Benefits of Cacao + Goji Protein Bar
Key ingredients: Cacao, chia seeds, goji berry, pumpkin seeds, chaga mushroom
Cacao promotes stem cell flow (high flavonoid, dark chocolate) - the polyphenols and chemicals in dark chocolate can double the number of stem cell
Dark chocolate (cacao) contains polyphenols that exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, this switches on some important signaling pathways such as toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor κB/signal transducer and activator of transcription.
In particular, cocoa polyphenols induces a release of nitric oxide (NO) through activation of endothelial NO synthase which, in turn, accounts for vasodilation and cardioprotective effects. Cacao polyphenols also modulate intestinal microbiota, thus leading to the growth of bacteria that trigger a tolerogenic anti-inflammatory pathway in the host. Finally, many evidences encourage the consumption of cocoa and dark chocolate by aged people for the recovery of the neurovascular unit.
Chia seeds are great for omega 3 fats and calcium and anti-inflammatory compounds, insoluble fibre (promotes gut health and gets changed into short-chain fatty acids), Plant source of protein containing all essential amino acids 2), Consumption of chia seeds is also been shown to lower cholesterol levels and enhancing the good cholesterol (HDL) (3)
Goji berry - been used in traditional medicine in Chia, Korea and Vietnam and Tibet to treat various conditions such as joint pain, anemia, and diabetes. They contain lycopene, carotenoids,, lutein, polysaccharides, and phenolics. These are antioxidants that inhibit oxidation which will protect our cells from free radicals. They also aid in controlling our blood sugar, thus preventing the onset of conditions such as diabetes. (4)
Pumpkin seeds (healthy fat, containing trace elements magnesium and zinc) and are a source of antioxidant vitamins - carotenoids and tocopherol (5) pumpkin seeds have also been shown to be protective against various conditions such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia. High source of magnesium which majority of adults do not reach their recommended daily allowance
Chaga Mushroom: Source of beta globulins. Incredible for the immune system. The job of the beta globulins is to produce antibodies - to fight any harmful bacteria, infection and viruses that could contaminate the body. Also contains minerals such as potassium, calcium and zinc all shown to promote heart health. Conatins vitamin C - a vitamin our body needs in order to produce collagen (6)
Benefits of Banana + Lucuma Protein Bar
Key ingredients: Lucuma, banana, reishi mushroom, coconut oil, turmeric
Lucuma - Peruvian fruit known as “gold of the incas”. Low on the glycaemic index so does not spike blood sugar. Healthier alternative to traditional table sugar, commonly found in powdered form. Rich in carotenoids and polyphenols. Especially the carotenoid xanthophylls
Bananas are a great source of potassium, phosphorus, folate, magnesium and vitamin c. They contain tryptophan which in studies has been shown to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, increasing levels of dopamine in the brain, making us feel good. (7) great source of energy and fuel, perfect post workout snap.
Reishi mushroom used in traditional Chinese medicine is a fungus has been shown to potentially extend life and promote health (12) Recent emerging evidence also claims the potential for reducing cancer risk.
Coconut oil, contains medium chain triglycerides which are quickly burned and metabolized and quickly turned into energy. It is often associated with improving brain health. (13)
Turmeric - curcumin is an active ingredient found in turmeric - associated with antioxidant and anti inflammatory effects when consumed. Turmeric has also been shown to have a thermogenesis effect so could potentially improve metabolic health (10)
Benefits of Maqui Berry + Vanilla Protein Bar
Key ingredients: Maqui berry, blueberry, coconut oil, almond butter
Maqui berry contains antioxidants and has anti inflammatory properties. It can also assist in preventing heart disease. In addition has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels (14). Contains antioxidants that are shown to improve eye health (15)
Blueberry - many studies suggest the brain health benefits associated with blueberries - antioxidants found in the blueberries helps with maintaining healthy cognitive functions as well as improving working memory (8) in a review paper it was found that those who consumed blueberries performed better on memory tasks (9)
Almond butter - Derived from almonds which are high in monounsaturated fats - lowering LDL and raise HDL cholesterol. (16), can control blood sugar levels, good for brain health.
Citations
- (1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5465250/
- (2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6627181/ (chia paper)
- (3)https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/proceedings-of-the-nutrition-society/article/impact-of-chia-salvia-hispanica-l-on-the-immune-system-preliminary-study/9FB7DF18C989B3FF48E84801E79D6BFC
- 4) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34213407/
- 5) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17439238/
- 6) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6142110/
- 7) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28655697/
- 8)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4192974/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4192974/
- 9) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30941401/
- 10) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33789250/
- 11) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5664031/
- 12) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27685898/
- 13) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30056419/
- 14) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27820958/
- 15) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25208615/
- 16) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21457263/
