Barley grass
Barley grass is said to have 30 times more vitamin B1 and 11 times more calcium than cow’s milk, 7 times more vitamin C than oranges, 5 times more iron than there is in spinach, and more beta carotene than in carrots. It also has one of the highest natural levels of the SOD (superoxide dismutase) enzyme, which is a powerful antioxidant that protects the cells against free radicals, thought to be the main factor in ageing. It is loaded with precious vitamins, such as vitamin A, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin K, as well as with essential minerals like magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, calcium, zinc, selenium, copper and iron.
Blackcurrant
Blackcurrants have a high concentration of anthocyanins, polyphenols, antioxidants, vitamin C and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), as well as vitamin A, B1, B5, B6, and vitamin E. They have 4 times the amount of vitamin C than oranges, and twice the amount of antioxidants as blueberries. Due to the high concentration of antioxidants, including e.g. vitamin C, beta-carotene, cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin, as well as anthocyanins, they can help strengthen the immune system and act as anti-carcinogens. In addition to this, vitamin C plays a vital role in the production of collagen, which is responsible for maintaining the elasticity of our skin, and should be a vital part of any anti-ageing regime.
Baobab
Baobab is the common name for Adansonia digitate. It grows in Madagascar, Africa, Australia and Arabia. People in Africa are very aware of the rich-nutrient fruit’s power and call it “The Tree of Life”. Baobab fruit is high in vitamin C, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamin A, thiamin, B6 and bioflavonoids. It is said to have 6 times the vitamin C of oranges, double the antioxidants of acai berries, 10 times the fiber of apples, 4 times the potassium of bananas, 6 times the antioxidants of blackberries, 2 times the calcium of milk, 5 times the magnesium of avocados and more iron than red meat. Its high fiber content can optimize digestion, while the high content of vitamin C supports the production of collagen for the proper functioning of skin, bones and blood vessels.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha has had a very significant place in ancient herbal medicine, especially in Indian Ayurveda, but also in ancient Chinese medicine. It is an incredibly healthy medicinal herb. The plant has amazing adaptogenic qualities. It can grow in very difficult conditions, in high and low temperatures, or very high above sea level making it very robust. This is what makes so called “adaptogens” so great, as they are believed to be able to transfer their adaptogenic, survival, qualities onto humans. Ashwagandha can contribute to optimal health and cognitive activity and beneficially affect the heart and cardiovascular system. But it is particularly known for supporting the body’s resistance to stress. It contributes to emotional balance and general wellbeing and can support the onset of sleep, and we all know how important a good night sleep and a balanced mind is for beauty.
Mucuna pruriens
Velvet bean has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 2,000 years. It typically grows in tropical regions of India, Africa and the Caribbean. This amazing herbal adaptogen is well known for its range of tonifying, and strengthening properties. It is mostly known for containing natural levodopa (L-dopa), which is an essential precursor of the neurotransmitter dopamine. It also supports and revitalizes both male and female reproductive functions.
Triphala
Triphala is the gem of Ayurvedic medicine. In India, where it has been used for well over 2,000 years, it is considered one of the most versatile of all herbal formulations. Triphala is a Sanskrit word that means “three fruits“. This amazing herb blend consists of three different fruits- Amla, Bibhitaki and Haritaki. It is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine. Triphala is very gut friendly as it helps to support the digestion and elimination, thus helping to keep your stomach nice and flat. It also helps to maintain normal blood glucose level and a healthy liver, helping to clear the body of accumulations of toxins. It is well known for its natural rejuvenating and antioxidant properties and helping to protect cells against the ageing process. It is often used as a gentle bowel tonic as it is known to help in digestion and support regular bowel function.
Matcha
Green tea is rich in a group of substances called catechin polyphenols. These include catechin, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate (ECG), and the most powerful of them: epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), plus various pro-anthocyanidins. They are also known as flavonoids, and are one of the most powerful antioxidants. It also contains precious amino acids such as thianine or theanine. Thanks to its high content of antioxidants green tea is a powerful natural way of defending the harmful effects of free radicals and UV-induced oxidative stress and can delay the signs of ageing. Green tea can also support fat burning and enhance the metabolism.
Carob
Carob trees are now grown all over the world, from India to Australia. Carob is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, B2, B3, B6, copper, calcium, manganese, potassium, magnesium, selenium and zinc. It tastes similar to chocolate and is a great cooking and baking alternative as it contains a lot of fiber and antioxidants, but is low in fat and sugar and has no caffeine. Carob is also high in pectin and protein. Carob also contains precious polyphenols.
Lucuma
Referred to as “The Gold of the Incas”, lucuma has been used for centuries in Peru, Chile and Ecuador. It is so cherished in South America that there are over 25 villages named after it in Peru, where it is also a favourite ice-cream flavour. Lucuma is rich in beta-carotene, antioxidants, fiber, as well as minerals such as potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium and phosphorus. It has a low glycemic index and can be a good sweetening alternative for people with weight gain issues. It is also more alkaline than other sweeteners and it makes our formulas so yummy!
Camu camu
Camu camu is a plant native to the Amazon rain forest of Peru and Brazil. This amazing fruit has one of the highest concentrations of vitamin C of any food source recorded on the planet. In fact it has almost 40-50 more times the vitamin C than an orange and 200 times more vitamin C than a banana, in addition to precious amino acids as well as beta-carotene, potassium, iron, calcium and phosphorus, anthocyanins, catechins and flavonols. Vitamin C boosts immunity as well as is a key component in collagen production, keeping wrinkles away.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon contains plenty of powerful antioxidants that protect from free radical damage and slow down the ageing process. It ranks highly on the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) scale. Its health and beauty benefits are attributed to the type of antioxidants called polyphenols, phenolic acid and flavonoids, making it one of the most beneficial spices on earth.
Turmeric
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) grows in India and other Southeast Asian countries and it is the main spice in Indian cuisine. Apart from its usage in cooking, it has also been praised as one of the most powerful herbs in Ayurvedic medicine. Turmeric contributes its unique properties to its active substance: curcumin. This beautiful Indian herb is used to facilitate the digestion and support the liver to reduce the levels of toxicity in the body. It is also known for its antioxidant properties.
Ginger
Ginger is considered a wonder spice in ancient Ayurvedic medicine. This powerful natural ingredient is known for its digestion-friendly properties. Ginger helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels, supports the immune system, helps to support digestion, keeping your gut healthy and happy.
Blueberry
Blueberries are another incredible superfood that we should all include in our daily diet. They are low in calories, but high in fiber, vitamin C and vitamin K. Blueberries can improve digestion and are also high in anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid, which is one of the most powerful antioxidants known to science. Antioxidants are nature’s natural defense against free radicals. And on top of that, the high content of vitamin C improves the production of collagen to maintain the proper functioning of the skin.