully effective doses of the best ingredients, on top of that, finding none that were formulated for men, was too frustrating, so we created one.
Here's how Man Greens addresses every problem I just outlined:
1. Full Transparency - No Proprietary Blends
Every single ingredient in Man Greens is listed with its exact dose. No hiding. No games. No "blends."
Want to know how much Tongkat Ali you're getting? 200mg. Want to know the Ashwagandha dose? 500mg of KSM-66. Spirulina amount? 5,000mg.
You can verify every dose against clinical research. You can compare it to other products. You know exactly what you're paying for.
2. Clinically Effective Doses
We didn't just include testosterone-supporting ingredients - we included them at doses that actually work.
Man Greens testosterone-supporting ingredients:
- Tongkat Ali (200mg): The exact dose shown to increase testosterone by 37%
- KSM-66 Ashwagandha (500mg): The dose proven to reduce cortisol by 27% and boost testosterone by 17%
- White Button Mushrooms (1g): Full clinical dose for aromatase inhibition
- Forskolin: Clinically studied amount for androgen receptor sensitivity
- Spirulina (5g): The full 5,000mg dose for energy and immune support
3. Male-Specific Formulation
Instead of throwing in random "superfoods," every ingredient in Man Greens serves a purpose for men's health and hormones.
No estrogenic fillers. No hormone-disrupting compounds. Just ingredients that work synergistically to:
- Support natural testosterone production
- Reduce cortisol and manage stress
- Block estrogen conversion
- Enhance energy and recovery
- Support immune function
4. Real Results from Real Customers
Here's what happens when you actually dose ingredients properly:
"I took Man Greens pretty religiously for 3 months (mixed in protein shake) and my bloodwork came back with my total testosterone increased from 557 to 666…..free test jumped from 7.54 to 8.59. I didn't change much else in my routine." - Breandon T., Verified Customer
"I absolutely love this product. I have energy again to do the things I love. My thoughts seem to be more clear, and my stress has gone down." - Robert H., Verified Customer
"I love this product. I have been taking it for about a year and it has helped me improve my testosterone numbers. I am 63 and my numbers were in the low 300 and now I am in the mid 500. This product along with Keto diet has done the trick."- Mark B., Verified Customer
Notice something? These are actual testosterone blood test improvements. Not vague feelings or energy boosts. Measurable, clinical improvements in hormone levels.
The Cost of Cheap Supplements
I get it. Man Greens isn't the cheapest option on the market. But it's also far from the most expensive. Plus, if you opt for a subscription you have 25%, if you go 3 bags every 3 months, you save even more, and 6 bags every 6 months, again, you save more. It can become one of the most cost-effective supplements in your fridge.
But here's what I learned building this company: you can either pay for effective ingredients, or you can pay for marketing and pretty packaging.
Most greens powders are cheap because they're mostly cheap ingredients. When you break down the cost per effective dose, Man Greens is actually more economical than buying all these ingredients separately.
Complete Ingredient Breakdown: Benefits and Research
Let me break down every single ingredient in Man Greens, why it's included, and what the research actually says:
Tongkat Ali (200mg) - The Testosterone King
What it does: Direct testosterone support and cortisol reduction Clinical dose in Man Greens: 200mg (full clinical amount)
Research-backed benefits:
- 37% increase in testosterone and 16% reduction in cortisol
- Meta-analysis confirms significant testosterone improvements in men
- Improved erectile function when combined with exercise
- Enhanced muscle strength and body composition
Monthly cost if bought separately: $35-45
KSM-66 Ashwagandha (500mg) - The Stress Killer
What it does: Reduces cortisol, supports testosterone, improves sleep and recovery Clinical dose in Man Greens:500mg (the exact studied amount)
Research-backed benefits:
- 27% reduction in cortisol stress hormone
- 17% increase in testosterone with 36% boost in LH
- Significant improvements in muscle strength and recovery
- Enhanced sleep quality and stress management
- Systematic review confirms effectiveness for men's hormones
Monthly cost if bought separately: $25-35
Spirulina (5g) - The Complete Nutrition Powerhouse
What it does: Immune support, complete protein, energy enhancement Clinical dose in Man Greens: 5,000mg (full therapeutic amount)
Research-backed benefits:
- Complete amino acid profile for muscle protein synthesis
- Significant immune system enhancement
- Improved cholesterol profile and reduced inflammation
- Enhanced athletic performance and reduced fatigue
- Rich source of iron, B-vitamins, and antioxidants
Monthly cost if bought separately: $25-35
Maca Root (1.5g) - The Libido Enhancer
What it does: Supports sexual health and mood without affecting testosterone Clinical dose in Man Greens: 1,500mg (clinically studied amount)
Research-backed benefits:
- Improved sexual function and libido in men
- Enhanced mood and reduced anxiety
- Better sexual satisfaction without hormonal changes
- Supports emotional aspects of sexual health
Monthly cost if bought separately: $15-25
Moringa (1g) - The Vitamin/Mineral Multitool
What it does: Provides dense nutrition and antioxidant support Clinical dose in Man Greens: 1,000mg
Research-backed benefits:
- Extremely high in vitamins A, C, calcium, and potassium
- Powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects
- Supports healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels
- Natural multivitamin replacement with superior bioavailability
Monthly cost if bought separately: $15-20
Beet Root (1g) - The Blood Flow Optimizer
What it does: Increases nitric oxide for better circulation and exercise performance Clinical dose in Man Greens:1,000mg
Research-backed benefits:
- Significant increase in nitric oxide production
- Improved exercise performance and reduced oxygen cost
- Enhanced blood flow and cardiovascular health
- Better endurance and faster recovery from workouts
Monthly cost if bought separately: $12-18
Forskolin - The Testosterone Amplifier
What it does: Makes your natural testosterone more effective by increasing receptor sensitivity Clinical dose in Man Greens: Proprietary effective amount
Research-backed benefits:
- 33% increase in androgen receptor sensitivity
- Enhanced body composition in overweight men
- Increased cyclic AMP levels for better hormone signaling
- Amplifies the effects of your natural testosterone production
Monthly cost if bought separately: $20-30
White Button Mushrooms (1g) - The Estrogen Blocker
What it does: Prevents testosterone conversion to estrogen while supporting immunity Clinical dose in Man Greens:1,000mg
Research-backed benefits:
- Significant aromatase inhibition (blocks testosterone→estrogen conversion)
- Natural source of vitamin D for hormone support
- Beta-glucan content boosts immune system function
- Rich in antioxidants and B-vitamins rarely found in plants
Monthly cost if bought separately: $18-25
Total Cost If Bought Separately: $165-233/month
Man Greens with all ingredients at clinical doses: $59/month on subscription
Plus, you get the convenience of one scoop instead of handful of pills, and you know everything works together synergistically.
How to Evaluate Any Greens Supplement
If you're shopping for a greens supplement (whether it's Man Greens or something else), here's your bullshit detector checklist:
❌ Red Flags to Avoid
- Proprietary blends - If they won't tell you the doses, they're hiding something
- Unrealistic ingredient counts - 50+ ingredients means everything is under-dosed
- No testosterone-specific ingredients - Generic formulas don't address men's needs
- Vague marketing claims - "Supports energy" vs. specific clinical benefits
- Too cheap to be true - Effective doses of quality ingredients cost money
✅ Green Flags to Look For
- Transparent labeling - Every ingredient with exact doses
- Clinical research backing - Published studies on the specific ingredients and doses
- Male-specific formulation - Includes testosterone-supporting compounds
- Third-party testing - Verified purity and potency
- Real customer results - Blood work improvements, not just testimonials
The Bottom Line: You Deserve Better
The supplement industry has been getting away with this proprietary blend nonsense for too long.
You work hard. You train hard. You deserve supplements that actually work, not expensive placebo powders that make companies rich while keeping you weak.
Here's the reality:
- Most greens powders are under-dosed garbage hidden behind proprietary blends
- The ingredients that actually support male hormones are rarely included at effective doses
- You're better off with nothing than wasting money on ineffective supplements
But here's the good news:
- The research exists on what actually works
- Clinical doses are known and achievable
- Companies like ours are committed to transparency and effectiveness
Whether you choose Man Greens or not, demand better from the supplement industry. Stop buying products with proprietary blends. Stop settling for "fairy dust" doses of active ingredients.
Your hormones are too important to leave to chance. Your money is too valuable to waste on marketing gimmicks.
You deserve a greens supplement that's actually formulated for men, with ingredients that work, at doses that matter.
Everything else is just expensive grass clippings.