Almonds are a good source of vitamin E and are rich in monounsaturated fat, one of the two healthy fats responsible for supporting the proper balance of "good" cholesterol (HDL), with "bad" cholesterol (LDL). In addition, almonds support the complexion and immune system, and support the movement of food through the colon.

Amaranth is valued around the world as a leafy green and a cereal grain, and was once a staple in the diets of pre-Columbian Aztecs, who believed it had supernatural powers. Amaranth is cooked and eaten as a grain, but is actually a seed; thus it is high in protein (15%-18%) and contains essential amino acids that are not frequently found in grains. It is also high in fiber and contains calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamins A and C.

A natural food coloring derived from the achiote tree.

Assam is a black tea named after the region of its production: Assam, India. Assam tea is created specifically from the plant Camellia sinensis var. assamica. This tea, most of which is grown at or near sea level, is known for its body, briskness, malty flavor, and strong, bright color.

One of the oldest cultivated grains, barley has sustained human health for millennia in many forms. In ancient Greece, barley played an important role as a staple bread-making grain, and it was considered an important food for athletes, who attributed much of their strength to the consumption of barley. Barley is now known to be an important source of antioxidants, which work to slow the rate of oxidative damage by neutralizing free radicals.

See Barley Malt.

Blueberries are the fruits of a shrub that belong to the heath family, a large plant family that includes the cranberry and bilberry. We are most familiar with them as a deliciously healthful "superfruit." Blueberries are rich in vitamins C, E and fiber, and are packed with free-radical fighting antioxidant phytonutrients called anthocyanidins. In addition, blueberries contain ellagic acid, another phytochemical that has been shown to prevent cell damage.

In some parts of the world, the word "to eat" literally means "to eat rice." And no wonder, since rice supplies as much as half of the daily calories for half of the world's population. Brown rice of any variety is among the most nutritious. Brown rice is a whole grain because the process that produces it removes only the outermost layer (the hull) of the rice kernel. This delicious nutty-sweet grain is high in manganese and provides energy and protein while contributing to the synthesis of fatty acids - important for a healthy nervous system. Brown rice is also high in phosphorus, iron, fiber, selenium and essential fatty acids which may support immune function.

Brown rice flour is a whole grain flour that is high in manganese and provides energy and protein while contributing to the synthesis of fatty acids - important for a healthy nervous system. Brown rice flour is also high in phosphorus, iron, fiber, selenium and essential fatty acids, which helps support the immune system.

The classic spices of cinnamon, cardamom and ginger, which have been used for centuries in Ayurveda for their warming and cleansing properties.

Cinnamon Bark comes from a small evergreen tree that is native to Sri Lanka. A very mild herb that is well tolerated by a broad variety of people, cinnamon has been used medicinally for thousands of years, dating back to at least 2700 B.C.E. Cinnamon is a pungent, sweet and hot spice that increases general vitality, warms and energizes the body as a whole and supports normal function of the respiratory and digestive tracts. It increases circulation to the joints and aids immune function, and has been shown to regulate blood sugar and insulin. Cinnamon also relieves minor pain and helps balance the effects of menstruation.

Clove Buds are the aromatic dried flower buds of a tree in the Myrtle family. The English name clove derives from Latin clavus (nail), as the shape of the buds resembles small nails. Clove bud is widely used as a health enhancing spice in Asian herbal traditions. With a warming quality, clove promotes circulation in the stomach, enhancing digestion and reducing gas. By warming the lungs, it thins mucous and has traditionally been used to help expel phlegm. Clove also promotes lymph function and balances triglycerides and blood sugar. It also contains an essential oil that can help relieve mild pain; scientific studies have supported the use of clove oil to help reduce dental pain.

A powdery flour made of finely ground cornmeal.

Also known as date sugar. A natural sweetener made from the date palm fruit.

This all-natural sweetener, derived from the sugar cane plant, provides a healthy alternative to refined sugar. With far less processing than refined sugars, evaporated cane juice retains more of its natural nutrients.

Ancient flax seed has become a modern miracle food. Flax seed contains alpha linolenic acid, a type of plant-derived Omega-3 fatty acid, similar to those found in fish, such as salmon. Benefits of flax seed as shown in many studies include balancing total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels and supporting healthy blood triglyceride levels and blood pressure. Flax seed may also keep blood platelets from becoming "sticky," which may help support long term heart and circulatory health.

Concentrated, all-natural fruit puree provides rich fruit flavoring while maintaining inherent health benefits of the fruit. Fruits are cooked and then strained for the highest quality and taste.

Ginger Root, the underground stem, or rhizome, of the plant Zingiber officinale, has been used as a medicine in many herbal traditions since ancient times. In Ayurveda, ginger is known as the universal medicine, and it's no wonder, since Ayurveda uses ginger for a wide variety of conditions, such as aiding digestion, relieving nausea and menstrual cramps and supporting healthy menstruation. Historically, ginger root was one of the most respected herbs for joint health, especially for aging joints. Ginger has also been used to support healthy peripheral circulation, so it warms up cold hands and feet, and will also promote sweating when that is needed.

Goji berries grow on an evergreen shrub found in temperate and subtropical regions in China, Mongolia and Tibet. The Goji Berry is found in more than 40 different varieties and is considered one of the most nutritionally rich fruits on the planet. Long revered by Traditional Chinese Medicine for their longevity enhancing benefits, these berries contain vitamins C, B1, B2, B6, and E, plus more beta carotene than carrots and stronger antioxidant power than blueberries. The flavor of goji has been described as a cross between a cranberry and a cherry.

Green tea is made from the unfermented leaves of Camellia sinensis, the same plant that gives us black and oolong teas. All teas from Camellia sinensis are rich in antioxidants, but because green tea is the least processed, it contains the most antioxidant polyphenols, which are responsible for its many health benefits. Green tea is a more potent antioxidant than broccoli, carrots, spinach or strawberries. It has been shown to enhance immunity and benefit oral health. With a host of beneficial effects for the cardiovascular system, it has been shown to balance total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, as well as triglycerides, and to support a healthy ratio of LDL cholesterol to HDL cholesterol.

Honey is a sweet fluid produced by honey bees and derived from the nectar of flowers. As with all nutritive sweeteners, honey is mostly sugars and is not a significant source of vitamins or minerals. However, honey does contain tiny amounts of several compounds thought to function as antioxidants.

Natural flavors are derived from natural sources such as spices, fruit, herbs, roots, or many other plants or foods, whose significant function in food is flavoring.

A natural preserver of freshness.

Nutmeg is an evergreen tree native to Indonesia and is the only plant that is the source of two different spices. Nutmeg is actually the seed of the tree, while the dried "lacy" reddish covering or aril of the seed gives us mace. Nutmeg has a sweet, nutty aroma and slightly sweet taste. Medicinally, it has a warming action that helps to support digestion.

Naturally sweet, cultivated oats date back to at least 2000 B.C.E. and have been a staple breakfast grain in England, Scotland and Germany for centuries. Today we know that oats contain important soluble fiber, more than many grains, which provides satiety and sustained energy. Recent research has shown that oats are also an excellent source of polyphenol antioxidants.

Cultivated for at least 8,000 years, quinoa is high in protein and complex carbohydrates, low in fat, and richer in vitamins and minerals than most other grains. Quinoa contains all the essential amino acids, including adequate lysine (contained in very low amounts in most grains), to make it a complete protein.

Salt is a common preservative and a popular food seasoning. Sodium is one of the primary electrolytes in the body. All four cationic electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium) are available in unrefined salt, as are other vital minerals needed for optimal bodily function.

Closely related to wheat, spelt is an ancient grain that traces its heritage back long before many wheat hybrids. It is a great source of fiber and contains large amounts of B-complex vitamins. The total protein content from spelt is 10-25% greater than common varieties of wheat.

Canola Oil
Canola oil is claimed to promote good health due to its very low saturated fat and high monounsaturated fat content, and beneficial Omega-3 fatty acid profile. The Canola Council of Canada states that it is completely safe and is the "healthiest" of all commonly used cooking oils. It has well-established heart health benefits and is recognized by many health professional organizations including the American Dietetics Association and American Heart Association, among others.

Safflower Oil
Safflower oil is a polyunsaturated oil that provides raw minerals in the formation of prostaglandins - vital hormone-like compounds that strengthen cell membranes and regulate every function in the body at the molecular level. Safflower oil also contains Omega-6 fatty acid, a catalyst for burning fat.

Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil is high in essential vitamin E and low in saturated fat and has been shown to have cardiovascular benefits. Diets combined with a low fat content and high levels of oleic acid have been suggested to maintain healthy cholesterol which, in turn, supports cardiovascular health. Sunflower oils fit this criteria. Studies of adults suggested that a balanced diet in which small quantities of saturated fats are replaced with sunflower oil has detectable supportive effect on cholesterol. Research suggests that healthy cholesterol levels can be caused by balances of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. Sunflower oil may help with this balance.

High in Omega-3s, which have been shown to lower cholesterol, walnuts are high in protein and offer a rich nutty flavor. They are a crunchy addition to cereals and baked goods.

Wheat Bran, the hard outer layer of the wheat kernel, is packed with nutrition and dietary benefits. Wheat bran is high in protein, magnesium, manganese, niacin, phosphorus, zinc and vitamin B6. Low in fat, with no cholesterol, sugar or sodium, wheat bran is a common ingredient in baked goods and cereals.

Naturally a good source of calcium, iron, fiber and minerals, whole wheat flour retains all parts of the wheat grain - bran, germ and endosperm - during processing. This makes whole wheat flour a balanced and wholesome ingredient.