Apple cider vinegar is taking the health world by storm and for good reason! Out of all the different kinds of vinegars, it is the one that can boost some of the highest amounts of vitamins and minerals. That’s why Pure Planet makes not just one but TWO refreshing, yet nutritious blends.
Vinegar might not be the first thing that comes to mind when hear the word “refreshing,” but Pure Planet has been around long enough to know that when can make something healthy taste delicious it’s a lot easier to drink it every day.
Focusing on two of its most potent properties, the family-owned company created Apple Cider Probiotic and Alkalizer. Both blends contain whole-food ingredients that target specific functions and taste buds.
Conveniently, the two dry-mix beverages have long shelf lives and don’t require refrigeration.
Probiotic ǀ Lemon Flavor
You’re probably already hip to probiotics, but if you aren’t they are beneficial microorganisms that help aid digestion, boost immune function, increase nutrient absorption and keep harmful pathogens from overgrowth. Apple cider vinegar naturally contains probiotic enzymes, because it originates from fermented apples. Fermentation breaks down nutrients and makes them more easily digestible.
Pure Planet boosts those digestion benefits by including a well-researched probiotic strain, bacillus coagulans, plus ginger and turmeric into its blend for extra gut support. Together, the Probiotic formula helps promote digestive health with a pleasant lemon for flavor.
Alkalizer ǀ Cherry Flavor
Here’s a quick lowdown on alkalinity: it’s the acidic measurement for foods, drinks and the body, referred to as the pH level. Ranging from 1 (Acidic) – 10 (Alkaline), a smaller pH number is said to be more prone to illness and disease with neutral in-between. Nutritionists believe a healthy body should be a bit more Alkaline (7sih).
While eating greens daily helps keep the balance, another pH-scale booster is apple cider vinegar.
Drinking Pure Planet’s Alkalizer can be another way to offset acidity and provide the body with pH balance. This mix is blended with powerhouse superfoods beets and cherries to support healthy blood circulation and immune function. Plus, it tastes like cherry fruit punch without the sugar and excessive calories.
Pure and True Since ‘92
Pure Planet’s Apple Cider Vinegar is non-GMO, USDA certified Organic and sustainably-farmed. Learn more about the products and the local Long Beach California company at pureplanet.com.
Updated October 2020
We are OBSESSED with sea vegetables like algae because they are so underrated. The blue-green variety (also known as spirulina) is one our faves, because it’s basically one of Mother Nature’s least-talked about multi-vitamins. It baffles us that these marine plants don’t get as much love as they deserve.
They are available in different varieties, mostly defined by color – including yellow, brown, green, blue-green, yellow green and one of our all-time favorites, red.
Funnily enough, this color strain is probably the most under-appreciated and least known of all… but not for long. We think it will be on the up and up very soon. Now’s your chance to get ahead of the curve.
Why? Well, because it can make a great addition to any wellness regimen, for those who are serious about their health and even for casual vitamin-users.
Here are 4 reasons why you should be interested in this marine plant.
It boasts amazing antioxidant benefits.
Like other algae strains, this plant contains antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help the body manage free radical damage to cells. This simple act helps encourage overall body health.
One field review published in Plant Signaling & Behavior suggests that sea algae antioxidants could be even better than those from land-based greens:
Microalgae represent an almost untapped resource of natural antioxidants, due to their enormous biodiversity, much more diverse than higher plants. However, not all groups of microalgae can be used as natural sources of antioxidants, due to their widely varied contents of target products, growth rate or yields, ease of cultivation, and/or other factors.
Shalaby, Emad A. “Algae as Promising Organisms for Environment and Health.” Plant Signaling & Behavior 6.9 (2011): 1338–1350. PMC.
These antioxidants can also help support eye and skin health with minerals such as:
- Folate
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Zinc
- Iron
- Selenium
It can help support the body’s response to inflammation.
Algae naturally contains not only anti-inflammatory antioxidants, but also minerals and phytonutrients. A study published in Marine Drugs explored this effect in depth.
The researchers explain that specifically high chlorophyll and omemga-3 fatty acid content support the body’s natural process of relieving pain and inflammation. This works by helping the body manage oxidative stress.
Managing this stress also helps prevent chronic disease!
Red marine algae contains a special kind of polysaccharide, which may help support immune health.
Trust us, it’s really special. All algae are rich in polysaccharides, but only the red strain contains carrageenan. This phytochemical helps support the immune system against viruses and infections.
Gigartina, a red algae species, has actually been associated with possibly treating candida and other infections. One study published in Mycopathologia suggests that extracts may be able to effectively inhibit fungal growth. More research is needed to confirm this correlation.
The same theory has been applied to the treatment of human papillomavirus (HPV). More study is needed to help help warrant these claims though.
Important Note
Some of you may have heard of carrageenan before in a different light. We like to keep things pure + true, so here’s a little background:
This chemical is sometimes extracted from red algae and injected into store-bought milk products. This is because it can act as a thickening agent, adding much-needed consistency to these types of products.
Carrageenan is good right? So, what’s the issue?
Well, it may be good coming from a whole food seaweed source, but simply using the extract as an additive is problematic.
Why?
Alone, it holds no nutritional value – it isn’t even digestible. Due to this, the additive may damage your gut. Some nutritionists suggest steering clear of it.
But you don’t have to worry about it in seaweed, because it is naturally occurring. No studies have linked the whole food source with the same issues.
Okay, back to some light-hearted goodness! On to our last favorite thing about Red Marine Algae…
You can easily add it to your diet.
What’s the fourth reason for you two give red algae a try? What about it’s ease of use?
Lots of people get a little cautious about how they are going to consume seaweed. So let’s just answer the question you might be thinking of:
No, you do not eat it directly out the ocean! Those sources are potentially dangerous, carrying with them bacteria and disease. Don’t touch them.
Lucky for you, seaweed is growing in popularity. They are available in snack chip form and can even be integrated into salad garnishes.
See It in Action
Red algae is a little harder to find. But don’t worry, we have you covered. Want to give it a try? Check out our Red Marine Algae Plus (with spirulina), which can help support the immune system.
Shop now PurePlanet.com.
More Sources and Info
https://www.water-for-health.co.uk/our-blog/2017/03/can-red-marine-algae-really-help-boost-immune-system/
https://www.livestrong.com/article/183640-red-marine-algae-health-benefits/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22054963
Unless you’re a total health-freak, you probably had no idea the amla berry existed.
But that doesn’t mean you haven’t encountered it somehow in your life. You may be more familiar with its more common name, Indian gooseberry.
Native to Southeast Asia, this Indian treasure is heralded for its nutritional value in Ayurvedic medicine and considered a rare superfood.
The oil from this plant is sometimes used in hair products, for its ability to nourish and improve hair health. The fruit itself can also promote healthy living.
While the berry looks like a large grape with its rounded, green exterior and slightly sour taste, it’s most definitely not! One of the main differences is its antioxidant properties.
So, just what can that help with?
Amla Berry Provides the Body with Helpful, Plant-Based Antioxidants
The berry contains antioxidants that can help protect and nourish the body by aiding with various body processes.
Fighting Oxidative Stress & Inflammation
Generally, antioxidants can help fight free radicals that may appear in the body. While the production of these radicals is actually normal (and necessary in some instances), excess amounts can be detrimental. This is because they can contribute to harmful diseases.
How exactly does this happen?
In essence, these radicals cause damage by causing your body to react to them, sometimes leading to a chain reaction of sorts. This damages cells in the process.
So, where does this Indian gooseberry come in?
Consumption (among other health foods, like greens) can help promote your body’s ability to protects its cells from their damage. That is because it contains flavinoid antioxidants, like quercetin. Reduction and neutralization of free radicals can also support the body’s response to inflammation.
That is in addition to the fruit’s natural ability to fight inflammation.
In one study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, gooseberry was associated with decreased levels of cytokines, an inflammatory biomarker. Though, it’s worth mentioning that this study was based on test tube analysis.
Supporting Sustained Blood Sugar Levels + Diabetes Support
This fruit’s anitoxidant power is amplified in conjunction with fiber. Together, they can help support healthy blood sugar levels by slowing sugar absorption.
But that’s only just a fraction of how it might be able to help diabetes patients.
One study published in Food & Function reports that the could help prevent consequences of uncontrolled levels, like kidney damage.
Naturopaths have also linked this berry to hyperglycemia and diabetic nephropathy prevention, and protein maintenance.
Supplying a Good Source of Vitamin C
Vitamin C provides antioxidant support, especially with its ability to help strengthen the immune system. Luckily, the the gooseberry contains high amounts of Vitamin C.
In fact, Live Strong reports that it amounts to 20 times the levels found in orange juice.
Plus, gooseberry’s natural properties make it like no other source of Vitamin C out there.
Sorry to sounds like a cars salesman, but these properties are pretty cool.
You see, this berry contains natural substances that help protect its vitamin-content, even when it’s being heated or dried. And gooseberry’s particular Vitamin C source is suggested to be better absorbed by the body when compared to synthetic sources because of its flavinoid-content.
Supports Skin and Hair with Vitamin E
Another vitamin antioxidant that amla helps provide is Vitamin E. This comes especially in handy for hair and skin health. While most evidence of this is anecdotal, some studies do show support.
For example, one field review reports that Vitamin E could help fight oxidation stress, therefore protecting skin. In particular, the vitamin is said to encourage healthy nails.
And as for hair?
Well, lots of shampoo and conditioner companies actually integrate Vitamin E into their formula. Well, that and a bunch of non-essential and potentially harmful chemicals like parabens.
Alma berry provides the vitamin, naturally.
A Tropical Life Sciences Research study found that the vitamin and antioxidant may help support hair growth for some people with alopecia.
Pure Planet’s Amla Plus
We recognize the antioxidant benefits of amla and that’s why we decided to strengthen our own dried powder blends with spirluina. Spirulina has been known to help fight against free radicals in the body and protein synthesis. We think they’re the perfect pair to help maximize absorption and support a high protein diet.
Our Organic Alma Plus may help boost immune function, while also protecting the body with oxidative stress.
Sources:
https://draxe.com/indian-gooseberry/
https://www.livestrong.com/article/402676-the-best-natural-source-of-vitamin-c/
Studies:
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/amla-emblica-officinalis-gaertn-extract-inhibits-lipopolysaccharideinduced-procoagulant-and-proinflammatory-factors-in-cultured-vascular-endothelial-cells/0AA3329674FECC3FD2726A71C4C36C54
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23978895
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4976416/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3819075/
Most of us have been raised on wheat bread. It has often been touted as the “healthier” whole grain compared to other types. Thinking back, we can all probably remember our parents making us sandwiches and grilled cheeses with bread from this grain. Let’s also not forget those comforting morning cereals that are also loaded with this stuff.
But is the grain really as good as it is suggested to be? And are there other whole grains that can work as a wheat alternative?
The Truth About Wheat
Are you comfortable? Because you’re in for quite the story. You see, while you might grab a bag of bread in the store or add it to your online cart without question, there’s actually a huge debate happening between nutritionists and experts.
To begin, wheat comes in many different varieties, much like our favorite ice creams. With that being said, the grain we know and love (or despise) has not always been the same throughout the years. In fact, it is quite different than it used to be.
Que the conspiracy music! Okay, maybe we’re drumming this up a bit, but that’s only because this is important.
The processes used to create the grain nowadays are different from, let’s say, the 1950s. Obviously. But that actually yields a totally different, more refined wheat — one that varies nutritionally from older grains.
That’s not all bad. Refined wheat can be created cheaply and at a greater quantity, which means it’s easy attainable. We don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for it either.
However, the older grains, like Emmer, Enkorn and Kamut, are all more nutritious than the grain used today. Healthline reports that the most popular wheat grown today is high-yield dwarf wheat.
And that makes us a little sad. Why? Because this type of grain is a weird hybrid. It was developed using crude genetic manipulation and cross-breeding.
Nutrition Differences
Just how nutritious is modern wheat compared to older grains? One study published in the Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology suggests that grain produced from 1968-2005 is 19-28% lower in concentrations of minerals, such as zinc, copper, iron and magnesium. Coincidentally, that’s around the time modern grains were being crafted. Another study suggests older grains also contained more Selenium. These minerals and nutrients are essential to total body function.
Some nutritionists also point out that because the genetic compositions are different, modern grains can do much more damage to those with Celiac disease. Celiac disease is a harsh form of gluten intolerance that causes many people to adhere to a strict, non-gluten diet.
Additionally, one study found that older grains caused less adverse reactions than modern strains, that may be due to specific gluten proteins.
While gluten-intolerance is pretty widely known these days, not many people know that gluten is more than just one protein — it’s actually several. One of these proteins, Gila-α9, seems to be the biggest trouble-maker, potentially wrecking havoc on the body.
And guess what modern wheat is filled with? Yup, Gila-α9!
Because of this protein, it is theorized that modern grains have contributed to the growing cases of Celiac disease and gluten intolerances among the general population. More study is needed, but it’s definitely an interesting perspective.
Barley: The Wheat Alternative
If you want to give wheat a break, there are a few options. You can still find older grains thanks to the wonders of the Internet and in some specialty health stores. But we’d like to spotlight one of our favorites.
We’re talking about barley!
Barley happens be to an older cereal grain and one of the most cultivated. But what makes it different from wheat?
Well, it’s minimally processed. Considering wheat could be highly processed, we’ve already leveled up here.
On top of that, it contains natural minerals and antioxidants that aren’t present in refined and enriched grains. With a small of fat and calories, this is the perfect swap.
Barley Benefits
This grain can offer an array of benefits. According to Healthline, Barley can help support:
- Healthy blood pressure, with potassium, calcium and magnesium
- Bone health, with vitamins and antioxidants
- Heart health, by helping reduce cholesterol and fat
- The body’s response to inflammation, with choline (a phytonutrient)
- Digestion
- Weight Management
We love barley, which is why we use it for our Organic Just Barley juice blend. Specifically, we use the leaf (not the grain), grown in pristine, mineral spring water. But don’t worry, the leaf still holds chlorophyll, B-Vitamins and minerals.
This green juice can help support energy, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Ready To Make the Switch?
Like what you’re hearing? Try switching out wheat for barley. Plus, try our Organic Just Barely Juice, which can be integrated into any daily health regimen.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/modern-wheat-health-nightmare
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/295268.php
https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2017/what-are-the-health-benefits-of-barley-bread-fd.html
If you’ve ever perused the Pure Planet website or held our products in your hand, you might have noticed something that strikes you as something odd.
Is it that our fruits and veggies don’t have GMOs? Well… yes, we don’t believe in that icky stuff, but that’s not what we’re talking about.
The oddity that may perplex those who are proponents of fresh veggies and fruits is the fact that most of our superfoods come in the form of dry powder and capsules and tablets made with powder.
For some, this might seem like a strange way of eating your daily produce from powders and other forms. Conscious eaters are just like us and do everything they can to find out how their food originated and how it arrived in their hands. Which is why we strive to be transparent about our manufacturing and organic practices.
So, just how do we turn your favorites into powders and other forms? And is anything lost or gained during the process?
Good questions!
Let’s learn about that and more.
How Do We Dry?
Our methods are inspired by Mother Nature, herself. Most specifically, they are inspired by the mighty power of the ocean.
You see when the water crashes against the rocky edges of beautiful coasts, the tips of the waves evaporate into fine traces of salt and minerals, naturally.
We use a variety of drying methods that mimic this process, to create our blends. Here are just a few:
- Freeze
- Spray
- Oven Air
- Dehydration
- Vacuum
But what do these methods actually accomplish?
Another good question!
Mostly, these methods help remove water and moisture content from vegetables and fruits. The amount changes depending on the method. For example, dehydration removes about 90 t0 95% of moisture content and freeze drying removes 98-99.
But how is the method decided? And what fruits and veggies get which method?
Well, that falls on our trusted farm-partnerships who are highly experienced in agriculture and nutrition.
However, Pure Planet decides what superfoods to blend, based on their phytochemical properties and flavors. For example, our Organic Power Beets combines the power of beets, turmeric, and tart cherry to help support healthy recovery from exercises or a busy day!
Let’s be real. Nutrition is great, but at the end of the day, taste matters too.
That’s why our team works hard to identify which foods should go together to best benefit the body and tastebuds! Take for example our Choco-Mint Spirulina. Enjoy the nutritional benefits of spirulina, and the yummy taste of cacao and mint.
Sorry, we got on a flavor tangent! Back to ingredient drying details…
Are Any Nutrients Lost?
When drying our foods, you might wonder if any nutrients are lost.
While some research suggests that vitamins can be lost during this process, they are oftentimes minimal, according to the Alice! Health Promotion from Columbia University.
But guess what? There are also gains!
Freeze-dried fruits and veggies can be bountiful with extra nutrients, such as fiber, beta-carotene and potassium.
Plus, with water and other juices stripped from the produce, the calories and rich nutrients are straight from the food itself.
But there are more benefits too, other than optimal nutrition for your body!
What Are Other Benefits?
Packaging blends can be economically-easier for you. While fresh produce can rot and go bad just days after buying, our powdered blends can stay in your pantry for way longer.
Plus, the blends are convenient. Just pack a container in your bag for on-the-go. Can you imagine randomly pulling out a coconut from your bag and popping in a straw during a work meeting?
That would be a power move, but no, that’s not convenient at all! But you can definitely mix, stir or shake up some of our Coconut Water blend anywhere!
Have More Questions?
Transparency is key in keeping us pure and true since ’92. Drop us any questions you have in the comments below or post on our Facebook.
Sources:
https://www.livestrong.com/article/343417-freeze-dried-food-nutritional-information/
http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/nutrition-freeze-dried-vs-raw-fruits-and-vegetables
https://www.thereadystore.com/food-storage/8376/dehydrated-vs-freeze-dried-food/