Condiments
Raw Cacao Bean Nibs and Powder
Gillian’s Star Ingredients: Raw Cacao Beans
Gillian McKeith’s Raw Cacao nibs and raw cacao powder come from South America and are completely unadulterated. Unlike most chocolate, which is heated and mixed with sugar, milk and fats, the cacao bean 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 raw cacao beans are a rich sources of bio-available antioxidants, such as flavanoids.
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
How to use raw cacao bean nibs and powder
It is important that you only use raw, unadulterated cacao beans, available in the form of nibs or powder.
To make a delicious smoothie just blend 1 heaped tablespoon of cacao powder into any smoothie. Blend a tablespoon of cacao powder with 200mls of rice milk and 2 bananas.
Cacao powder can also be used to make hot chocolate – just blend or whisk it into some warmed rice or oat milk with some agave syrup for a delicious drink.
Cacao nibs can be added to cereal or porridge, eaten as a snack or added to baked goods and treats.
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
5. Steinberg FM, Bearden MM, Keen CL. Cocoa and chocolate flavanoids. J Am Diet Assoc. 2003 Feb;103(2):215-23
Raw Organic Goji Berries
The Goji Berries are packed with goodness (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).
Goji berries have been found to: more >>
- 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
Hulled Hemp Seeds
Gillian McKeith’s Hemp Seeds contain both the omega 3 and omega 6 essential fats in a perfectly balanced 1:1 ratio.
They are one of the few foods to omega 6 fats, GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid)in an easily absorbable form. Many people suffer symptoms of GLA deficiency as they do not have the enzyme (delta 6 desaturase) needed to break down Linoleic acid into GLA. Hemp seeds may also be particularly beneficial for those with eczema or PMS type symptoms. more >>
Hemp seeds contain all the essential amino acids needed for health in a bio-available form. Hemp seed protein has been shown to affect immune modulation (1).
Additional References
1. Li Y, Yang R, Hu X, Long Z et al. Initial study of hemp seeds protein on antifatigue and the immunomodulation effects, Wei Sheng Yan Jiu. 2008 Mar;37(2):175-8
Golden Roasted Flax Seed
Gillian McKeith’s Golden Roasted Flaxseeds are a delicious addition to cereals, salads and mixed seed snacks. Gillian believes these are truly the best tasting flaxseeds ever!
They are a good source of the essential omega 3 fats. Flax has been shown to influence LDL cholesterol as well as total cholesterol and can protect against cardiovascular disease (1, 2). Flax has also been shown to reduce inflammation (3)
more >>
Flax seeds contain a mucilaginous fibre that can help to lubricate the bowels and help constipation (4).
Additional References
1. Lamblin F, Hano C, Fliniaux O, Mesnard F, et al. Interest of lignans in prevention and treatment. Med Sci (Paris), 2008 May;24(5):511-9
2. Patade A, Devareddy L, Lucas EA, Korlagunta K, et al. Flaxseed reduces total and LDL cholesterol concentrations in Native American postmenopausal women. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2008 Apr;17(3):355-66
3. Faintuch J, Horie LM, Barbeiro HV, Barbeiro DF et al. Systemic inflammation in morbidly obese subjects: response to oral supplementation with alpha-linoleic acid. Obes Surg. 2007 Mar;17(3):341-7
4. Sairanen U, Piirainen L, Nevala R, Korpela R. Yoghurt containing galacto-oligosaccharides, prunes and linseed reduces the severity of mild constipation in elderly subjects. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2007 Dec;61(12):1423-8