So you’ve got yourself a Super Slice & you’ve looked at the wholesome, honest ingredients – or you’ve received our awesome newsletter – & now you’re wondering what in the world a Superfood Blend is.
Well, every day is a school day, my friend, so get ready to be educated. We’ve broken down each ingredient for you below.
Pea Protein
Pea protein is made from yellow split peas & is naturally soy, gluten & lactose free. It is 100% natural & is free from all common allergens. Protein is an essential macro-nutrient which vegetarians & vegans often lack. Pea protein provides a supplemental source of protein for vegans & vegetarians as it does not contain animal proteins.
Pea protein, an alternative to whey protein, is high in branched-chain amino acids*. Branched-chain amino acids are important for muscle recovery & repair.
Low in carbohydrates & fat, pea protein supports healthy weight management & has a high Lysine** content, the precursor of carnitine, which converts fatty acids into energy. This, in turn, helps to lower cholesterol.
Freeze Dried Acai Powder
Acai berries are high in antioxidants, fibre & healthy fats. The antioxidants present in acai berries help to eliminate free radicals in the body.
Rich in ellagic acid, calcium, iron & vitamins C & E, acai powder helps increase blood circulation & has a positive effect on the immune system.
Fermented Grape Skin Powder
Fermented grape skin powder is high in antioxidants. The process of fermenting red grape skins helps to break down complex sugars, proteins & fats & helps to make them more digestible. Fermentation of red grape skins increases the levels of heart-healthy resveratrol, a polyphenol found in naturally high concentrations in grape skins.
Fermented grape skin powder has a deep red colour which comes from the pigment anthocyanin***. Anthocyanin is a bioflavonoid & is highly antioxidising.
Freeze Dried New Zealand Black Currant Powder
Black currants contain high levels of anthocyanins & Vitamin C. In fact, New Zealand blackcurrants have been found to contain some of the highest anthocyanin levels in the world. Not only do these phenolic compounds help the plant to naturally protect itself from high levels of UV radiation & infection, but they also come with a range of potential health benefits.
Blackcurrant has been found to improve lung, eye, brain & circulatory health by increasing blood flow & reducing inflammation.
Turmeric Powder
Turmeric is a great example of how foods can powerfully support the body’s healing process. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory & studies have shown that it may help prevent disease.
Turmeric’s distinctive yellow colour & its wide range of health benefits come from a group of flavonoids called curcuminoids. The active ingredient in turmeric is called curcumin, which helps suppress the growth of fat tissue & reduce weight gain, according to research from Tufts University.
Maca Powder
Maca is an amazing hormone-balancing, adaptogenic root that comes from Peru. Because it doesn’t grow in all climates, you will mainly find Maca in powder form.
As an adaptogen, Maca helps to decrease stress levels, increase strength, stamina & libido & is a great source of energy. It is rich in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron & Vitamins B1, B2, C & E.
Lucuma Powder
Lucuma powder is a great source of antioxidants, fibre, carbohydrates, vitamins & minerals. It is made from the subtropical fruit of the Pouteria Lucuma Tree, which is native to Peru, Chile & Equador & was known as the Gold of the Incas.
Lucuma provides up to 14 trace elements which includes potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium & phosphorus. Phosphorus plays a role in bone & protein formation, digestion & hormone balance.
Ginger Powder
Ginger powder is a powerful aid in recovery from a cold, cough or sore throat & helps with nausea.
It has also been found to help with gas & indigestion after meals & increases the speed at which your intestinal & gastric tract empty. It is great for keeping you satiated after a meal so you don’t feel hungry again straight away.
*Branched Chain Amino Acids are the amino acids leucine, isoleucine & valine. These make up about 40% of the daily requirement for essential amino acids in humans. They are called branched chain because of their chemical structure & are primarily absorbed & broken down for energy within muscle. This makes them valuable to athletes & fitness enthusiasts.
**Lysine is a precursor of carnitine, the molecule responsible for converting fatty acids into energy & promoting lower cholesterol. It cannot be made in the body & must be consumed through diet. Lysine also helps to absorb calcium & is important in the formation of collagen & maintenance of a healthy immune system. Deficiency is rare in typical Western diets, but may be a risk for vegetarians, vegans or elite athletes.
***Anthocyanins are antioxidant compounds that are found in the skins of blackcurrant, red grapes & other berries. They provide UV protection to the berry & give it the characteristic dark purple/red colour. Anthocyanins have shown positive effects on cholesterol & blood sugar regulation. New Zealand blackcurrants contain around 1.5 times more anthocyanin than blackcurrants grown elsewhere in the world.
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