Benefits of Superfoods
What Are Superfoods?
The quick answer is, superfoods are foods rich in vitamins and minerals. Superfoods give you more nutritional “oomph” per calorie than others, and eating a variety of these can contribute to helping you live a longer, healthier, and happier life.
There is no set standard for what makes a superfood, a superfood, and eating just one or two foods in large quantities probably won’t do you much good. That said, superfoods give you more nutritional “oomph” per calorie than others, and eating a variety of these can do wonders for your health and well-being.
But what exactly are these foods? No need to Google or get overwhelmed by the sheer number of superfoods out there. You don’t need to look any further for a superfood-packed drink than SUTRA Black and Gold.
Benefits of Raw Cacao
What Is Cacao?
Cocoa beans were actually prized for their medicinal properties and traded like currency in ancient South America. Cacao is the tree that cocoa is made from, making cocoa the processed form of the raw version of cacao.
A recent study showed between 60-90% of antioxidants in cacao are lost through dutch processing when it is made into cocoa powder commonly used in chocolate. This is why you want to seek out raw cacao powder products to get the health benefits. Want to know the uses and benefits of cacao? We got you!
What are the Uses and Benefits of Cacao?
1. 40 Times the Antioxidants of Blueberries
That's right, when people think antioxidants they typically think berries, but cacao has 40 times the amount, meaning they absorb free radicals from pollution and environmental toxins which cause cell damage.
2. Mood Elevator and Aphrodisiac
Raw cacao contains magnesium and tryptophan which are precursors to serotonin, which improves your mood. These neurotransmitters give you the warm and cosy feelings of happiness and can even assist in getting rid of depression. Cacao also contains phenethylamine which is naturally released during sexual activity, thus improving libido.
3. Heart Protection
Raw cacao contains flavanols, which are anti-inflammatory, improve blood circulation, and decrease oxidized LDL cholesterol.
How Do I Use Cacao?
You can use cacao in dishes you cook at home, take in supplement form, or add to hot beverages (our favorite being SUTRA Black).
Benefits of Maca Root
What Is Maca Powder?
Grown in South America, maca powder comes from a root and is a member of the cruciferous family (think cabbage and broccoli). Its superfood benefits come from the fact it is an adaptogen - an herb that is completely safe, non-toxic, and has broad uses for health that reduces mental and physical stress. This powerhouse root naturally contains calcium, fatty acids and vitamins B1, B2, B12 and phosphorus. It also contains a variety of minerals and alkaloids. All these put together give the body its required share of nutrients. Want to know the uses and benefits of maca powder? We got you!
What are the uses and Benefits of Maca Powder?
Also known as the Peruvian ginseng, maca has incredible health benefits.
1. May Boost Energy
Trials have shown maca has positive effects on energy and mood.
2. May Increase Libido and Stamina
Maca supplementation also seems to heighten sexual desire in both men and women. Studies have been run on depressed men, endurance based athletes, and women on antidepressants, and all three studies found a significant increase in libido.
3. Antioxidant Booster
Maca powder acts as a natural antioxidant. It has been shown to increase glutathione levels in the body which boosts the immune system.
How do I use Maca Powder?
You can use maca in dishes you cook at home, take in supplement form, or add to hot beverages (our favorite being SUTRA Gold). A few of our favorite ways to use maca powder is in smoothies, oatmeal, and protein bars/balls.
Benefits of Coconut Milk
What Is Coconut Milk?
Coconut milk is the liquid naturally found in coconut meat, or the thick white part inside the coconut. It is created by blending the coconut meat then straining it. It is a great alternative to those who are lactose intolerant or who choose not to drink animal dairy products. Want to know the uses and benefits of coconut milk? We got you!
What are the uses and Benefits of Coconut Milk?
1. Builds Muscle
After exercise, the magnesium and potassium found in coconut milk helps repair torn tissue. The healthy fat content also keeps you full longer.
2. Reduces Fatigue
Coconut water and milk are both high sources of electrolytes and have important minerals to prevent dehydration. They also contain MCT's, which your brain can use immediately for fuel.
3. Improves Heart Health
Coconuts are an incredible source of lauric acid which is antibacterial and antiviral. Lauric acid has been found to lower LDL levels (the bad cholesterol) and increase HDL levels (good cholesterol). The minerals in coconuts also keep blood vessels flexible, which lowers blood pressure.
How do I use Coconut milk?
You can use coconut milk in dishes you cook at home or add to hot beverages (our favorite being SUTRA Gold and SUTRA Black).
Coconut milk is fantastic in sauces, smoothies, curry's, and vegan ice creams and desserts.
Benefits of Black Pepper
What Is Black Pepper?
We usually think of black pepper as a flavor enhancer and not a revolutionary superfood. But it actually has lots of medicinal properties and health benefits. Want to know the uses and benefits of black pepper? We got you!
What are the uses and Benefits of Black Pepper?
1. May Promote Weight Loss
Pepper increases hydrochloric acid which promotes healthy digestion. The outer layer of the peppercorn assists in breaking down fat cells and suppresses fat accumulation. Studies have shown eating spicy foods can boost metabolism by 8% and that effect lasts for hours.
2. Full of Antioxidants
Black pepper is often added to tonics to treat coughs and colds in Ayurvedic treatments. It provides relief from congestion and helps expel loose material, assisting you in recovering from infections quicker.
3. Improves BioAvailability of Turmeric
When paired with Turmeric, black pepper increases the absorption of curcumin.
How do I use Black pepper?
You can use black pepper in dishes you cook at home or add to hot beverages (our favorite being SUTRA Gold).
Benefits of Activated Charcoal
What Is Activated Charcoal?
Activated charcoal is a potent fine black powder made from bone char, coconut shells, coal, or sawdust. It becomes activated by high temperature processing. It changes the structure of it and it reduces the size of its pores and increases surface area. Activated charcoal works by trapping toxins and chemicals in the gut which prevents their absorption. With it's negative electric charge, it carries the toxicity out of your body. Want to know the uses and benefits of activated charcoal? We got you!
What are the Uses and Benefits of Activated Charcoal?
1. Detoxifies Heavy Metals and Environmental Toxins
Charcoal binds to chemicals with positive charges, thus absorbing toxins released in your gut and GI tract. It basically scrubs away what is harmful to our bodies. In severe cases it is used for drug and alcohol poisoning and emergency toxin removal. But in smaller amounts works as a gradual and natural detox.
2. Liver and Kidney Support
Activated charcoal prevents damage to kidneys and liver by clearing toxins and chemicals out of the body, putting less stress on your detox pathways.
How do I use activated charcoal?
You can use activated charcoal in dishes that you cook, take in supplement form, or add to hot beverages (our favorite being SUTRA Black).
Benefits of Reishi Mushroom
What Is Reishi Mushroom?
Red reishi is an edible mushroom that's been used for thousands of years in traditional chinese medicine. In Chinese, the red reishi represents spiritual potency and immortality. It is an adaptogenic herb that helps your body adapt to stress. Want to know the uses and benefits of reishi mushrooms? We got you!
What are the uses and benefits of Reishi Mushroom?
1. Liver Function and Detox
This adaptogen improves liver function by assisting the removal of wastes and toxins from the body, which prevents free radical build up and promotes overall health.
2. Boosts Immune System
The antioxidants in reishi strengthen the lining of digestive organs and combat bad bacteria. This helps increase the number of beta-glucans in the body and increases vitality.
How do I use Reishi?
You can use reishi in supplement form or add to hot beverages (our favorite being SUTRA Black).
Benefits of Turmeric
What Is Turmeric?
Turmeric is a bright yellow root that has been used as a medicinal herb for tens of thousands of years in India. The health benefits of turmeric are derived from compounds called curcuminoids, the most powerful of which is curcumin - the main active ingredient in turmeric. To get the full healing benefits of turmeric it's important to use its extracts since it contains mostly curcumin. Want to know the uses and benefits of turmeric? We got you!
What are the uses and benefits of Turmeric?
Turmeric's health benefits are vast and although we might be biased, they've been backed by extensive research. That is right! It has incredible benefits for the body - let's get into it.
1. Natural Anti-Inflammatory Agent
Turmeric is best known for its ability to reduce inflammation in the body. For this reason, consuming turmeric is often suggested for the reduction of arthritic pain, gout, and muscle pain following exercise or injury instead of traditional drugs.
2. Increases Cognitive Function
In traditional medicine, turmeric was relied on to increase concentration and boost memory retention. Recent studies have shown turmeric protects neural pathways from oxidative stress.
3. Natural Detoxifier
Turmeric stimulates the gallbladder, which works with the liver to eliminate toxins. By doing so, this rejuvenates liver cells that break down the toxins in our body and helps to remove them efficiently.
How do I use Turmeric?
You can use turmeric in dishes you cook at home, take in supplement form, or add to hot beverages (our favorite being SUTRA Gold).
An important thing to note is that the body doesn't absorb turmeric all that well. This is why it is important to always pair it with black pepper, which assists your body in absorbing and retaining the health benefits. Black pepper actually enhances absorption by 2000% - so make sure your dish or supplement contains both elements!
Benefits of Stevia Leaf
What Is Stevia?
Stevia is considered to be one of the most beneficial new discoveries in the natural food community. Stevia is derived from a plant in the Asteraceae family. It gets it's fame from being 40-200 times sweeter than sugar (depending on the compound) without impacting blood sugar levels. Want to know the uses and benefits of stevia? We got you!
What are the uses and Benefits of Stevia?
1. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
Stevia has the ability to regulate blood sugar levels. When stevioside (a non-carbohydrate glycoside compound) breaks down, the particles are absorbed by bacteria in the colon rather than the bloodstream. This makes Stevia the best replacement for normal sugar for people on carb controlled diets.
2. Zero Calorie Sweetener Taking the Place of Sugar
Because Stevia is a plant based, zero calorie sweetener, it is a great substitute for sugar. When swapping out stevia for sugar you are saving empty calories and the negative side effects of refined sugars.
How do I use Stevia?
You can use stevia to sweeten dishes you cook or bake at home, or to sweeten hot beverages (our favorite being SUTRA Gold or SUTRA Black).
Benefits of Cayenne Pepper
What Is Cayenne Pepper?
The capsaicin in cayenne provide metabolism boosting properties.The heat increase in your body assists in burning more calories. A recent study showed people who ate breakfast with capsaicin paired with oil burned 51% more calories. Not only that; peppers have been shown to reduce the production of hunger hormones, helping you stay full longer.
What are the Uses and Benefits Of Cayenne?
1. May Boost Metabolism
The capsaicin in cayenne gives it it's metabolism boosting properties. The heat increase in your body assists in burning more calories. A recent study showed people who ate breakfast with capsaicin paired with oil burned 51% more calories. Not only that but peppers have been shown to reduce the production of hunger hormones, helping you stay full longer.
2. Helps Relieve Temporary Pain
The capsaicin in cayenne reduces the amount of neuropeptides produced by the body, which signals pain. With less neuropeptides, pain signals struggle to reach the brain. This has been shown to help with joint and muscle pain.
3. Assists in Digestion
Cayenne is an incredible digestive aid. It stimulates salivary glands, which helps generate enzymes that assist the body in metabolizing food.
How do I use Cayenne Pepper?
You can use turmeric in dishes you cook at home or add to hot beverages (our favorite being SUTRA Gold).
Benefits of Vanilla Bean
What Is Vanilla?
Vanilla is much more than an extract you throw into baked goods - it provides many health benefits. The flavor comes from the orchids of the Vanilla genus that bears fruit in pods, which are hand picked and harvested into extract, powder, and pods. Want to know the uses and benefits of vanilla? We got you!
What are the uses and Benefits of Vanilla?
1. Known as a Healing Remedy
Rich in antioxidants, vanilla helps prevent the breakdown of the bodies cells and stimulates natural regrowth. It may also protect your immune system and lower stress on the body, making it much easier to recover from injury or illness.
2. Shown to Relieve Anxiety
Inhaling Vanilla through aromatherapy induces calmness. It's one of the best natural remedies for anxiety and stress. According to a study done at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, cancer patients who underwent MRIs in a room scented with vanilla were 63% less prone to showing symptoms of anxiety than patients who breathed normal unscented air.
How do I use Vanilla?
You can use vanilla in dishes you cook at home or add to hot beverages (our favorite being SUTRA Gold or SUTRA Black). Vanilla is also made in a vanilla bean infused oil that can be diffused.
Benefits of Cinnamon
What Is Cinnamon?
When most people think of superfoods, cinnamon isn't on the top of their minds, but it has some a potent health benefits. Cinnamon actually comes from a tree that is fermented before the bark is stripped away to make cinnamon sticks and bark. Want to know the uses and benefits of cinnamon? We got you!
What are the uses and Benefits of Cinnamon?
1. High Levels of Antioxidants
Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants that fight free radical damage.
2. May Boost Metabolism
Your body is better able to use carbohydrate storage and not turn it into excess fat with cinnamons control of insulin levels. It also allows your metabolism to speed up because it takes little energy to metabolize, aiding in weight loss. Your body requires more energy to process cinnamon than other foods, which is thought to boost metabolism.
3. Assists in the Control of Blood Sugar Levels
Cinnamon has a positive effect on blood sugar and can be used for individuals who have insulin resistance.
How do I use Cinnamon?
You can use cinnamon in dishes you cook at home or add to hot beverages (our favorite being SUTRA Gold or SUTRA Black).