Bars
General Information
Organic oats form the base of our bars. The oats are baked at low temperatures to improve their digestibility. The active superfood ingredients are then added raw in order to ensure maximum enzyme and nutrient content.
Oats are a good source of soluble fibre, especially beta-glucan. more >>
There is no white sugar, glucose or corn syrup ever used in any of our bars or any of our products whatsoever. The main sweetener used in the bars is organic apple juice. Apples have been shown to increase antioxidant enzymes and activity, thus reducing oxidation reactions (2). Among the antioxidants they contain is quercetin which acts as an antioxidant against free radical damage (3) and prevents oxidation of LDL cholesterol (4).
Organic brown rice malt and raisins are also added to some of the bars.
All of the bars are suitable for vegans and vegetarians and all of the ingredients are 100% natural. The bars are foil wrapped to ensure freshness and dusted with brown rice flower to keep the bars from sticking to the foil.
Additional References
Butt MS, Tahir-Nadeem M, Khan MK, Shabir R, Butt MS. Oat: unique among the cereals. Eur J Nutr. 2008 Mar;47(2):68-79
2. Avci A, Atli T, Erguder IB, Varli M, Devrim E, et al, Effects of apple consumption on plasma and erythrocyte antioxidant parameters in elderly subjects, Exp Aging Res. 2007 Oct;33(4):429-437
3. Ronald L Prior, Fruits and vegetables in the prevention of cellular oxidative damage, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 78, No. 3, 570S-578S, September 2003
4. Hyson D, Studebaker-Hallman D, Davis PA, Gershwin ME. Apple juice consumption reduces plasma low-density lipoprotein oxidation in healthy men and women. Journal of Medicinal Food 2000-2001; Vol.3, no.4 Winter edition.
Organic Energy Food Bars
Gillian’s star ingredients: Sprouted Quinoa, Flax Seeds, Barley Grass and Nori
Gillian McKeith’s Organic Energy Food bars contain Gillian’s Organic Energy Powder. This powder is a combination of high nutrient superfoods. Being food based, the nutrients are highly absorbable and all work in synergy to enhance the effectiveness of each other. more >>
Research shows that during germination (sprouting), the nutritional value of seeds increases (1). Hence the inclusion of ‘sprouted’ quinoa and millet. Whole grains such as quinoa and oats have been shown to be more satisfying and nutritional than refined products such as white bread (2). This means they keep you going for longer without hunger or cravings.
Flax seeds are valuable for their essential fat content as well as their mucilaginous properties. Dietary flaxseed has been shown to improve (affect) the lipid profile of patients with hyperlipidaemia (high blood fats) and to modify cardiovascular risk factors (3). Research also shows that the lignans in flax can affect plasma cortisol during stress and may offer other protections against atherosclerosis (4) (5). The mucilaginous fibre in flax seeds means they are great for lubricating the intestines, thus easing the transit of food and waste products through the digestive tract.
Barley grass contains antioxidants such as proanthocyanidins that can help protect the cells from free radical damage and toxins (6) (7).
the Seaweed Nori is high in minerals and one of the few plant sources of bio-available vitamin B12 (8).
Additional References
1. Lintschinger J, Fuchs N, Moser H, et al. Uptake of various trace elements during germination of wheat, buckwheat and quinoa. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 1997;50(3):223-37
2. Berti C, Riso P, Brusamolino A, Porrini M. Effect on appetite control of minor cereal and pseudocereal products. Br J Nutr 2005 Nov;94(5):850-8
3. Mandasescu S, Mocanu V, Dascalita AM et al. Flaxseed supplementation. Rev Med Chir Soc Med Nat Iasi 2005 Jul-Sep;109(3):502-6
4. Spence JD, Thornton T, Muir AD, Westcott ND. The effect of flax seed cultivars with differing content of alpha-linolenic acid and lignans on responses. J Am Coll Nutr. 2003 Dec;22(6):494-501
5. Dabrosin C, Chen J, Wang L, Thompson LU. Flaxseed inhibits. Cancer Lett. 2002 Nov 8;185(1):31-7
6. Marles MA, Ray H, Gruber MY, New perspectives on proanthocyanidin biochemistry and molecular regulation, Phytochemistry 2004, 64(2):367-383(17)
7. Jeong HJ, Lam Y, de Lumen BO, Barley Lunasin suppresses ras-induced colony formation and inhibits core histone acetylation in mammalian cells, J Agric Food Chem 2002, 50(21):5903-5908
8. Watanabe F. Vitamin B12 sources and bioavailability. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2007 Nov;232(10):1266-74
Gillian McKeith’s Natural Love Food Bars
Gillian’s star ingredients: Pumpkin Seeds and Love Powder including Maca and Ginseng
Gillian McKeith’s Love Bar is a great energy food containing pumpkin seeds, rich in Essential Fats, vitamin E and zinc.
Zinc is an essential mineral for the health of the reproductive system (1) (2) (3). One of the key ingredients in the love powder is the herb Maca (4) (5). more >>
The Love Powder also contains Ginseng for energy (6).
Additional References
1. Antoniou LD, Shalhoub RJ, Sudhakar T, Smith JC Jr. Zinc. Lancet 1977 Oct 29;2(8044):895-8
2. Koca Y, Ozdal OL, Celik M, Unal S, Balaban N. Antioxidant activity. Arch Androl. 2003 Sep-Oct;49(5):355-9
3. Wathes DC, Abayasekara DR, Aitken RJ. Polyunsaturated fatty acids in male and female reproduction. Biol Reprod. 2007 Aug;77(2):190-201
4. Gonzales GF, Cordova A, Gonzales C, Chung A, Vega K, Villena A. Lepidium meyenii (Maca). Asian J Androl. 2001 Dec;3(4):301-3
5. Gonzales GF, Cordova A, Vega K, Chung A, Vega K, Villena A et al. Effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca). Andrologia 2002 Dec;34(6):367-72
6. Murphy LL, Lee TJ. Ginseng, sex behaviour and nitric oxide. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2002 May;962:372-7
Gillian McKeith’s Organic Hemp Seed Bars
Gillian’s Star Ingredient: Hulled Organic Hemp Seeds
Gillian McKeith’s Organic Hemp Seed Bars contain hemp seeds. Hemp seeds are rich in both the omega 3 and omega 6 Essential Fatty Acids. The Essential Fats (EFAs) are needed, but the body cannot make them from other fats, hence it is essential that we get them from our food..
This is where hemp seeds come in as these seeds contain about 15gms of omega 3 per 100gms (1) and 21gms of omega 6 per 100gms. more >>
In addition, hemp seeds are one of the few foods that also contain GLA – the broken down form of the omega 6 fats. While a healthy body will be able to break down the omega 6 fats from food, such as seeds, into GLA, for some people this process is compromised. This leads to symptoms of GLA deficiency (2) (3) (4).
Hemp seeds also contain about 18% monounsaturated fats (1) (5) (6).
Finally, hemp seeds are a great source of bio-available vegetarian protein (7)
Additional References
1. Li D, Yao T, Siriamornpun S. Alpha-linolenic acid content of commonly available nuts in Hangzhou. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 206 Jan;76(1):18-21
2. Horrobin DF, Essential fatty acid metabolism and its modification. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000 Jan;71(1):367S-72S
3. Callaway J, Schwab U, Harvima I et al. Efficacy of dietary hempseed oil in patients. J Dermatolog Treat. 2005 Apr;16(2):87-94
4. Surette ME, Stull D, Lindemann J. The impact of a medical food containing gammolinolenic and eicosapentaenoic acids on asthma management and the quality of life of adult asthma patients. Curr Med Res Opin. 2008 Feb;24(2):559-67
5. Esposito K, Ceriello A, Giugliano D. Diet and the metabolic syndrome. Metab Syndr Relat Disord. 2007 Dec;5(4):291-6
6. Martins e Silva J, Saldanha C. Diet. Rev Port Cardiol. 2007 Mar;26(3):277-94
7. Odani S, Odani S. Isolation and primary structure of a methionine and cystine rich seed protein of Cannabis sativa. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 1998 Apr;62(4):650-4
Gillian McKeith’s Organic Vitamin C Food Bar
Gillian’s Star Ingredients: Camu Camu Berries, Amla Berries, Blueberries, Raspberries and Buckwheat Sprouts.
Gillian McKeith’s Organic Vitamin C Food Bars contains naturally occurring vitamin C in the form of whole foods. The Vitamin C in nature, as in Gillian’s Food Bar, comes in a complex with many other plant compounds, antioxidants and nutrients, all of which work synergistically and in harmony with the body for efficient absorption and assimilation.
more >>
Camu camu berries have been shown to contain a range of antioxidants including anthocyanins (1) as well as being a rich source of vitamin C (2).
Amla berries contain potent antioxidant properties (3) and anti-proliferative effects against free radicals (4).
The rich dark blue/purple colour of blueberries is due to their antioxidant content. Among the beneficial compounds they contain are proanthocyanidins and polyphenols (5). These anti-oxidants, along with others in these fruits, have been found to:
- Reduce free radical development. (6,7)
- Inhibit proliferation of free radicals (8,9).
- Maintain memory (10)
- Support eye sight (11)
- Protect brain function(12)
Raspberries contain a compound called Ellagic acid which binds free radical-causing chemicals (13).
Buckwheat sprouts have been found to lower cholesterol levels. This is partly through their effect on increasing bile excretion through the bowel (14).
Buckwheat sprouts contain anthocyanins (15) antioxidant properties (16) (17) to protect against free radicals
Additional References
1. Zanatta CF, Cuevas E, Bobbio FO, Winterhalter P, Mercadante AZ. Determination of anthocyanins from camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia) by HPLC-PDA, HPLC-MS and NMR. J Agric Food Chem. 2005 Nov 30;53(24):9531-5
2. Bradfield RB, Roca A, Camu-camu – a fruit high in ascorbic acid. J Am Diet Assoc. 1964 Jan;44:28-30
3. Saito K, Kohno M, Yoshizaki F, Niwano Y. Extensive screening for edible herbal extracts with potent scavenging activity against superoxide anions. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2008 Jan 31 Epub ahead of print.
4. Zhang YJ, Nagao, T, Tanaka T, Yang CR, Okabe H, Kouno I. Antiproliferative activity of the main constituents from Phyllanthus emblica. Biol Pharm Bull. 2004 Feb;27(2):251-5
5. Wu X, Beecher GR et al. Concentrations of anthocyanins in common foods in the United States and Estimation of Normal Consumption. J Agric Chem. 2006 May 31;54(11):4069-4075
6. Katsube N, Iwashita K, et al. Induction of apoptosis by Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and anthocyanins. J Agric Food Chem. 2003 Jan 1;51(1):68-75
7. Bomser J, Madhivi DL, et al. In vitro activity of fruit extracts from Vaccinium species. Planta Med. 1996 Jun;62(3):212-6
8. Nanjoo S, Shiby P et al. Pterostilbene, an active constituent of blueberries, Jan 1, 2007 13, 350-355
9. Yi W, Fischer J. et al. Phenolic compounds in blueberries. J Agric Food Chem, 2005 Sep 7;53(18):7320-9
10. Andres Lacueva C, Shukitt-Hale B, et al. Anthocyanins in aged blueberry. Nutr Neurosci. 2005 Apr;8(2):111-20
11. Cho E, Seddon JM et al. Prospective study of intake of fruits, vegetables, vitamins and carotenoids. Arch Opthalmol. 2004 Jun;122(6):883-92
12. Wang Y, Chang CF et al. Dietary supplementation with blueberries, spinach or spirulina. Exp Neurol. 2005 May;`193(1):75-84
13. Lesca, P: Protective effects of ellagic acid and other plant phenols on benzo(a)pyrene-induced neo-plasia in mice. Carcinogenisis 4:1651-1653, 1983
14. Kuwabara T, Han KH, Hashimoto N, Yamauchi H, Shimada K, Sekikawa M, Fukushima M. Tartary buckwheat sprout powder. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo), 2007 Dec;53(6):501-7
15. Kim SJ, Maeda T, Sarker MZ, Takigawa S, Matsuura-Endo C, Yamauchi H, Mukasa Y, Saito K, Hashimoto N, Noda T, Saito T, Suzuki T. Identification of anthocyanins in the sprouts of buckwheat. J Agric Food Chem. 2007 Jul 25;55(15):6314-8
16. Elisia I, Kitts DD. Anthocyanins inhibit peroxyl in Caco-2 cells. Mol Cell Biochem 2008 May;312(1-2):139-45k
17. Toufektsian MC, de Lorgeril M, Nagy N, Salen P, Donati MB, Giordano L, Mock HP, Peterek S, Matros A, Petroni K, Pilu R, Rotilio D, Tonelli C, de Leiris J, Boucher F, Martin C. Chronic dietary intake of plant-derived anthocyanins. J Nutr 2008 Apr;138(4):747-52
Organic Cacao Bean Food Bars
Gillian’s Star Ingredients: Organic Raw Cacao Beans
Our Cacao Bean Food Bars contain both organic cacao nibs and organic cacao powder. Unlike most chocolate, which is heated and mixed with sugar, milk and fats, the cacao in our bars is completely unprocessed, meaning it is raw and bursting with antioxidants, enzymes and phytonutrients (1,2), and absolutely no milk, and no added sugar
more >>
There is research to show that cacao beans are one of the richest sources of bio-available antioxidants, such as flavanoids, needed for protection.
The polyphenols in raw cacao beans have been shown to be beneficial with cholesterol. (3,4) Among the nutrients found in raw cacao beans, nibs and powder are magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium and arginine.
- Suitable for Vegans
- Suitable for Vegetarians
- Dairy Free
- Yeast Free
- No added sugar
- 100% natural
Additional References
1. Mao TK, Van de Water J, Keen CL, Schmitz HH, Gershwin ME, Modulation of TNF-alpha secretion in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by cocoa flavanols and procyanidins. Dev Immunol. 2002 Sep;9(3):135-41
2. Fisher ND, Sorond FA, Hollenberg NK. Cocoa flavanols and brain perfusion. J Cardiovasc. Pharmacol. 2006;47 Suppl 2:S210-4
3. Vinson JA, Proch J, Bose P et al. Chocolate is a powerful ex vivo and in vivo antioxidant, an anti-atherosclerotic agent in an animal model, and a significant contributor to antioxidants in the European and American Diets. J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Oct 18;54(21):8071-6
4. Ding EL, Hutfless SM, Ding X, Girotra S. Chocolate and prevention of cardiovascular disease: a systematic review. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2006 Jan 3;3:2
Goji Berry Bars
Gillian’s Star Ingredient: Raw Organic Goji Berries
The Goji Berry Bars are packed with raw sun dried goji berries, (also known as wolfberries), which have long been hailed in the Himalayas for their purported strength building and anti-ageing properties. These berries are revered in the Orient. Recent research has shown goji berries to have powerful anti-oxidant activity (1,2) that can protect DNA (3). more >>
Goji berries have been found to:
- Affect blood sugar (4) (5)
- Influence anti-ageing (6)
- Impact antioxidant activity (7)
Their high nutrient content includes calcium needed for healthy bones. Iron needed for blood, energy and growth; Selenium needed for detoxification, thyroid function. Zinc needed for skin and the synthesis of DNA, Vitamin C cell tissues, and iron absorption. Carotenoids, including beta-carotene, zeaxanthin and lycopene are needed for eyes, skin and anti-oxidant properties.
- Suitable for Vegans
- Suitable for Vegetarians
- Dairy Free
- Yeast Free
- No added sugar
- 100% natural
Additional References
1. Wu SJ, Ng Lt, Lin CC. Antioxidant activities of some common ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine, Angelica sinensis, Lycium barbarum and Poria cocos. Phytother Res. 2004 Dec;18(12):1008-12
2. Cheng CY et al. Fasting plasma zeaxanthin response to Fructus barbarum L. (wolfberry;Kei Tze) in a food based human supplementation trial. British Journal of Nutrition. 93.1(2005):123-30
3. Wu H et al. Effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide on the improvement of antioxidant ability and DNA damage in NIDDM rats. Yakugaku Zasshi. 126.5(2006):365-71
4. Zhao R, Li Q, Xiao B. Effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide on the improvement of insulin resistance in NIDDM rats. Yakugaku Zasshi. 2005 Dec;125(12):981-8
5. Luo Q, Cai Y et al. Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects and antioxidant activity of fruit extracts from Lycium barbarum. Life Sci. 2004 Nov 26;76(2):137-49
6. Yu MS, Leung SK, et al. Neuroprotective effects of anti-aging oriental medicine Lycium barbarum against beta-amyloid neurotoxicity. Exp Gerontol. 2005 Aug-Sep;40(8-9):716-27
7. Gan L, Hua Zhang S, et al. Immunomodulation and antitumour activity by a polysaccharide protein complex from Lycium barbarum. Int Immunopharmacol. 2004 Apr;4(4):563-9