Posts in Functional Foods
Acai

The açaí berry is the fruit of the açaí palm. Native to the Amazon, açaí has been consumed for centuries in both ancient and popular recipes in the northern regions of Brazil. This purple super fruit is known for its remarkable flavor and is rich in anthocyanins (a natural constituent with antioxidant activity), amino acids, essential fatty acids, fiber, protein, and minerals (mainly calcium and potassium).

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Acerola

Acerola is a native tropical plant known for its extremely high levels of Vitamin C, which is known to be an effective antioxidant. Vitamin C bolsters the immune system, aids in the building of collagen cells, and supports respiratory function. Antioxidants such as Vitamin C are perfect for combating free radical damage both internally and externally in the body in both nutraceutical and cosmetic applications.

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Alfalfa Grass & Juice

Alfalfa is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B, D, E, K, biotin, calcium, folic acid, iron, magnesium, potassium, and many others. Dried Alfalfa Powder holds high values of protein. Alfalfa Powder has numerous benefits for the body such as aiding in digestion and flushing toxins from the body as both a diuretic and natural laxative, and helps to maintain healthy levels of cholesterol. Alfalfa Powder is also a nutritional ingredient of feed for animals as it has some of the greatest nutritional value of all crops.

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Almond

Almonds are one of the most nutritious of all nuts. They are rich in vitamins and minerals that help support a healthy heart. Almond Oil, especially with its vitamin E is also widely used as a skin conditioning agent due to its penetrating, smoothing and softening properties. Almond shell powder can be used as an exfoliant for the skin.

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Apple

Apples are a rich source of antioxidant compounds and fibre helping to support healthy digestive function and rid the body of toxins. The nutritional composition of apple products lack fat, cholesterol and sodium which are just a few of the many reasons apple products are an important part of a healthy dietary regimen. For cosmetics and personal care, the ingredients derived from Malus domestica are used in the formulation of a wide variety of products including hair conditioners, hand and body lotions, and shampoos.

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Apricot

Nutrients in apricots can help support healthy heart and eyes, as well as fiber for digestion. The high beta-carotene content of apricots make them supportive, heart healthy foods. The kernel yields an oil that is similar to that of the almond. The apricot can be combined with other natural ingredients in creams, lotions and facial masks for cosmetic use. Apricots are considered to have softening and emollient qualities.

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Aronia (Chokeberry)

Aronia berries hold the most antioxidants of all berries. They also contain numerous vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C, E, B2, B6 and Folic acid. They help support healthy blood circulation and digestion. Antioxidants aid with detoxifying the body of free radical damage. Aronia berries also reduce inflammation in the body due to muscle overuse or exercise. They make a delicious flavoring for sweets, pie fillings, yogurt, desserts, and jellies. Aronia Powder adds a great fruit punch flavor in many nutritional drinks and food products.

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Avocado

Avocados are a fresh, natural, wholesome part of a healthy diet. They are rich in flavor, high in essential fatty acids, and provide over twenty essential nutrients including fiber, potassium, vitamin E, B-vitamins, and folic acid. Avocado consumption also contributes to maintaining a healthy potassium:sodium ratio. Avocado Oil is an edible oil derived from the fresh pulp of the avocado fruit and is used for both cooking and cosmetic purposes. It has a rich, lingering flavor of avocados and the aroma of artichokes and celery. Avocados have been rated as one of the safest commercial crops in the United States.

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Banana

Bananas are rich in potassium, iron, vitamin A, and phosphorus. Their natural sugars are great for a boost of long term energy without a painful crash. The potassium in bananas supports heart health and helps maintain the body’s water balance. It also supports the body’s circulatory system, delivers oxygen to the brain and regulates blood pressure. Bananas also have fiber that helps maintain regular bowel functioning. Bananas even contain a tryptophan, an essential amino acid that helps the body relax and feel happier.

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Barley Grass & Juice

Barley Grass is the ultimate source of amino acids, vitamins, minerals and enzymes. This superfood is said to have 30x more vitamin B1 and 11x more calcium than cow’s milk and nearly 5x the amount of iron content than spinach. Barley Grass is helpful for digestion by providing the stomach with organic sodium that supports the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Barley Grass is also shown to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. It is high in antioxidants that help rid the body of toxins. Just one teaspoon of barley grass powder provides an entire day’s recommended daily allowance of vitamin A, which is shown to benefit the immune system, bones, teeth, and eyes.

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Beet

Beets are a great source of iron, low in calories, and contain no trans or saturated fats. They have carbohydrates that energize the body and are regarded as a healthy body fuel. Beets contain sodium, magnesium, calcium, iron and phosphorus, as well as vitamins A, B and C and niacin. The folic acid in beets is useful in the production and maintenance of new cells. Beets are also great tonic for the liver, help to detoxify the body, and contain betaine, a substance that may help support digestion. Beets are a great supplement for many purposes in daily nutrition.

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Pepper

Whether spicy or sweet, Peppers (Capsicum) contain many phytochemicals with antioxidant capabilities. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals in the body that can damage cells. Phytochemicals can also work as messengers in the body. Peppers are nutrient dense, rich with vitamins A and C, fiber, vitamin K, folate, and minerals. Peppers (Capsicum) can provide many essential nutrients and can be used as a beneficial flavoring addition. Due to the concentration and strength of many Peppers, they are now being used in a variety of industrial applications in soil preparation and as an organicide.

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