Power To The Plants!
The super health benefits of plant-based nutrients
Plant-based nutrition has become a popular term in the health and wellness universe as more people adopt a green, natural way of living. In fact, one survey found more than half of Americans were open to eating more plant-based foods, but they don’t know what to buy.1 Whether you consume a completely plant-based diet, or want to adopt a healthier lifestyle by adding in products that are “more green” and high in plant-based nutrients, we’re examining the latest research in plant-based nutrition and how it benefits the body in a myriad of ways. We’ll even tell you where you can get all these nutrients (hint: you can get it in one scoop a day).
When looking for products that support your health and wellness journey, having the information to fuel smart nutrient choices can help ensure you’re on the right track for your health and well-being. Consuming ingredients that benefit all nine body systems and contain an adequate amount of vitamins and antioxidants can have a lasting positive impact on the body—even as we age. First things first, let’s break down plant-based ingredients that can help you either get on track or stay on the right path, to good nutrition and smart health choices for various areas
Whole Food and Prebiotic Blend
Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is an important cereal crop and has the highest dietary fiber content.2 Barley grass powder provides nutrition value as it has been found to eliminate toxins from cells in humans.2 Its functional ingredients have played an important role as a health benefit.2 Wheatgrass provides an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, as its high in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as iron, magnesium, calcium, and amino acids. Inulin is a type of fiber and is found in many fruits and vegetables, such as bananas, asparagus, and chicory root. Alfalfa is a plant that is particularly high in vitamin K. Spirulina algae is often referred to as blue-green algae and is loaded with nutrients. It was even proposed by NASA to grow in space for astronauts.3 Chorella is another type of algae that’s packed with vitamins and minerals, namely omega-3, fiber, antioxidants, and protein.
Antioxidant Blend
Speaking of antioxidants, they’re important for the body as they scavenge free radicals from the body cells and prevent or reduce the damage done by oxidation. Pomegranate, acai, moringa, beetroot, raspberry, rose hips, pineapple and goji berry are all bountiful in antioxidants. Fruits, such as berries and pomegranates, are rich sources of a variety of dietary bioactive compounds, especially the polyphenolic flavonoids that have been associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.4 In addition, pomegranates, also classified as berry fruits, have been shown to confer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.4
Adaptogenic Herb Blend
Adaptogenic herbs work to counteract stress in the body with their stimulant properties. Studies on animals have revealed adaptogens exhibit neuroprotective, anti-fatigue, and antidepressive properties.5 Specifically, studies have shown ashwagandha as a multipurpose herb as it has anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, adaptogenic, memory-enhancing, and sleep-inducing properties.6 Other adaptogenic herbs include maca and bacopa monnieri.
Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) Fiber Blend
Omega 3 and omega 6 are types of EFA, and the three main types of omega 3s include ALA, EPA, and DHA. Flaxseeds are abundant in omega 3s, which are good for the heart. The common sunflower seed supplies an abundance of nutritious components and is high in omega 6, as well as protein, unsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins (especially E), selenium, copper, zinc, folate, iron, and more.7
Metabolism Blend
An active metabolism helps your body burn food into energy and fuel. It raises and lowers your appetite based on how active you are, and what foods you consume. Green coffee beans, ginger root, green tea, white tea, matcha green tea, and black tea have all been shown to influence and boost metabolism.8,9,10,11,12 Tea also has strong antioxidant properties, which gives it additional health benefits.13
Immunity Boosting Blend
Your immune system is your best defense against sickness and foreign invaders in the body, and herbs and mushrooms have been shown to have an immune-boosting effect. Echinacea Angustifolia is a type of flowering plant that has been found to have modulating effects on immune function.14 In vitro and in vivo studies have suggested some immune-stimulating effects of astragalus, another flowering plant, which is a popular herb in Chinese medicine.15 Reishi is a type of mushroom and has also been shown to have beneficial effects on the immune system, with one study finding it can relatively improve immune functions that are usually depressed by chemo/radiotherapy.16
Veggie Blend
Vegetables carry numerous vitamins and minerals and are important in a daily diet. Tomatoes, for instance, carry the antioxidant lycopene and are a source of vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K. Cauliflower is high in fiber and B vitamins, as well as phytonutrients and antioxidants. These veggies offer numerous benefits and adequate sustenance to keep the body fueled for daily activities.
Detox Support Blend
Milk thistle, with a distinctive purple flower and white veins, said to be caused by the milk of the Virgin Mary, exhibits a detoxifying effect. Its active ingredient silymarin has been shown to protect the liver.17 Another ingredient good for detoxing is cilantro, which can help support the body’s natural detox pathways, especially when it comes to heavy metals such as mercury.18,19 Turmeric root exhibits many health benefits, as its active ingredient curcumin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Digestive Enzyme and Probiotic Blend
The digestive system is one of the most important systems, as it not only makes sure that our food is being digested properly, but 70 percent of the immune system lies in the gut. Lactobacillus acidophilus is a form of probiotic that produces lactic acid, which is beneficial for the gut as it makes up the healthy bacteria that live there. It can even help increase other amounts of healthy bacteria in the gut, which your body needs to function properly. In addition to probiotics for the digestive system, enzymes are also important. The three main enzymes are amylase, protease, and lipase and are necessary to turn food into nutrients for the body.
All of these nutrients are chock-full in our latest Super Greens Plus, a premium, and convenient supplement product. You want to eat well so you feel well. Getting all of these nutrients in a daily diet, especially if you can’t eat as much food as you once could, is important. Ingesting a superfood blend of healthy nutrients has become essential to modern-day living, so we can continue to live our lives to the fullest.
References:
- https://www.earthday.org/foodprintsreport/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5904770/
- https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19890016190
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5788027/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3991026/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6979308/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5622016/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3908530/
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00394-017-1542-8
- https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/ijsnem/28/5/article-p536.xml
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3408800/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19409077/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6680489/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2362099/
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1534735403256419
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6353236/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3414726/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4303853/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3654245/