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Thompson raisins
Like other dried fruits, thompson raisins, are a sweet and delicious addition to any diet but what sets them apart is that they are amazing source of energy-producing carbohydrates, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants known as phenols. They are excellent source of the trace element boron which works with calcium and vitamin D to aid and improve in bone and joint health. Raisins also contain phytochemicals that could promote healthy teeth and gums. The phytochemicals in raisins, including oleanolic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid, fight the bacteria in your mouth that can lead to cavities. In other words, eating raisins in place of sugary snack foods can actually keep your smile beautiful and healthy. |
Salvia hispanica [chia seeds]
Chia seeds are tiny black or white seeds from the plant Salvia hispanica. Historically, Aztec and Mayan civilizations used the seeds in their diets, as well as for medicinal purposes, religious rituals, and cosmetics. Chia seeds are highly nutritious, loaded with antioxidants, fiber, protein, and omega-3s. Studies show that these little seeds may be able to help with things such as bone health, weight loss, lowering blood sugar levels, and reducing risk of heart disease. |
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Pouteria lucuma
Lucuma is the fruit of the Pouteria lucuma tree native to South America. Lucuma is a delicious fruit loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. One tablespoon or 7.5 grams of lucuma powder also provides calcium, iron, potassium, niacin, and vitamin C — though these amounts generally cover a small amount of the daily values needed it is still significantly more nutritious than some of its counterparts. Nicknamed the “gold of the Incas,” lucuma has been used as a traditional remedy in South America for centuries now most commonly found in a powdered form. Due to its sweet taste, it can be used as a healthier alternative to sugar and other sweeteners with more nutrients, half the carbs, and 75% less sugar content than the same portion of a regular table sugar. |
.Cinnamomum verum [cinnamon]
Cinnamon is a spice that is made from the inner bark of trees scientifically known as Cinnamomum. There are two main types: ceylon cinnamon, also known as “true” cinnamon and cassia cinnamon the most commonly available variety today and what people typically refer to as “cinnamon.” The distinct aroma and flavor of cinnamon can be attributed to its oils, high in the compound cinnamaldehyde which is what scientists believe to be responsible for its powerful affects on your health and metabolism. Packed with anti-oxidants, including polyphenols, this spice has anti-inflammatory properties which give it the ability to help with things such as reducing triglycerides, blood sugar, as well as total and LDL (bad) cholesterol. |
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Elettaria cardamomum [cardamom]
Originated in India, cardamom comes from the seeds of several different plants that belong to the same family as ginger. The seeds, oils and extracts of cardamom are thought to have powerful medicinal properties and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Researchers say that due to its natural diuretic effects, antibacterial properties, and high antioxidants levels cardamom can help to lower blood pressure levels, aid with digestion, improve oral health, and may even increase the activity of cancer fighting enzymes. |
Stevia rebaudiana
Stevia, also called Stevia rebaudiana, is a plant that is a member of the chrysanthemum family, a subgroup of the Asteraceae family (ragweed family). Stevia sweetness is mainly due to steviol glycosides, that are 250-300 times sweeter than sucrose. |
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Ginger [zingiber officinale]
Ginger [zingiber officinale] is a flowering plant whose rhizome, ginger root or ginger, has been widely used as a spice and a folk medicine in many cultures for thousands of years. The flavor of fresh ginger is slightly peppery and sweet, with a pungent and spicy aroma. There's strong evidence to suggest ginger may ease arthritic pain, headaches, menstrual pain, and nausea. Based off of lab and animal studies, ginger, theoretically, may also help lessen blood sugar, swelling, and prevent blood clotting. |
Monk Fruit [siraitia grosvenorii]
Monk Fruit [siraitia grosvenorii] is a herbaceous perennial vine of the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae. It is native to southern China and was traditionally used in Chinese medicine for centuries. Monk fruit sweetener is made from the extract derived from the dried fruit and is 150-250 times sweeter than table sugar, has zero calories and carbs, and does not raise blood glucose levels, meaning it is safe for diabetics! Many find the taste pleasant and less bitter than other sweeteners. |
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Chaga Mushrooms
Chaga mushrooms, which tend to grow on birch trees in cold climates, have a rocklike appearance and a bitter vanilla-like flavor unlike other mushrooms. High in antioxidants chaga mushrooms can be used to help reduce inflammation, lower bad cholesterol, reduce blood sugar level, and even fight off harmful bacteria. |
Lepidium meyenii [aka maca root powder]
Maca [lepidium meyenii] sometimes referred to as Peruvian ginseng, is a plant that originated in the Peruvian Andes mountains used as a remedy to treat certain health issues. The part most commonly used, the root, contains amino acids, fiber, as well as many vitamins and minerals. It also contains other bioactive compounds, including macamides, macaridine, alkaloids, and glucosinolates, which are thought to be responsible for maca’s medicinal benefits. This amazing super food is known for its ability to reduce stress, fight depression, improve fertility and libido, as well as increase energy levels. |
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Bee Propolis
Bee propolis is created when bees combine sap from needle-leaved trees with the bees' discharge and wax making a sticky green-brownish substance used to build their hives. Propolis is thought to have antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. |
Bee Pollen
Bee pollen is a ball comprised of a mixture of pollen, saliva, and nectar or honey collected by young bees when they land on flowers which is then taken back to the hive to feed the colony. There are many benefits of bee pollen- relieves inflammation, boosts liver health, works as an antioxidant, can boost blood circulation to the brain, strengthens the immune system, fights against allergies, and much more. On average, bee pollens contain 20% protein, 70% carbohydrate, 10% fiber, and the rest fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. |