KEY INGREDIENTS

NUTRITION:

Hydrolyzed Collagen: Bovine Collagen Peptides (Grass Fed) is a flavorless and odorless white powder derived from cow hides. This type of collagen peptide is 90 percent similar to types 1 and III collagen found in the human body. This makes it an ideal supplement for supporting the health of skin, hair, nails, tendons, ligaments, muscles, bones, gums, teeth, eyes, and blood vessels. It is also rich in glycine which is a precursor for building DNA and RNA as well as for forming creatine. 

Curcumin: Curcumin, a polyphenol in turmeric, is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and antioxidant effects. Studies show that curcumin use improves cognition and memory and is associated with longevity and reduced risk for chronic age-related disease.

MCT Oil: Short for medium chain triglycerides, MCT Oil Powder is loaded with good-for-you fatty acids that increase energy, boosts brain function and helps with weight management by providing a feeling of fullness. Your cells convert MCT Oil to energy faster than other oils and help you maintain healthy cholesterol levels. It helps you absorb nutrients such as vitamin E, magnesium and calcium better. It also controls harmful bacteria and viruses in the body.

Mushrooms: Five major systems in the body are targets for the energizing effects of mushrooms–the muscular system, the antioxidant system, the cardiovascular system, the hormonal system, and the immune system. Muscle fatigue is largely driven by the depletion of glycogen stores in the liver and muscles. When they become depleted lactic acid accumulates in the muscles. That’s the burn you feel during exercise. Mushrooms increase liver and muscle glycogen storage capacity and reduce blood lactic acid. Mushrooms enhance the body’s antioxidant system by stimulating enzymes and limiting the detrimental effects of free radicals and environmental stressors. As for the immune and hormonal systems, mushrooms stimulate immune cells and the expression of cytokines (small proteins in the body that trigger immune response), as well as stabilize testosterone levels to provide a sustained feeling of energy. Mushrooms also enhance liver efficiency, blood circulation, and blood glucose regulation. All in all, mushrooms promote proper function of our bodily systems to maintain balance and fight fatigue, leaving you feeling energized over longer periods of time.

Lion's Mane Mushroom: Lion’s mane mushrooms are large, white, shaggy mushrooms that resemble a lion’s mane as they grow. They contain bioactive substances that have many beneficial effects on the body, especially the brain, heart, and gut. Lion’s mane mushrooms contain compounds that stimulate brain cell growth and protect them from damage caused by Alzheimer’s disease. Lion’s mane mushroom also contains powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help reduce the impact of chronic illness. Lion's Mane is also one of the top prebiotic mushrooms, second only to Turkey Tail. 

Lion’s Mane is a popular supplement that is derived from a type of mushroom called Hericium erinaceus. It has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including memory loss, anxiety, and depression. Today, it is commonly taken as a natural nootropic to boost cognitive function and support overall brain health. Some of the potential benefits of Lion’s Mane supplementation include improved focus and concentration, enhanced memory and learning ability, reduced anxiety and stress levels, and protection against age-related mental decline. It also appears to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce symptoms associated with conditions like arthritis and IBS. Overall, this powerful supplement shows great potential for supporting overall wellness and mental health.

Chaga Mushroom: Chaga may boost immunity, prevent chronic inflammation, fight cancer, lower blood sugar levels and reduce cholesterol. Studies suggest that chaga can positively impact immunity by reducing long-term inflammation and fighting harmful bacteria and viruses. By promoting the formation of beneficial cytokines — specialized proteins that regulate the immune system — chaga stimulates white blood cells, which are essential for fighting off harmful bacteria or viruses. Chaga is also loaded with fiber and packed with antioxidants. It’s thought that the anti-cancer effect of chaga is partly due to its high content of antioxidants, which protect cells from damage by free radicals. In particular, chaga contains the antioxidant triterpene. Studies reveal that very concentrated triterpene extract can help kill cancer cells. Early research suggests that chaga enhances the uptake of glucose to cells, which maximizes energy pathways in the body. Chaga has demonstrated increased endurance in animal studies and showed greater energy stores in liver and muscles in mice.^, Chaga has some of the highest levels of antioxidants found in mushrooms! 

Chaga mushrooms are a natural superfood that is believed to have originated in the northern regions of Russia and Korea. These mushrooms are renowned for their potent healing properties, which are thought to help treat a wide variety of symptoms, including chronic fatigue, digestive problems, and inflammatory conditions. Known as a “cure-all” supplement, chaga mushrooms have long been used by herbalists and natural health practitioners to promote overall wellness and improve overall vitality.  If you’re looking to boost your energy levels, improve your digestion, or relieve pain and inflammation, chaga mushrooms may be just what you need!

Cordyceps Mushroom: Cordyceps are best known for their ability to boost one's energy level, improve athletic performance and raise metabolism, thereby supporting better weight management. But cordyceps also offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits and have been used in Traditional Chinese medicine to address a wide range of ailments. Prized for their natural ability to fight free radicals, infections and inflammation, these impressive disease-fighting mushrooms have been used for centuries to reduce symptoms of respiratory disorders, coughs, colds, liver damage and much more. As a true "superfood", in addition to boosting energy levels, the cordyceps mushroom can slow the effects of aging and stress, help keep the body free from disease. Research suggests that cordyceps show potential benefits to the heart and respiratory system, resulting in energy-boosting effects and enhanced aerobic capacity.  Cordyceps do so by increasing blood supply to the organs, extremities, and the brain and defend the heart against stress. Cordyceps also increase oxygen-use efficiency, increasing stamina and endurance while improving recovery from fatigue.

Reishi Mushroom: Known for its amazing healing properties, it has powerful anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. It’s also used to boost mental clarity and help the body deal with the negative effects of stress, which is why it’s considered to act much like an adaptogen herb. Reishi mushrooms also contain polysaccharides, which give them their potential cancer-fighting capabilities. Reishi, known as the “mushroom of immortality,” has been used for centuries in Asian cultures as a universal wellness tonic to increase vitality, longevity, and energy. Early studies show that Reishi’s therapeutic potential are quite extensive, including promoting energy. Reishi has protective effects against oxidative stress from rigorous exercise by increasing antioxidant enzymatic activity. It may be is particularly good for reducing mental fatigue, studies suggest it is neuroprotective and may aid in the regeneration of neurons in the brain. The same review highlights that Reishi is rich in triterpenes, natural chemical compounds which contribute to its potent anti-inflammatory properties, diminishing the effects of stress on our bodies. It also supports recovery and reduction of fatigue.

Turkey Tail Mushroom: Turkey tail is a medicinal mushroom that’s full of prebiotics, antioxidants and other compounds. Evidence shows it may help fortify your immune system, maintain healthy gut bacteria, and support the treatment of some cancers. Turkey tail mushroom is loaded with prebiotic fiber that may positively impact gut bacterial balance by enhancing the growth of beneficial bacteria while suppressing harmful species. Turkey tail also contains a wide variety of phenol and flavonoid antioxidants which help promote your immune system health by reducing inflammation and stimulating the release of protective compounds. PSPs are powerful polysaccharopeptides found in turkey tail mushrooms that may strengthen the health of your immune system.

Spirulina: Spirulina is recognized as one of the most nutritious foods on the planet: high in proteins, containing all essential amino acids, also high in B vitamins, zinc, iron, magnesium, potassium and many other vitamins. This blue-green algae is one of the top superfoods in the world today. Spirulina is not only super dense in nutrients, but also a very powerful energy booster. It’s used to naturally aid weight loss, hay fever, diabetes, stress, fatigue, anxiety, depression and premenstrual syndrome. Blue-green algae has also been used to improve memory, improve overall digestive health (it's a powerful prebiotic) and detoxing the body of heavy metals, particularly arsenic. Its nutritional profile is loaded with chlorophyll, B Vitamins, Vitamin K and omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, and is loaded with prebiotic fiber that may positively impact gut bacterial balance by enhancing the growth of beneficial bacteria while suppressing harmful species. 

Beet Root: Beet Root Powder has been shown to improve athletic performance by boosting nitric oxide levels and improving muscle oxygenation during exercise. Beet Root Powder has also been shown to lower blood pressure, aid in digestion, slow the progression of dementia, as well as increase heart health.

Cacao: Cacao can enhance cognitive function, boost mental health and reduce oxidative stress with antioxidants. It supports cardiovascular health, metabolic health, and mediates the natural inflammatory response. Cacao can also boost one’s energy levels, strengthen bone and skin health, and even reduce the risk of cancer. Cacoa is rich in flavanols, which lower blood pressure by improving nitric oxide levels and blood vessel function. Several studies have found that polyphenols, such as those in cacao, may reduce your risk of neurodegenerative diseases by improving brain function and blood flow.

Tumeric (Fermented): Fermented turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory, and the fermentation process makes the compounds more bio-available than regular turmeric. The amounts of key nutrients within turmeric are significantly increased through fermentation. Research shows that when curcumin, one of many curcuminoids within turmeric, is fermented, a substantial amount of it is transformed into a compound called tetrahydrocurcumin. This activated, water-soluble curcuminoid has superior antioxidant activity and is better absorbed by the body than curcumin (which is fat-soluble). Interestingly, curcuminoids also work better together rather than on their own, so fermenting whole turmeric provides the greatest synergy and benefit.

Probiotics: Studies suggest that supplementing a diet with the probiotics Bifidobacterium and lactobacillus may improve anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and memory.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): is a natural antioxidant, with anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-bacterial and other functions. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient involved in the formation of collagen. Vitamin C is important for bones and connective tissues, muscles, and blood vessels. Vitamin C cannot be manufactured by the human body and must be acquired through diets high in fruits and vegetables or outside supplementation. 

Green Tea Extract: used to improve mental alertness and thinking as well as being used for weight loss and to treat stomach disorders, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, bone loss, and solid tumor cancers. Green Tea Extract contains 2% to 4% caffeine, which affects thinking and alertness, increases urine output, and may improve the function of brain messengers important in Parkinson’s disease. Caffeine is thought to stimulate the nervous system, heart, and muscles by increasing the release of certain chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters.

Grape Seed Extract: formed from grape seeds which are extremely rich in antioxidants and oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes. Grape Seed Extract has been linked to a wide range of possible therapeutic properties including healing wounds and treating conditions such as high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, macular degeneration, poor circulation, nerve damage, as well as preventing cancer. Grape Seed Extract also shows to improve bone strength as well as lower high blood pressure.

Grape Skin Extract: is derived from the outer layer of grapes. It is taken as a supplement to help promote skin elasticity, prevent diabetic complications, inhibit the growth of certain cancers, and prevent oxidative damage. It is rich in antioxidants like resveratrol which is touted for its health-giving benefits.

Ginger Root Extract: is loaded with nutrients and bioactive compounds that help fight infections, decrease cholesterol levels and enhance weight loss. Its main beneficial component is gingerol, a phenol phytochemical that activates the spice receptors on the tongue. It also has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and gastroprotective properties.

Wheatgrass: Wheatgrass is a superfood packed with nutrients and antioxidants. It may help boost your immune system, aid in digestion, and give you energy.

Bromelain: is a digestive enzyme derived from pineapples used to reduce swelling and inflammation, preventing the collection of water in the lungs, relaxing muscles, stimulating muscle contractions, slow down clotting, improve the absorption of antibiotics within the body, and help the body get rid of fat.

Papain: is a digestive enzyme derived from the fruit of the papaya tree that helps break down proteins within the body.

Biotin: is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in converting certain nutrients into energy. It is an important component of enzymes involved in metabolizing fats and carbohydrates for cell growth and protein synthesis. It also assists in the transfer of carbon dioxide and may be helpful in maintaining steady blood sugar levels.

Shiitake Mushroom: Shiitake mushrooms contain many chemical compounds that protect your DNA from oxidative damage, which is partly why they’re so beneficial. Shiitakes are also unique for a plant because they contain all eight essential amino acids, along with a type of essential fatty acid called linoleic acid. Linoleic acid helps with weight loss and building muscle. It also has bone-building benefits, improves digestion, and reduces food allergies and sensitivities.

5 Benefits of Raw Organic Cacao

Cacao (pronounced “cu-COW”) refers to the Theobroma Cacao tree from which Cocoa is derived and is used when referring to unprocessed versions of the cacao bean. Normal cocoa powder and chocolate have been chemically processed and roasted, which destroys a large amount of the antioxidants and flavanols (the things that keep you young and healthy).  A recent study suggested that between 60% and 90% of the original antioxidants in cacao are lost through common “Dutch processing”.  Dutch processing was originally developed in the early 19th Century to reduce the bitterness, darken the color, and create a more mellow flavor to chocolate, but unfortunately also eliminated a bunch of the goodness.

1.  40 Times the Antioxidants of Blueberries

Raw Organic Cacao has over 40 times the antioxidants of blueberries.  Yes, 40 times!  It has an amazing ORAC score of 98,000 per 100g, vs blueberries at a mere 2,400.  ORAC scores measure the ability of antioxidants to absorb free radicals (that come from pollution and toxins in our environment), which cause cell and tissue damage and can lead to diseases such as cancer.

2.  Highest Plant-Based Source of Iron

On a plant-based/vegan diet and looking for iron?  The search is over!  Cacao is the highest plant-based source of iron known to man, at a whopping 13.9 mg per 100g.  This compares to beef and lamb at 2.5 mg, and spinach at 3.6 mg. While you might not eat 100 grams of cacao in one sitting, it still makes it an admirable iron-boosting addition to your diet. Note the iron in cacao is non-heme (as is all plant-based iron), so to get the maximum benefits you’ll want to combine it with some vitamin C. Think oranges, kiwifruit, superfoods like gubinge or camu camu (which have 40x more vitamin C than oranges).

3.  Full of Magnesium for a Healthy Heart & Brain

Raw Organic Cacao is also one of the highest plant-based sources of magnesium, the most deficient mineral in the Western world.  Magnesium is important for a healthy heart, and helps turn glucose into energy enabling your brain to work with laser-sharp clarity and focus.  The reason why you might turn to a bar of chocolate during an all-nighter at your desk.

4.  More Calcium Than Cow’s Milk

Raw Organic Cacao has more calcium than cow’s milk would you believe, at 160mg per 100g vs only 125mg per 100ml of milk.  Time to switch out the trim latte for a couple of squares of dairy-free raw chocolate.

5.  A Natural Mood Elevator and Anti-Depressant

Cacao is a great source of four scientifically proven bliss chemicals – serotonin, tryptophan, tyrosine and phenylethylamine. These neurotransmitters are associated with cosy feelings of wellbeing, happiness, and can even alleviate depression.  A natural, healthy, delicious (and legal) way to get your happy buzz on.

SKIN CARE:

Fragrance Free...

Apricot Oil: is high in omega-6 and 9 fatty acids, linoleic acid, vitamins A and E and has anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and antibacterial properties. Packed with antioxidants, apricot kernel oil can help to tighten and tone the skin, reducing the appearance of age spots and preventing cellular mutation, which can lead to skin cancer. 

Argan Oil: contains omega-6 fatty acids, linoleic acid, antioxidants, vitamins A and vitamin E, which puts it right on top of the “best carrier oils” list. It’s relatively light, absorbs quickly, and it doesn’t make the skin greasy. Just like jojoba oil, it inhibits the production of excess oil, so you can use it for acne-prone and oily skin. The tocopherol from vitamin E promotes cell turnover, which means it helps the skin heal faster, can reduce the appearance of superficial lines and wrinkles, and improves discoloration. 

Avocado Oil: is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins A, D, and E which make it a potent anti-inflammatory agent suitable for skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. It's rich in palmitoleic fatty acid, a type of acid that is naturally found in the skin’s fat tissue just under the skin. This allows the oil to be deeply absorbed in the skin providing exceptional nourishment for mature and thin skin.

Beet Extract: Sugar Beet extract is a food grade moisturizer and anti-irritant naturally derived from a renewable source of beet sugar. Being a betaine and one of the four classes of osmolytes, it acts to maintain intracellular water levels, preventing damage due to environmental stressors such as UV radiation and oxidation.

Benefits of Niacinamide for Skin