Ultimate 25 Superfood Fusion – Organic

Ultimate 25 Superfood Fusion is a carefully crafted blend of 25 nutrient-rich foods, designed to bring a variety of flavors and natural plant goodness into one convenient powder. With its smooth texture and balanced taste, it’s easy to mix into smoothies, juices, or water for a quick boost, or to stir into oatmeal and yogurt for added variety.

Shelf-stable and versatile, this superfood blend can also be incorporated into baked goods, energy bites, or savory dishes like soups and sauces. With its diverse mix of ingredients, Ultimate 25 Superfood Fusion offers a simple and delicious way to enjoy a wide range of foods in one blend.

Our Ultimate 25 Superfood Fusion provides six powerful categories of foods and herbs to support your overall well-being. 

1. Greens
2. Adaptogens
3. Tonics
4. Mushrooms
5. Superfruits
6. Functional Foods

1) Greens 

Our Ultimate 25 Superfood Fusion contains five highly nourishing green foods: Kale, Kelp, Chlorella, Spirulina, and Alfalfa.

What exactly are green food powders?

Green food powders are considered a modern food product created from an individual or a wide variety of dried or juiced grasses, vegetables, and seaweeds to bring a quality source of concentrated nourishment for supporting healthy human physiology. Green foods have a tremendous reputation for providing a high level of quality nourishment, like micronutrients and phyto compounds, specifically chlorophyll(The pigment that gives green foods their color). When prepared and utilized correctly, they can be a great and easy way to add high-quality nourishment to your daily program. Greens contain a treasure trove of nourishment.

Chlorophyll 

Chlorophyll is a compound in plants that gives them a deep, vibrant green color. This is the primary compound that helps in photosynthesis(using sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water). Simply put, the deeper green the vegetable, the more chlorophyll it contains. Two primary types of chlorophyll are found in plants (Chlorophyll A & B), both of which are fat-soluble compounds with highly nourishing and protective properties. When chlorophyll is ingested, it moves throughout the body via molecular groups called micelles, which help the body absorb lipids and fat-soluble nutrients (they also help transport fat-soluble nutrients to the small intestines).

Chlorophyllin is a compound produced from chlorophyll through a process called saponification. This process takes chlorophyll paste and adds sodium hydroxide to create a saponification reaction (breaking the ester bonds between fatty acids and glycerol, resulting in free fatty acids), adding copper to crystalize, purify, and making sodium formation, thereby creating a sodium-copper chlorophyllin end product. In simple terms, chlorophyllin is the water-soluble version of chlorophyll. In earlier human studies, it was shown that by taking 100mgs of chlorophyllin daily, there was a 55% decrease in DNA damage in individuals with preexisting liver issues.

Other reports have discussed the relationship between eating fresh vegetables (including leafy greens) and those with advanced gastrointestinal issues that chlorophyll may modify specific agents that damage DNA.

Vitamin K  

Unless you have been living under a rock for the past ten years, the vital importance of vitamin K on human health will come as no surprise. Before we get into the nourishing qualities and sources of the vitamin K family, let’s break this down so we understand all of the vital details.

The general term vitamin K describes the family of K vitamins 1, 2, and 3. This family of fat-soluble vitamins is implicated in many essential biological processes like blood clotting(by assisting in the conversion of particular coagulation factors into their mature forms), bone building(activating osteocalcin, a protein that supports the accumulation of calcium in bone and teeth), and possibly reducing calcium deposits in the arteries(activated matrix GLA protein which prevents calcium accumulation in soft tissue).

Technically, there are three forms of vitamin K, but from what we know, K3 has been banned by the FDA due to its potentially toxic effects. It seems that the nourishing qualities are found in K1 and K2.

Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) is primarily found in green leafy vegetables, and K2 (Menaquinone) is found mainly in fermented foods, milk, meat, eggs, and cheese and has multiple subtypes: MK-4, MK-6, MK-7, and MK-9. MK-4 is primarily found in aminal fats like egg yolks, lard, and butter. MK-7 is a product of cheese and fermented foods but is mainly found in Natto (a fermented soybean product). Ultimately, K1 and K2 have the same functions and work via the exact mechanisms of action, except that K2 works more efficiently.

A randomized controlled study discussing Vitamin K and its association with mortality risk stated that those who increased their intake of phylloquinone and Menaquinone had a lower chance of all-mortality than individuals who decreased or did not change their intake.

Carotenoids

Phytonutrients are compounds produced by plants to help them resist external environmental threats. These compounds are believed to have nourishing qualities that may support various human health factors.

Carotenoids are a class of red, orange, or yellow fat-soluble pigments produced by plants, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria. There are more than 600 types of carotenoids (some of the most common include alpha and beta carotene, lycopene, lutein, and beta-cryptoxanthin), all with unique attributes that are researched for their ability to take on antioxidant-like qualities potentially.

Carotenoids are classified into two primary groups: Xanthophylls (primarily protect from too much sunlight, contain oxygen, more yellow pigment, and are associated with nourishing the eyes), which closely associate with green leafy vegetables, and Carotenes (have no oxygen and are associated with orange pigment).

An article published in 2001 discussed the importance of green leafy vegetables(specifically spinach, kale, and purslane) and assessed (based on supporting healthy biological function) the essential phytonutrients in leafy greens like spinach and kale are the carotenoids lutein, beta carotene, and zeaxanthin.

2) Adaptogens

Our Ultimate 25 Superfood Fusion contains two powerful Adaptogens: Ashwagandha and Cordyceps.

Adaptogens are classified as management and supportive herbs and fungi because the benefits are widespread through nonspecific physiological responses. 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. Harvard aging expert Dr. David Sinclair believes in eating what he calls “stressed-out plants” because science has proven that highly stressed plants will produce more defense mechanism compounds like polyphenols. In simple terms, the use and function of adaptogenic herbs support the body’s ability to have a healthy stress response.

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 an adaptogen is defined and how it works. The following are primary points that describe 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. 

Many herbs not classified as true adaptogens can (on some level) fulfill the above criteria. For example, Maca root and Holy Basil are not true adaptogens but fulfill many aspects of the adaptogen criteria. Therefore, they are considered possible adaptogens.

How do adaptogens work?

We have learned that the essential factor that makes a plant an actual adaptogen is that it 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.

3) In the early 2000s, we learned through preliminary animal and in vivo research that adaptogens also work on a “cellular level.” It seems that adaptogens may support the upregulation of what are known as “molecular chaperones,” like heat shock proteins. Molecular chaperones are any protein that interacts with, stabilizes, or helps another protein maintain its structure. They are known for their role in protein maturation, re-folding, and degradation.

Heat shock proteins are upregulated in the presence of stressful stimuli. The body is signaled that stress is coming, so to prepare, it increases the production of these remarkable compounds, which inhibit addiction, reduce pain, prevent protein misfolding, and increase neuroplasticity, just to name a few. Stress also increases the production of stress hormones like cortisol. Human research has shown that adaptogens may also support healthy cortisol levels and prevent elevated cortisol-produced mitochondrial dysfunction.

In the end, there are only nine “true” adaptogens: Asian Ginseng, American Ginseng, Ashwagandha, Eleuthero, Schisandra, Rhodiola, Rhaponticum, Shilajit, and Cordyceps.

Ashwagandha

If you are a phytochemistry fan, there are three main active constituent groups present in ashwagandha:

1. alkaloids
2. lactones
3. saponins

Withanolides (lactones) are a group of compounds found in Ashwagandha that may support its ability to respond to external stressors healthily and work as an immune amphoteric. The two main lactones that are believed to contribute to its effects are Withaferin A and Withanolide D. Other active constituents in Ashwagandha that have been classified as “anti-stress” agents are sitoindosides and acylsterygulcosides. While some ashwagandha preparations on the market combine the root and leaf, the root is the portion of this botanical that is most traditional, primarily used, and known for its adaptogenic properties.

In one study, Effects of Ashwagandha on stress manifested anxiety; The treatment group showed a “significant reduction” in “scores on all stress assessment scales.” An even more impressive result was the reduction in serum cortisol levels.

Cordyceps mushroom 

Researched for its ability to support vitality and performance, strengthen the body and mind, and support a healthy stress response, this elite-level Jing tonic and superstar of the mushroom world is categorized as an actual adaptogen and revered by tonic herbalists worldwide. Sweet in flavor and warm in temperature, cordyceps is famous for nourishing both Yin and Yang, supporting the kidneys and lungs, supporting life capacity and life force reserves, and is considered a fantastic tonifier of QI.

Cordyceps is a treasure trove of bioactive compounds like all other medicinal mushrooms. Some of the primary ones that have been researched and thought to support cordyceps’ “life-supporting” effects are

1. Nucleosides
2. Polysaccharides
3. Sterols
4. Amino Acids
5. Polypeptides
6. Cordycepin

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study using 28 individuals examined whether acute and chronic supplementation of cordyceps improves tolerance to high-intensity exercise.

1. “One week of supplementation elicited no significant time × treatment interaction for VO2max.”
2. “After three weeks, VO2max significantly improved.”

Therefore, it was concluded, “Acute supplementation with a cordyceps militaris containing mushroom blend may improve tolerance to high-intensity exercise; greater benefits may be elicited with consistent chronic supplementation.”

3) Tonics

Our Ultimate 25 Superfood Fusion contains three powerful Traditional TCM Tonics: Cordyceps, Maitake, and Goji Berry.

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.

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 the body’s 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.

There are four primary categories of tonic herbs:

1. Qi Tonics: Also known as energy tonics, they have the primary function of increasing energy production. TCM believes they enhance nutrient absorption, yielding blood and energy. They traditionally support metabolic processes, influence the spleen, and nurture the lungs.
2. Blood Tonics: These are known to nourish and balance blood via optimizing nutrient utilization. Blood nourishes the tissues and provides a means of distribution for nutrients, hormones, and immune cells. Blood tonics are commonly used to support the quality of one’s skin. Some blood tonics also work as blood vitalizers to improve microcirculation.
3. Yin Tonics: Yin is the accumulation of storage and energy condensed in all body tissues, primarily in all significant organs, specifically within the kidneys. The stored energy in the kidneys is known as the Yin essence and is considered the body’s fundamental reserve. Yin tonics are associated with preserving the quality of life.
4. Yang Tonics: Yang is the utilization of stored energy(Yin). Yang tonics have a warm or hot power, are associated with creativity, and are therefore believed to build strength and courage. Yang herbs are used to stimulate metabolism, build muscle, and support the skeletal system.

Understanding that tonic herbs are not used to treat or prevent specific issues is vital. 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. 

4) Medicinal Mushroom

Our Ultimate 25 Superfood Fusion contains two powerful medicinal Mushrooms: Cordyceps and Maitake.

Polysaccharides are believed to be mushrooms’ 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’s. 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, and microbiome effects and a host of 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 shows the importance of the associated lipids bound to the beta-glucans and that their independent presence is insufficient to obtain maximal benefits.

5) Superfruits

Our Ultimate 25 Superfood Fusion contains nine highly nourishing superfruits: Papaya, Sea Buckthorn, Pomegranate, Amla berry, Acerola cherry, Noni, Goji Berry, Apples, Coconut, Baobab, and Acai berries.

The power of Flavinoids

Many health experts believe a diet focused on high amounts of flavonoids is critical to supporting a healthy aging process because these compounds are known as nature’s biological response modifiers. There are over 8,000 different types of flavonoids found in nature. Based on the research, it does not seem to matter if you acquire them from food or supplements; what counts is the total daily amount you consume. These experts believe we should consume 500 to 2000 milligrams of flavonoids daily sourced from various foods and supplements.

A randomized controlled trial discussing how flavonoid-rich foods improve microvascular reactivity and inflammatory status in men at risk for cardiovascular disease showed the following.

1. The HF F&V diet increased endothelium-dependent microvascular reactivity
2. Reduced C-reactive protein and vascular cell adhesion molecule
3. HF F&Vs increased plasma NO in the group as a whole.

Therefore, the following was concluded, “These data support recommendations to increase F&V intake to ≥ 6 portions daily, with additional benefit from F&Vs that are rich in flavonoids, particularly in men with an increased risk of CVD.”

While each superfruit possesses unique qualities and compounds for various health purposes, they all fall under (at some level) four general categories of plant compounds.

1) Polyphenols are a term used to describe a general category of compounds found in a broad spectrum of fruits, vegetables, and tea that work as “reducing agents” along with other compounds known as antioxidants to support a healthy inflammation response and the body’s ability to protect and repair damaged tissue caused by oxidative stress. While over 8,000 polyphenols have been identified, some of the most common are flavonoids, flavonols, and anthocyanins. The importance of discussing these various compounds allows you to more clearly understand the wide range and complexity of nourishment you are getting from these powerful foods.

2) Flavonoids are a group of water-soluble polyphenolic secondary metabolites found in plants thought to provide health benefits through cell signaling(The process when a cell responds to a substance outside the cell through signaling molecules found on the surface of that cell) and antioxidant effects. Secondary metabolites are substances manufactured by plants that make them compete in their environment, exerting a wide range of effects on the plant itself and the surrounding living organisms, including flowing, fruit setting, signal deciduous behavior, and acting as antimicrobials. Over 50,000 secondary metabolites have been discovered, and many modern medicines rely on them for their mechanism of action. There are six major subclasses of flavonoids: Anthocyanidins, flavan-3-ols, flavonols, flavanones, flavones, and isoflavones. These account for around 60% of all polyphenols.

3) Flavonols are polyphenols belonging to the flavonoid family with a ketone group studied for their wide range of biological activities(antioxidant, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, modulating inflammation, and vasodilation). They primarily accumulate in the outer tissues(skin and leaves) of fruits and vegetables, are the building blocks of proanthocyanins(compounds that are attributed to the colors of fruits and vegetables), and are most widespread in the human diet.

4) Anthocyanins are a part of the flavonoid family of polyphenolic compounds. They represent the pigments that exhibit the bright red, purple, and blue colors found in fruits and vegetables. The six most common are Cyanidins, Delphinidins, Malvidins, Peonidins, Petunidins, and Pelargonidins.

In many cultures worldwide, berries are considered a staple in the human diet. However, while some of these berries are regarded as everyday foods, they are often used as local medicines or tonic foods, depending on the culture. For example,

1. Goji berries are not just a staple in the Asian diet but also a primary tonic food and part of the Traditional Chinese Medicine system. Goji is traditionally known in TCM to tonify all three treasures(Jing, Shen, Qi), Yin, and Yin blood, brightens the eyes, enters the liver, lung, and kidney meridians, and has a sweet flavor and a neutral, balancing temperature.
2. Acai berries and Acerola Cherries are essential staples in the South American diet and are used in various applications for local remedies.

Modern research confirms the importance of adding a variety of foods with bright, vibrant colors that contain a wide range of potent polyphenolic compounds to support the repair process from the damage caused by stress, helping to create a more balanced internal environment. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that these nutritional powerhouses that contain a wide array of unique compounds and are known for their deep, rich, and vibrant colors profoundly affect human health.

Fatty Acids: Sea Buckthorn and Coconut 

Sea buckthorn powder

Known and revered for containing more than 120 active Phyto compounds, this tiny tart and tangy powerhouse isn’t shy to flex its muscles in the Wild West of superfoods. While it is true that sea buckthorn contains powerful antioxidant levels of Vitamin C and a variety of carotenoids, highly concentrated powders of sea buckthorn have shown ORAC scores as high as over 800,000 per 100/g. This doesn’t hold a candle to what makes this berry a truly unique food. It is the only plant with a full spectrum of fatty acids 3,6,7, and 9. The superstar is the omega-7 fatty acid. Sea Buckthorn is known as one of “The great beauty secrete,” with the Greek people supporting a healthy inflammation response and healthy skin.

Coconut-MCT: A Fatty Acid with Unique Qualities

Fats constitute the most significant nutritional source of energy. 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.

There are four main types of MCTs:

1. Caproic acid (C6) is an oily liquid at room temperature that may support 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.

6) Functional Foods

Our Ultimate 25 Superfood Fusion contains four powerful functional foods: Turmeric, Ginger, Cinnamon, and Beets. 

Functional food is defined as dietary items that provide nutrients and energy that may modulate multiple targeted bodily functions. These foods work by potentially supporting specific physiological responses. Let’s discuss 2 of the more powerful functional foods in this formula.

You may notice a wide array of turmeric products as you search online or in the aisles of a health store. You will often see every version of this herb, from whole turmeric root in a capsule and whole herb tinctures to various versions of standardized extracts focusing on concentrated levels of curcuminoids.

Contrary to popular opinion, while curcumin is derived from turmeric, consuming a whole version of turmeric versus a product with concentrated levels of curcuminoids produces some unique qualities and differences in the result. The potent broad-spectrum compounds in whole turmeric root extracts create a whole herb matrix, so no particular compound dominates the entire spectrum. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that consuming a whole turmeric extract creates different nourishing results from a standardized extract focusing on a specific family of compounds.

What are Curcuminoids?

A curcuminoid is a small class of secondary metabolites, including curcumin, Demethoxycurcumin, and Bisdemethoxycurcumin, all isolated from Turmeric. These compounds are phenols and are responsible for turmeric’s yellow color. Within the curcuminoid family, curcumin is the primary compound, and the other two curcuminoids are analogs of curcumin.

An analog is a compound with a molecular structure that is similar to the primary compound. While Demethoxycurcumin and Bisdemethoxycurcumin are believed to act similarly to curcumin, it is not explicitly known if they act to the same extent. To simplify this explanation, think of a lock, and each of these three compounds has a key that fits the lock, but only curcumin can open it. It is important to note that all curcumin extracts naturally contain curcumin and both analogs, but the analogs are often not standardized to a specific percentage.

Curcumin: A Healthy Inflammation Response 

Before we discuss turmeric and the curcuminoid’s relationship to inflammation, it is vital to understand what actual anti-inflammatories are and what they do.

Anti-inflammatories only work on one area of the entire inflammatory cascade and often negatively affect the whole cascade. In a nutshell, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories work by reducing prostaglandins, which are chemicals that promote inflammation, pain, and fever. A group of enzymes produce these prostaglandins called cyclooxygenases, otherwise known as (COX). There are precisely two types of COX enzymes known as COX-1 and COX-2. Both produce these prostaglandins, which promote pain, fever, and inflammation, but only cox-1 promotes prostaglandins that activate platelets and protect the stomach lining.

The job of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories is to essentially block the cox enzymes and reduce the production of prostaglandins. For your reference…

1. Aspirin is a COX-1 inhibitor, and
2. The drug Celebrex is a COX-2 inhibitor.

Prednisone (A steroid-based anti-inflammatory) works in a much different way to produce a similar result. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Corticosteroids mimic the effects of hormones your body produces naturally in your adrenal glands, which sit on top of your kidneys.

Curcumin is touted as one of the most remarkable compounds for supporting a healthy inflammation response due to its unique mechanisms of action (Modulating Nuclear factor-kappa B). Nuclear factor-kappa B is a protein complex that turns on genes that produce inflammation. Its three main jobs are the transcription of DNA, cytokine production, and cell survival. By modulating its action, this, in turn, prevents the rest of the cascade-like cyclooxygenases (COX 1 and 2), Lipoxygenase (lkb4) enzymes, and inducible nitric oxide synthase from responding in an unhealthy way.

Another powerful yet highly underrated functional food is beets, which are classified within the top ten foods with the highest antioxidant activity and possess many unique qualities. They not only support powerful mechanisms of action like healthy blood flow, which directly correlates with vibrant health; beets also may work as a transport system for any powerful nourishment consumed into the body. Beet extract and freeze-dried powders have a wide range of uses in the functional food market. They have been shown to support antioxidant activity and the end product’s functionality and mechanisms of action. When a food powder is created, the process that removes the water (air dry or freeze-dried) produces a shelf-stable, highly concentrated end product that is exceptionally functional and versatile.

In a review titled The Potential Benefits of Red Beetroot Supplementation in Health and Disease it was stated, The powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vascular-protective effects offered by beetroot and its constituents have been clearly demonstrated by several in vitro and in vivo human and animal studies … Furthermore … several studies have now established beetroot supplementation as an effective means of enhancing athletic performance.” 

Synergy Defined

Finally, to understand the benefits of combining all of these nourishing foods, discussing the concept of synergy is essential. The primary principle behind synergy is the knowledge that the whole is greater than the sum of its simple parts. When applying this concept to a product containing a wide array of nourishing foods, it is vital to know that the potent compounds in each food and herb have a broader spectrum and nourishing effect than any isolated compound within that mixture.

When eaten as a whole food matrix, no individual compound works alone. Therefore, combining a wide variety of superfruits will provide more potent nourishment than consuming a standardized version of any particular compound.

Suggested Use: Mix two tablespoons of superfood powder with juice, applesauce, and yogurt, or add to your favorite smoothie.

Certifications: Certified USDA Organic.

Mixing suggestions: To increase Flavor and nutritional profile, combine our fruit powders, fruit juice powders, or extra-rich organic cacao.

Origin: Mixed and packaged with care in Florida, USA.