Metabolic Boosters
Energy is what the body runs on; as such, everyone always seems to
want more. Here are some ingredients that can rev up your products:
Green Tea. This powerful antioxidant works to build and sustain
energy and its caffeine releases over a longer period of time than coffee. It is also well known for its appetite suppressant qualities. Dö-Matcha, a green tea powder, can be added to smoothies or other drink
mixes, or it can be used with cacao for a truffle.
lar addition to breads and wraps as
well as veggie burgers and bars.
“C“Chronic inflammation lies at the core of many diseases, the ability of certain herbs and spices to positively affect inflammation has rightfully
heralded them to superfood status.”
Anti-inflammatory Agents
Chronic inflammation lies at the
core of many diseases; the ability of
certain herbs and spices to positively
affect inflammation has rightfully pro-
moted them to superfood status. Two
of these spices are ginger and
turmeric. The herb thyme also de-
serves mention, as it contains antimi-
crobial properties that help fend off
bacteria internally as well as exter-
nally. One of the benefits of using
spices is that they work with the body
to upregulate and downregulate, not
completely shut off systems like some
anti-inflammatory medications or an-
tibiotics.
Turmeric. More than 700 studies
to date have shown the benefits of
turmeric (curcumin) in preventing
and treating cancer, Alzheimer’s and
arthritis. It is
also being
looked at as a
treatment for
asthma and
other inflamma-
tory diseases.
The flavor goes
well with co-
conut oil and
milk in tradi-
tional curries
but can also be
used to coat a
nut mix or
even used in a
cereal grain
blend. Paste or
salves from
turmeric are also now being used in
skin care products like Plantidote,
mentioned above.
Ginger. This spice is both an anti-inflammatory as well as a digestive aid
(helping with nausea and motion
sickness) and also relieves congestion
and lowers the risk of blood clots.
Ginger tends to be more widely ac-
Part of a superfoods
line, Living Intention’s
Chia Ginger Granola
features several
functional health
ingredients—and it
tastes great too!
Brown Seaweed. Another metabolic booster is edible brown seaweed, which contains a carotenoid (fucoxanthin) that appears to aid
resting energy levels and have fat-burning capabilities. Garden of Life
touts this ingredient in its füco THIN supplement and its 70 percent
organic protein bar.
Cacao. Chocolate contains theobromine, a stimulant, but it also
contains magnesium—Mother Nature’s muscle relaxant, which works
intracellularly to downregulate stress. This creates the perfect balance
of stimulation without the negative effect of invoking inappropriate
cellular stress. Dagoba and Theo chocolate pair cacao with spices like
cayenne, cinnamon or chilies, offering an additional metabolic boost.
Immune Boosters
While many of the aforementioned nutrients support optimal immune function, two nutritional standouts, broccoli sprouts and mushrooms, deserve mention for their excellence in this category.
Mushrooms. Numerous mushrooms have immune-supportive benefits, yet shiitake stands out for its ability to directly benefit the immune system’s T-cells. Shiitakes contain lentinan, an anticancer agent,
and immune system stimulant as well as L-ergothioneine, a potent antioxidant. Annie’s uses shiitake in its salad dressings and Amy’s
Kitchen includes organic shiitake in some of its frozen meals. New
Chapter has a line of mushroom supplements called Life Shield. The
Plantidote skin line by Dr. Weil for Origins combines mushrooms and
anti-inflammatory spices such as ginger and turmeric. Diamond Organics also offers these immune boosters as a supplement and as ingredients in their mail-order prepared foods.
Broccoli Sprouts. These offer support for your immune system
through their high level of the phytonutrient sulforaphane glucosi-nate (SGS)—a long-lasting antioxidant and cancer-fighting agent that
helps aid the body in the removal of free radicals and chemicals. You
would have to eat 1.25 pounds of raw broccoli to get the same amount
of SGS found in just half a cup of sprouts. Sprouts have been a popu-
