Coffee Creamer ‘VITALITY BLEND’ – Vanilla

Vitality Coffee Blend Creamer is crafted to add a rich, smooth flavor and creamy texture to your daily cup of coffee. Made with a carefully selected blend of plant-based ingredients, it stirs in easily for a satisfying finish that enhances both hot and iced beverages.

This versatile creamer pairs perfectly with coffee, tea, or lattes, offering a convenient, shelf-stable way to elevate your favorite drinks. With its delicious taste and easy-to-use form, it’s a pantry staple for anyone who enjoys a flavorful, creamy addition to their daily routine.

Vitality Blend Coffee Creamer

Picture this: you are in the middle of a fast-paced workday and need your cup of java to kick things up a notch. As much as you love a freshly brewed cup of black coffee, you know deep down inside that it might just not be enough.

You seek nourishment to help you get to the next level without the crash. So, you walk into your workplace kitchen and see the usual boring choices.

Unfortunately, none of them provide you with the nourishing qualities and tonic benefits you seek.

Let’s face it: going to your local “coffee house” can be expensive and time-consuming and produce a high chance of consuming ingredients you know will be counterproductive for the desired result. Then, it dawns on you that the answer is in the top drawer of your desk. You take that fresh, hot cup of java, run back to your desk, open the top drawer, and see it in all its glory. 

You grab that Z Natural Foods Vitality Blend Coffee Creamer bag, raise it to the sky, and see the dark clouds begin to part ways as a ray of light begins to shine through. It is no secret that the creamy deliciousness comes alive once you add two teaspoons to your coffee.  

After taking that first sip, the feeling comes over your body like nothing you have ever felt. You produce the most incredible work the office has ever seen for the next five hours.  At the end of that glorious day, your boss gives you an atta-boy and a big promotion. While we won’t claim that you will get a promotion at your job simply by consuming this product, we will assure you that you are providing your body with next-level nourishment.  

Understanding the principles of Vitalism

Vitalism is the understanding that living organisms are governed by principles that differ from chemical and physical forces.

This concept recognizes that a vital life force animates the physical body, which is the foundation for how the body heals itself. True vitalists believe that the body has an inherent ability to heal itself. 

Therefore, by studying and understanding the body’s blueprint and supporting it through profound nourishment, the body can heal itself.

Tonic and adaptogenic herbalism and functional food principles are some of the many practices that fall under the belief of profound healing through deep nourishment.

Medicinal Mushrooms: A Superstar in Adaptogenic and Tonic Herbalism

Tonic herbs are defined based on function and criteria. In simple terms, four primary fundamental aspects define a tonic herb.

1. They create and support a state of physical, mental, and emotional well-being through the appropriate balance of Yin and Yang energy to attain vibrant health.
2. They can be used for an unlimited period with no adverse effects
3. No matter how long an individual uses tonic herbs, they never build a tolerance.
4. True tonics come from their authentic source and spiritual homeland. This principle is known in Daoist herbalism as Di Tao and makes a vital difference in potency and efficacy.

Tonic herbs are not used to treat or prevent specific issues. They promote and support general well-being by enhancing energy and regulating function. The priority is not about healing but gently promoting one’s health. Tonic herbs provide adaptive Qi, allowing us to deal with daily stressors more efficiently. Ultimately, this will enable us to grow as human beings. 

All tonic herbs nourish at least one of what TCM calls The Three Treasures. The three treasures are interconnected and contribute to overall health and well-being. They are as follows.

1. Jing is essence primarily stored in the kidneys. Jing is one’s constitution, regulates growth and development, and works with Qi to protect the body from harmful external conditions. Poor constitution, blood loss, and excessive sexual activity can cause jing essence deficiencies.
2. Qi is a life force or vital energy stored in the kidneys. Both the physical and emotional are manifested as Qi. One is inherited from our parents, and the second is derived from essential substances like air, food, and water. Deficiencies are caused by poor nutrition and digestion, chronic stress, and constrained breathing.
3. Shen is the emotional and spirit layer of our being that reflects the state of our nervous system. Shen lives in the heart and is said to “preside over the activities that take place in the spiritual and mental planes.” Because Shen lives in the heart, people with disturbed Shen may experience anxiety, stress, difficulty breathing, and insomnia. In such cases, the primary weakness is from the spleen, which cannot generate enough blood to nourish the heart and anchor the Shen.

Adaptogens are a supportive tool for managing a healthy stress response through nonspecific physiological reactions. 

What makes all adaptogens unique is their ability to adapt to the harsh conditions in which they are grown. This adaptability allows them to thrive and become robust plants. As the research on adaptogens has been compiled over the years, herbalists and scientists have learned and concluded how each adaptogen’s energy (warming, cooling, drying, moistening) and constituents balance has allowed them to be used in a more specific targeted approach. For example, there are calming adaptogens and stimulating adaptogens.

Furthermore, it is common to use companion herbs like nervines to support the actions of adaptogens.

Plants and fungi are often categorized based on their functional qualities. Unfortunately, many plants and fungi are called adaptogens even though they don’t fulfill the criteria that define an adaptogen. Therefore, it is essential to understand the requirements for how adaptogens are defined and how they work. The following are primary points that define what a plant or fungi must do to be considered an adaptogen.

Adaptogens must: 

1. Be nontoxic at clinical dosage

2. Increase the resistance of the hormonal and immune systems to all kinds of stressors through a nonspecific physiological response. 

3. Normalize body function no matter how external stressors have altered them. 

We have learned that what makes plants and fungi actual adaptogens is that they must work through one or both of the body’s master control systems.

1) The HPA Axis (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis) is a complex system of neuroendocrine pathways and feedback loops that maintain and support homeostasis in response to chronic stress. The HPA axis interfaces the endocrine, nervous, immune, digestive, reproductive, and cardio systems.

2) The SAS (Sympatho Adrenal system, aka fight or flight) is a complex system that connects the sympathetic nervous system to the adrenal medulla. In simple terms, it is our fight-or-flight response. A triggered response floods our system with adrenalin and releases hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine from the adrenal medulla. This response increases blood pressure, blood sugar, and heart rate and suppresses digestion. This releasing of hormones and redistribution of blood allows the mind and body to respond and survive.

The Power of Medicinal Mushrooms

Polysaccharides are believed to be a mushroom’s primary family of compounds that may support a healthy aging process.

Mushrooms contain a wide range of non-starch polysaccharides (carbohydrate fractions excluding starch and free sugar) like chitin, beta-glucans, alpha-glucans, hemicellulose, mannans, xylans, and galactan. Non-starch polysaccharides are distinguished into soluble and insoluble fractions, with up to 90% being insoluble fractions. Most (around 80%) of insoluble polysaccharides are chitin, including beta-glucans bound onto chitin or protein.

Polysaccharides can support a wide range of actions in the human body. They have been shown to have immunological, neurogenic, cardiovascular, microbiome effects and other nourishing qualities. 

Until recently, it was believed that the primary polysaccharides found in fungi are beta-D-glucans, which come in various forms (beta 1-3 and 1-6) and are the powerhouse for what makes mushrooms work.

Other polysaccharides found in mushrooms are Alpha-glucans like glycogen, dextran, pullulan, and starch, which, for a long time, were not thought to provide the same nourishing qualities as beta-glucans.

Modern research has taught us that this belief tells you only part of the story and may be based on flawed science. While beta-glucans are potent compounds, there are hundreds of beta-glucan shapes and sizes, and while some are biologically active, others are not. Furthermore, not all are immunologically active. Ultimately, they are just one variable of a wide range of compounds responsible for a mushroom’s many nourishing qualities. 

Therefore, It is misleading to state that beta-glucan levels are the determining factor in the effectiveness of a mushroom product. Beta-glucans are most effective when they work with all other constituents found in mushrooms, and if one or more are missing, it can change how effectively the end product works. For example, a study discussing the polysaccharide K from turkey tail mushrooms showed that when lipase was applied, it reduced the immunological response of PSK by 80%. This indicates the importance of the associated lipids bound to the beta-glucans and that their independent presence is insufficient to obtain maximal benefits.

Each species of fungi may contain a different beta-glucan. 

For example, Lion’s Mane mushrooms contain many bioactive compounds like

Polysaccharides, Polypeptides, Prebiotic fiber, Hericenones, and Erinacines. Some of these bioactive compounds have been linked to neurogenesis (The growth and development of nerve tissue) because preliminary research on Lion’s Mane suggests its potential to support this process by possibly preventing and repairing nerve damage.

Hericenones and Erinacines have been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier, potentially stimulating nerve growth factor (A protein that plays a role in the maintenance, survival, and regeneration of neurons), which benefits those at high risk for brain injury.

In a small double-blind, placebo-controlled human study understanding the effects Lion’s Mane mushrooms have on mild cognitive impairment, “ At weeks 8, 12 and 16 of the trial, the Yamabushitake group showed significantly increased scores on the cognitive function scale compared with the placebo group. The Yamabushitake group’s scores increased with the duration of intake, but at week 4, after the termination of the 16 weeks of intake, the scores decreased significantly. Laboratory tests showed no adverse effect of Yamabushitake. The results obtained in this study suggest that Yamabushitake is effective in improving mild cognitive impairment.”

Collagen: A True Functional Food

Collagen is a protein the body produces that supports the structure and function of hair, skin, nails, cartilage, bones, blood vessels, and connective tissue. It is the human body’s most abundant protein, representing 35% of its dry weight. It comprises 19 essential and nonessential amino acids and three chains wound into a tight helix, each 1400 amino acids long. Collagen is primarily made up of the amino acids Glycine (33% of total collagen), hydroxyproline and proline (22% of total collagen), and glutamate (derived from its precursor glutamine and an essential precursor for proline). While there are technically 28 types of collagen that differ based on molecular assembly, cell components added, and where the collagen is used in the body, there are five primary types.

Collagen peptides may go by several other names, like collagen hydrolysate and hydrolyzed collagen. All collagen, by definition, is technically hydrolyzed, but there are different levels to this process (partially and fully). For example, gelatin is partially hydrolyzed, and collagen peptides are fully hydrolyzed. Finally, hydrolyzed collagen is, by definition, a denatured protein. Now, to understand what hydrolyzed collagen is, it is also essential to understand the hydrolyzation process. Hydrolyzed collagen is created through hydrolysis, where water molecules rupture the chemical bond.

A good portion of the market’s hydrolyzed/ peptide collagen products come from beef bones(unless otherwise noted) and are a quality source of Types I and III. As mentioned earlier in the article,

1. Type I makes up 90% of your body’s collagen and is densely packed to provide structure for your skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments.
2. Type III is a significant extracellular matrix component found in muscles, arteries, blood vessels, and organs. Specific to tissues with large portions of elastic fibers. Type III collagen also interacts with platelets in the blood clotting cascade and is an essential signaling molecule in wound healing.

What makes collagen so unique?

In simple terms, unlike all other protein sources that help build and sustain healthy muscle tissue(due to a more balanced and complete amino acid profile), collagen is an excellent source of the building blocks for functional material used to make connective tissue for our skin, hair, nails, bones, joints, and organs.

1. Collagen protein displays a low indispensable amino acid profile.
2. As a functional food, collagen is a source of physiologically active peptides and conditionally essential amino acids that have the potential to optimize health and address physiological needs posed by aging and exercise.
3. Collagen has a unique amino acid profile(high in glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline). These three amino acids comprise 50% of collagen, and the other 16 comprise 50%. Trytohane is the only essential amino acid missing.
4. While proline and glycine are considered non-essential amino acids, they are also considered conditionally essential during illness, stress, and trauma.
5. This powerful trio of amino acids is only found in collagen protein and nowhere else in the edible world. Therefore, the lack of essential amino acids is irrelevant because of collagen’s function and purpose.

Ultimately, what most people consider to be collagen’s greatest pitfall of being an incomplete protein is, in fact, its most significant attribute and what makes collagen such an outstandingly unique food.

MCT Powder: A Fatty Acid with Unique Qualities

Fats constitute the most significant nutritional energy source. Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) are uniquely processed in the body, making them easier to digest and metabolize.

1. Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) are more ketogenic than long-chain triglycerides (LCT)
2. Easily digested, MCTs give your body plenty of readily available energy.

In the past, MCTs were considered unhealthy due to their high saturated fat content. However, it has now been proven that medium-chain triglycerides are unlike any other fat on Earth and have high nutritional value. So, why is MCT fat different? MCTs are unique fat molecules; this makes their fat different from most fats we consume.

The following was stated in a paper titled “Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) formulas in pediatric and allergological practice.”

1. MCT’s proper use by the body conditions several complex digestion, absorption, distribution, and metabolism mechanisms.
2. These mechanisms are facilitated by fats made of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), making them an easy and quick energy source.
3. A quality supply of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) is essential for digestion and absorption.

Another paper discussing MCT’s ability to enhance exercise performance stated, “As a dietary supplement, MCTs are often used along with medications for treating food absorption disorders, including diarrhea, steatorrhea, and liver disease.” “MCTs have many benefits and have also been shown to reduce weight, metabolic syndrome, abdominal obesity (stomach fat), and even inflammation.”

Also, suppose you are on the Paleo or ketogenic diet or prefer to burn ketone bodies for fuel rather than glucose because of the medium-chain triglycerides. In that case, our MCT oil powder is more ketogenic than normal long-chain triglycerides (LCT). And unlike regular fatty acids, ketones can cross from the blood to the brain. This provides an alternative energy source for the brain, which ordinarily uses glucose for fuel—another fantastic benefit of MCTs and ketones.

The Coconut Research Center explains, “The vast majority of fats and oils in our diets, whether saturated or unsaturated or from animals or plants, are composed of long-chain fatty acids (LCFA). Some 98% to 100% of the fatty acids you consume are LCFA.” Our MCT oil powder comprises medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), also called MCT or medium-chain triglycerides. MCFA are metabolized by the human body differently because of their size; unlike the saturated and unsaturated fats in vegetable oils, eggs, milk, and meats, which contain LCFA, MCT oil is a rare dietary source of MCFA and, therefore, highly beneficial to the body and overall health.

There are four main types of MCTs:

1. Caproic acid (C6) is an oily liquid at room temperature that may support the healthy production of blood ketones. It’s found in animal fats and several plants and is slightly soluble in water with an unpleasant odor.
2. Caprylic Acid (C8) has been shown to support healthy energy, boost ketone production, and facilitate weight loss.
3. Capric Acid (C10) has many of the same properties as caprylic acid (C8) (e.g., it boosts ketones, is antimicrobial, and can help reduce body fat, but it generally takes a bit longer for the body to process into ketones.
4. Lauric Acid (C12) is a significant component of coconut oil. Like C8 and C10, lauric acid also possesses antimicrobial action. Still, because it’s a bigger molecule (more carbon atoms connected), it takes even longer to break down and isn’t optimal for ketone production.

Our MCT Oil Powder is primarily C8 and C10 with the following typical composition:

C8 (Caprylic) = 50%
C10 (Capric) = 35%

While there is no nutritional difference between a well-made MCT oil and powder, It has been suggested that MCT powder has superior qualities to the oil regarding ease of use, texture, blending, and greater ability to tolerate (due to the fibrous carrier powder, allowing for slower digestion). Most importantly, the powder allows for greater versatility and a creamier texture.

Finally, The Weston Price Foundation is considered one of the leading authorities on the research and health benefits of dietary fats (specifically saturated fats). They have stated that while it is recognized that saturated fatty acids are needed for energy, hormone production, and cellular and organ padding, they are also vital for signaling and stabilizing processes in the body.

According to the article Health Benefits of Ketones and a Ketogenic Diet published by the Weston Price Foundation, the following statements were made.

1. Although glucose is the primary energy source for the human body, ketones are an alternative energy source that is more efficient and can provide many health benefits.
2. The liver produces Small amounts of ketones in the morning after glucose depletion following an overnight fast.
3. It is possible to significantly increase liver ketone production by maintaining a low-carbohydrate, high-fat ketogenic diet or consuming medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) derived from coconut oil.
4. Daily consumption of two tablespoons of ketogenic caprylic and capric acid from coconut oil provides the equivalent of an estimated 8 to 9 percent of brain energy.
   Brain glucose absorption declines with age, but brain ketone absorption remains unchanged.
5. Ketones from a ketogenic diet or MCT oils can offset the age-related decline in brain absorption of glucose.
6. Ketones improve cognitive function in the young and healthy, as well as in the elderly and those with Alzheimer’s disease.
7. A ketogenic diet or exercise can help the body clean out damaged and senescent cells and regenerate new ones.
8. This cellular clean-up process (autophagy) prevents inflammation and improves health and lifespan.
9. The decline with age of NAD+ (an activated form of vitamin B3 essential for cellular energy production) plays a role in age-related disease.
10. Ketone-based energy production results in significantly increased NAD+, which activates enzymes that have clinical potential in the treatment of many diseases of aging.

Some possible traditional uses of Vitality Blend Creamer (Vanilla Flavor) may include:

1. May support joint health
2. May support a healthy inflammation response
3. May support a healthy immune response
4. May support a healthy allergy response
5. May support gut health
6. May support muscle and tissue recovery
7. May support skin health
8. May support healthy digestion
9. Supporting healthy energy & endurance levels
10. Providing you with an immediate energy source
11. Supporting the body’s ability to heal & repair tissue
12. Supporting healthy thyroid gland function
13. Supports healthy secretion & utilization of blood glucose