Ultimate Superfood Fusion

Ultimate Superfood Fusion is a versatile blend of carefully selected organic ingredients, bringing together a wide variety of plant-based foods in one easy-to-use powder. With its naturally smooth and balanced flavor, it mixes seamlessly into smoothies, shakes, and juices, or can be stirred into oatmeal and yogurt.

Convenient and shelf-stable, this superfood blend can also be incorporated into baked goods, energy bites, or savory dishes for added variety. With its vibrant taste and flexible use, Ultimate Superfood Fusion makes it simple to enjoy a wide range of foods in one delicious scoop.

Ultimate Superfood Fusion

Z Natural Foods takes pride in bringing our customers a wide range of foods from around the globe in their most versatile form, and our Ultimate Superfood Fusion powder is no exception.

Our Ultimate Superfood Fusion formula is Z Natural Foods’ original superfood blend, which was created by carefully picking fifteen of the finest highly nourishing foods to produce a well-balanced product. 

While it is true that Ultimate Superfood Fusions’ flavor profile is like a party in your mouth, its nutritive and healing abilities are just as potent. Indeed, a dried, powdered version of the fifteen foods within the Ultimate Superfood Fusion does not represent how they were traditionally consumed.

However, it does represent how the advancement of technology can create products with incredible potential for limitless product development applications and a more convenient way to use this powerful medicinal on the go.

Our mission is to provide the customer with great-tasting, highly functional foods with limitless application in their most versatile form to support a variety of lifestyles.

So, we proudly reintroduce one of our diverse functional food line’s original and most popular members, Z Natural Foods’ Ultimate Superfood Fusion. 

If you have been a customer of Z Natural Foods since the beginning, you have seen us slowly expand our line by creating or recreating functional superfood blends that allow you to consume a wide range of highly nourishing foods easily and conveniently.

The Superfood Fusion product is one of our original formulas, created over 15 years ago. 

However, when we make a formula, we don’t just pick ingredients currently favored at the time; we choose ingredients that stand the test of time and have proven efficacy.

While we have come out with many great and more advanced formulas like

Green Power, Optimum 30, Cacao & Mushroom Wellness Blend, Ultimate 25 Superfood Fusion, Vitality Blend Coffee Creamer, Essential Reds, and Super 8 Berry, the original Superfood Fusion formula, have stood the test of time.  Go here to review all of our incredible Superfood Blends.

For many years, we have known the power of the major categories of functional foods, such as; 

1. Greens, 
2. Superfruits, 
3. Tonics, and 
4. Adaptogens. 

You are receiving every one of them in this original product.  

Green foods: Grasses, Algae, and Seaweed

Our Ultimate Superfood Fusion contains a complete blend of green powders from all significant classes: 

1. Alfalfa, 
2. Chlorella, 
3. Papaya, 
4. Kelp, and 
5. Spirulina.

There is overwhelming evidence that green foods are incredibly nutritious and provide our detoxification pathways tremendous support with critical nutrients and compounds needed for optimal function.

Some examples include:

1) 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, a water-soluble version of chlorophyll, is a compound produced from chlorophyll through saponification. This process involves taking chlorophyll paste and adding sodium hydroxide to create a saponification reaction. This reaction breaks the ester bonds between fatty acids and glycerol, resulting in free fatty acids. Copper is added to crystalize and purify the product, creating a sodium-copper chlorophyllin end product. In earlier human studies, it was shown that taking 100mgs of chlorophyllin daily decreased DNA damage by 55% 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.

2) Vitamin K 

Unless you have been living under a rock for the past ten years, it will come as no surprise that vitamin K is vital to human health. 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.

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).

There are technically three forms of vitamin K, but the FDA has banned K3 due to its potentially toxic effects. The nourishing qualities seem to be found in K1 and K2. 

1. Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) is primarily found in green leafy vegetables
2. Vitamin 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.
3. MK-4 is primarily found in animal fats like egg yolks, lard, and butter.
4. MK-7 is a product of cheese and fermented foods but is mainly found in Natto (a fermented soybean product).
5. 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 compared to individuals who decreased or did not change their intake.

3) 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 protected 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 most essential phytonutrients in leafy greens like spinach and kale are the carotenoids lutein, beta carotene, and zeaxanthin.

Superfruits

Modern research confirms the importance of adding a variety of bright, vibrant fruits 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 a mixture of powerful fruits is a nutritional powerhouse that contains a wide array of unique compounds and is known for its deep, rich, and vibrant colors, which profoundly affect human health. 

Our Ultimate Superfood Fusion contains seven highly nourishing superfruits:

1. Acai 
2. Sea Buckthorn
3. Pomegranate 
4. Amla
5. Noni
6. Goji 
7. Mangosteen 

The power of Flavonoids

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. Over 8,000 different types of flavonoids are 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:

• The HF F&V diet increased endothelium-dependent microvascular reactivity
• Reduced C-reactive protein and vascular cell adhesion molecule
• 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 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.

Tonics

Our Ultimate Superfood Fusion contains a blend of tonic powders: Maca, Goji, and cordyceps. These picks are unique: Goji tonifies all three treasures in TCM, cordyceps is a primary Jing and Qi tonic, and Maca is a tonic with adaptogen-like qualities.

What are Tonics?

In simple terms, four primary fundamental aspects define a tonic herb:

• Tonic herbs create and support a state of physical, mental, and emotional well-being through balance to attain vibrant health. 
• Tonic herbs can be used for an unlimited period with no adverse effects
• No matter how long an individual uses tonic herbs, they never build up a tolerance.
• Proper tonics come from their authentic source and spiritual homeland.

However, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the most well-known version of traditional tonic herbalism. 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.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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:

• Qi Tonics, also known as energy tonics, increase energy production. TCM believes they enhance nutrient absorption, yielding blood and energy. They also support metabolic processes, influence the spleen, and nurture the lungs.
• Blood Tonics are known to nourish and balance blood by 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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. 

Adaptogens

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, which support the nervous system and the overall effects of adaptogens.

Our Ultimate Superfood Fusion contains two highly potent adaptogens: Cordyceps and Ashwagandha.

On a side note, it is a common mistake to think that tonics and adaptogens are identical. While tonics and adaptogens are defined based on different criteria and are ultimately separate entities, some overlap exists. For example, Qi tonics fulfill the requirements for what Western herbalism defines as an adaptogen. So, in simple terms, while Qi tonics meet the requirements as an adaptogen, Western adaptogens do not fulfill the criteria for being a tonic. The primary reason is that we often build a tolerance for Western adaptogens. This usually requires a break or the rotation of herbs to prevent this common issue.

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 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. 

However, as research has progressed, we have learned that the primary factor that defines plants and fungi as adaptogens is their ability to 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 maintains and supports homeostasis in response to chronic stress. The HPA axis interfaces the endocrine, nervous, immune, digestive, reproductive, and cardiovascular 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.

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 to maintain its structure. Heat shock proteins are known for their role in protein maturation, re-folding, and degradation. They 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.

Formulation at ZNF: What is the difference between the Ultimate Superfood Fusion and the Superfusion 25?

If you ask the average person about movie franchises like Rocky, The Godfather, and Halloween, the vast majority would agree that the original versions are the best.

Most of those people would also agree that as each new version came out, it moved further away from the origin of the original core story. Some would go as far as to say, why mess with perfection? As stated at the beginning of this product description, our Ultimate Superfood Fusion is one of our original formulas and has stood the test of time. It simply does what it was set out to do: provide a wide array of potent nourishment from specifically selected foods.

However, like movies, all great formulas have the ability to improve as science and technology do. As new research comes out, we learn how to improve upon what was once thought of as “perfect.” Keep in mind that this does not take away from the original version of a product or formula.

We see it all the time in the herb and nutraceutical industry, whether adding ingredients to increase effectiveness or a new version of a raw material that shows significantly better results. Therefore, when creating a food blend to provide potent nourishment, you can’t go wrong when you pick foods for their traditional purposes backed by human studies and look at technology to help create and provide us with the most bioavailable form of these foods. 

If you are experienced with using functional food powders, you already know that most premade formulas are created for the masses.

In simple terms, it was not made specifically for you. This is not to say that it won’t be highly effective, but it won’t be as effective as if it was specific to your needs.

A company’s most complex challenge is to make a formula that works for everyone on some level and ensures that it puts you on the correct path to good health. This goal is often accomplished by having a wide range of ingredients that cover all aspects of a specific health concern. 

When a company creates a sleep formula that will positively affect everyone who takes it, it is essential to have herbs from each area that may affect healthy sleep patterns. So, having sedatives, nervines, anxiolytics, analgesics, and antispasmodics in the formula would ensure that it will have a positive effect regardless of why the person is having sleep issues.

However, our formulas are not specific to any one condition. Unlike medicinal herbs and tonics, functional superfoods and adaptogens are not condition-specific.

Ultimately, Z Natural Foods creates a formula with the primary goal of superior nourishment while only using the primary ingredients to create an outstanding flavor profile. 

We want to present you with products that provide exceptional nutrition and taste great, as well as the convenience of adding them to water and having them at a moment’s notice.

Summary of Important Information

Z Natural Foods hand-picks specific ingredients for our customers based on three concepts to provide the best quality product possible to support optimal well-being.

• Versatility
• History of safe and effective usage
• Strong evidence of positive research outcomes in humans

Miscellaneous Facts about our Ultimate Superfood Fusion

• Green foods: Grasses, Algae, and Seaweed: Our Ultimate Superfood Fusion contains a complete blend of green powders from all significant classes: Alfalfa, Chlorella, Papaya, kelp, and Spirulina.
• Our Ultimate Superfood Fusion contains seven highly nourishing superfruits: Acai, Sea Buckthorn, Pomegranate, Amla, Noni, Goji, and Mangosteen. 
• Tonics: Our Ultimate Superfood Fusion contains a blend of tonic powders: Maca, Goji, and cordyceps. These picks are unique: Goji tonifies all three treasures in TCM, cordyceps is a primary Jing and Qi tonic, and Maca is a tonic with adaptogen-like qualities.
• Our Ultimate Superfood Fusion contains two highly potent adaptogens: Cordyceps and Ashwagandha.

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

Mixing suggestions: To increase flavor and nutritional profile, combined with our organic mango powder.

Ingredients: Organic Freeze Dried Acai Powder, Organic Alfalfa Leaf Powder, Organic Amla Fruit Powder, Organic Ashwagandha Powder, Chlorella Powder, Cordyceps Mushroom Extract, Goji Berry Juice Powder, Green Papaya Powder, Organic Maca Root Powder, Mangosteen Powder, Organic Noni Fruit Powder, Organic Pomegranate Juice Powder, Organic Sea Buckthorn Fruit Juice Powder, Organic Spirulina, Organic Kelp Powder, Organic Stevia Extract Powder (Debittered).

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