All About Our New Superfoods

This month we released three new superfoods: Ceylon Cinnamon Powder, Ashwagandha Root Powder, and Elderberry Fruit Powder. While we might know some basic facts about each of these, let’s do a deep dive to discuss why they are so beneficial to one’s health. 


Ashwagandha Root 

What is it? 

Ashwagandha or “Indian Ginseng” is an adaptogenic herb that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine dating back to 6000 BC.  It is known to promote a youthful state of physical and mental health (1). The root of the ashwagandha herb is known as a tonic, astringent, thermogenic, and stimulant. 

What is it used for?

Ashwagandha is commonly used to enhance the function of the brain and nervous system while also improving the body’s resilience to stress (1). It acts as a potent antioxidant to protect against free radical damage. 

How do I use it?

Ashwagandha can be mixed with a variety of things like ghee, honey, and water. You can even add a serving to smoothies, teas, sweet desserts, and hot beverages. 


Ceylon Cinnamon

What is it?

Like Ashwagandha, Cinnamon has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and cooking. There are four different species of cinnamon, Ceylon Cinnamon, Chinese Cinnamon, Indonesian/Java Cinnamon, and Saigon/Vietnamese cinnamon. The chemical profiles of the oils found in the inner bark of the cinnamon tree is what differentiates the four species. Ceylon cinnamon is also known as “true” cinnamon. 

What is it used for?

Cinnamon has recently received a lot of attention for its benefits on metabolism and blood glucose control (2).  Cinnamon is also loaded with antioxidant polyphenols that help protect your cells from oxidative damage. Scientists believe that the compound cinnamaldehyde, found in the oil of the bark, is responsible for the numerous metabolic effects of cinnamon.

How do I use it? 

Cinnamon can be added to beverages, desserts, baked goods, smoothies and more. 

Elderberry Fruit

What is it?

Elderberry is a fruit rich in vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and organic acids. It has been used in folk medicine for years because of its high antioxidant concentration and therapeutic properties. There are around 30 different elderberry species found across the world (3).  

What is it used for?

Elderberry fruits are rich in polyphenols and anthocyanins, two powerful antioxidants. Anthocyanins are the blue/red pigments found in plants that are used as a natural food colorant with antioxidative properties. Elderberries are typically associated with immune health because of their high polyphenol concentration, you can find them in various natural cold remedies. 

How do I use it? 

You can use elderberry powder to make your own syrup, add it to your favorite smoothie recipe, or even add it to baked goods. 


Sources:
  1. Singh N, Bhalla M, de Jager P, et al. An overview on ashwagandha: a rasayana (rejuvenator) of ayurveda. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2011; 8(5):208-213. doi: 10.4314/ajtcam.v8i5S.9
  2. Singletary, K. Cinnamon update of potential health benefits. Nutrition Today. 2019;54(1):42-52. doi: 10.1097/NT.0000000000000319
  3. Młynarczyk K, Walkowiak-tomczak D, Łysiak G. Bioactive properties of Sambucus nigra L. as a functional ingredient for food and pharmaceutical industry. J Funct Foods. 2018;40:377-390. doi: 10.1016/j.jff.2017.11.025
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