What is Fulvic Acid + Why Should You Use It?
June 14, 2019
If you’re looking for a natural substance that can not only help boost your health on the inside while encouraging clear, fresh skin on the outside, then you’ve stumbled to the right place. Today, we’re talking about fulvic acid and its benefits.
We know what you’re thinking: what the heck is fulvic acid? To be honest, it doesn’t really sound all that appealing. It kind of sounds like it comes straight out of a nuclear power plant or superhero movie. Luckily, it will not give you radioactive super powers, but it can give your body some natural super powers. We’ve been pure and true since 1992, so no chemically-altered ingredients here, just pure superfoods.
Interestingly enough, these organic compounds come straight from the earth (literally!). Even though it is widely available, it can be a little hard to find in stores. You’ll have to look into specialty health places to get your hands on some (or you can visit pureplanet.com, of course).
Allow us to shed some light on why we love this natural acid and why we think you’ll love it too.
What is Fulvic Acid?
Fulvic acid is a humic substance, meaning it is organically found in soil, bodies of water, and particular foods. Some believe this acid helps give greens and fruits some of their minerals when they are grown in rich soil.
As a supplement, you’ll likely see it as a yellow powder or in liquid form.
What Does It Do?
Acting as an electrolyte and mineral, this acid helps the body cleanse toxins and boost nutrient absorption (1). In more scientific terms, the acid helps convert inorganic substances to organic substances that our bodies can easily use. What’s more, fulvic acid helps the body at the cellular level (2). It helps cells become more permeable, so that they may absorb more water, but release toxins and metals in a chelation process (3). Like chlorella, this is a must-have in any detox regimen.
Here’s how the unique properties affect major body functions.
It encourages metabolism and digestion
Because of its cleansing benefits, fulvic acid can help rid the gut of “bad bacteria.” What’s more, the acid works like a prebiotic to create a safe space for the “good” bacteria to live in the stomach. In essence, you just found your probiotic’s best friend! Reminder: Probiotics are great for nurturing your gut’s bacterial flora and can be found naturally in foods or drinks, like apple cider vinegar.
Plus, some studies suggest that trace minerals found in the acid boosts metabolism by helping to digest protein and carbs quicker. It’s a digestive powerhouse, which is why we like to use it every day.
And guess what? This process can help your skin too!
Fulvic acid may help the body respond to inflammation & improve healthy appearance of the skin
Through detox, fulvic acid promotes healthy elimination of chemicals that contribute to free radical production. Free radicals help the body in some ways, but too many can lead to inflammation, wrinkles and skin damage. These chemicals are in highly processed foods and even polluted air.
What’s more, this natural acid boasts antioxidants that naturally fight free radicals. Anecdotal evidence suggests skin appears more tightened and tone after use; however, more research is needed to confirm this.
Either way, fulvic acid is definitely one of the easier beauty tools to use that won’t require you to watch a 20-minute make-up tutorial and fail miserably (come on Kylie Jenner, it looked so much easier when you did it!) It’s really awesome when superfoods, like rice bran solubles, are able to help us feel beautiful on the inside and out.
It may help boost your workouts and encourage recovery
As a natural way to fight free radicals and prevent inflammation, this compound makes for a great workout recovery supplement. Your muscles will thank you! Because the acid contains electrolytes, it can also help replenish those lost while you were sweating up a storm. In other words, it helps your stay hydrated.
Plus, mixing fulvic acid with your plain water is much more beneficial to your than chugging a sports drink, full of sugar. We recommend mixing it with some beet juice to keep you energized. Or at the end the night with a little tart cherry to lighten the day’s load on your muscles and inspire some deep sleep.
Looking for a Natural Source?
For any supplement, it is important to choose products that are made naturally and do not contain any fillers. We offer two super potent fulvic acid blends: Ionic Elements (mixed with trace minerals) and Fulvic Zeolite (mixed with zeolite).
Cited Studies:
- Carrasco-Gallardo, C., Guzmán, L., & Maccioni, R. B. (2012). Shilajit: a natural phytocomplex with potential procognitive activity. International Journal of Alzheimer’s disease, 2012.
- Man, D., Pisarek, I., Braczkowski, M., Pytel, B., & Olchawa, R. (2014). The impact of humic and fulvic acids on the dynamic properties of liposome membranes: the ESR method. Journal of liposome research, 24(2), 106-112.
- Christl, I., Metzger, A., Heidmann, I., & Kretzschmar, R. (2005). Effect of humic and fulvic acid concentrations and ionic strength on copper and lead binding. Environmental science & technology, 39(14), 5319-5326.
More Sources:
Trouble Getting Your Daily Greens? Try These 4 Easy Steps
March 8, 2019
Think back to the days of your childhood. You sat at the kitchen table, glaring at your plate. Maybe you had a traditional, American dinner: something like chicken, mashed potatoes and brussel sprouts. But your eyes and mind wandered to the cookie jar sitting on the counter.
Your mom promised you could have one…ONLY if you ate all your food.
So, what was the problem? Well, the tree-like stalks leered straight into your soul. You kicked and pleaded, maybe even ducked them under the potatoes, but to no avail — you had to choke them down eventually.
As kids, we are somehow conditioned into thinking vegetables are bad. That leads to issues down the road. Actually, some kids were so averse to eating veggies that as grown adults, they still don’t get their servings.
If that’s you, don’t worry. Let’s work together to get your daily green on! Here are some tips on how to do that.
Don’t fight it — embrace the salad.
Salads get a bad rap. Often seen as just a dieters nightmarish and mundane go-to lunch, there’s actually a lot going on in these dishes.
You see, they don’t have to look sad, like a random leaf fell into your lap. Instead, color it up. In fact, Diabetes Forecast (a magazine counterpart of the American Diabetes Foundation) suggests to add some fruits to help supply more nutrients that the body needs.
But you don’t have to add just those. Mix it up. Don’t like lettuce? Try kale and bok choy. Don’t be afraid to add some protein, too: chicken, turkey or vegan options like tofu or Beyond Meat. (The latter is lathered in spices that really complement veggies).
Pro Tip: Add some quinoa for some extra crunch and to help fill you up.
Read up.
For some people, learning about specific benefits can help ignite a burning, healthy fire.
Yes, we know that might sound boring. So, here’s a few quick and important benefits from Healthline, Greatist and the United States Department of Agriculture.
- Veggies can help supply natural sources of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Tired of having to take so many pills for separate vitamins, like A, C and K? These leafy goods can help. You’d be surprised how much more energy you might have and other benefits from simply adding some to your diet.
- Dark varieties are low in calorie and carbs, but high in satiating quality. If you ever felt like you need to eat too much to actually feel full, these will help fill you up, without adding on excess calories and weight. That brings us to the next and (one of the best) benefits.
- They can also help support weight loss. Well, duh! They can help support healthy digestion and metabolism, which can help drop those lbs.
- Veggies can help support the immune system. We tend to think that only fruits can help give us an immunity boost, but nope. In fact, cruciferous vegetables, like kale, broocoli and cabbage, can help regulated intraepithelial luymphocytes (IELS), which can protect the body from bacteria that live in the skin and intestine lining.
Pretty cool, right?
Craving more interesting and specific info? Give this a read!
Look for daily green-products that you love, not ones you’ll hate.
Part of the problem is that we go into eating greens as if it’s a chore, when it’s not. So, go on a food excursion. Find out your favorite tastes.
So, if you don’t like kale, then you should probably skip over it. You could also force yourself to eat it, but just saying, you’re going to hate your life.
Keep the green train going by finding something more up your alley. Need a suggestion? Swap out some of your favorite snacks with veggie-packed equivalents. This could be one way to help break out of a negative thinking cycle (and help you feel less guilty when snacking). Instead of “cutting something out,” you’re merely swapping or trying new things.
Here’s what we mean. Like to snack on chips during lunch? Try veggie chips or veggie-sprinkled, “power popcorn” (recipe here). Like to sip on shakes? Try green drinks, like our Best of Greens. Containing organic cereal grasses (like barley) and sea vegetables (like spirulina), this synergistic blend packs a delicious taste with some healthy perks too. Plus, we have a Lemon flavored version available for those of you who really hate the tastes of vegetables.
As you can see, you have a lot of options. Find your favorites and keep looking.
Start small and sprinkle up your meal.
You don’t have to go full force, replacing every meal with these healthy colors. In fact, you shouldn’t. Going cold turkey might make you hate the whole process.
Instead, sprinkle up your meal. No, we don’t mean adding that sugary cake topping to your dinner. We mean sprinkling in greens where you can.
The United States Department of Agriculture gives great recommendations for how to do this. Add one serving to each meal that you can. Don’t force yourself to go overboard (it’s not necessary). You can eventually work your way up to the recommended two and half cups.
Here’s a really easy way to start tonight. Having protein and rice for dinner? Add some spinach or bok choy. Eating a soup for lunch? Add collard greens. Eating eggs for breakfast? Add some steamed broccoli for some iron.
Pure Planet Best of Greens
At Pure Planet, we recognize the importance of eating vegetables daily. That’s why you can find the freshest of veggies in many of our blends. Head to PurePlanet.com for a look!
What Are Beets Good For? 3 Benefits You Should Know
February 8, 2019
Let’s be honest–fruit and veggies didn’t quite excite all of us in childhood. It didn’t help that this was the era before foodie culture, when beets were often served straight from the can.
While “beet” certainly rhymes with “feet,” we are way too mature to let anything dissuade us from our love of this earth-made red-purple superfood. In fact, here at Pure Planet we LOVE our beet juice pick-me-ups (keep scrolling to see what we mean).
Here are the top reasons why we have made beets a part of our daily routines.
They can help improve your weight loss milestones.
Live Strong reports that this root vegetable can help you lose weight. And why is that? Well, their nutritional trade-off is among the best of any fruit and veggie. They boast:
- Low calorie density and fat, meaning they are lower-calorie but help you feel full
- Dietary fiber (both soluble and insoluble), which helps digestion
- Vitamin-rich properties, containing magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and iron
Their nitrate-availability also play a role, improving your exercise performance. If you don’t have this red beauty in your weight-loss regimen, you should get to it. They can be added in your salads and burgers, or even in your juices and smoothies. Along with spirulina, this is a must-have.
Beets can be beneficial for your gym goals.
That’s right. Ditch the Gatorade, because this veggie can help you work on your fitness. That’s because it contains a high amount of nitrates. These plant chemicals are especially helpful when converted to nitric oxide. Healthline reports that they help improve mitochondria efficiency, which just means creating more energy in your cells.
Plus, human studies have been pretty positive. One study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, found that the nitrates helped improve performance (1). The randomized, double-blind, crossover study followed 7 men as they consumed beetroot juice every day for six days while completing both low and high intensity workouts.
The root improved oxidation, which may be the reason that the men were able to exercise for longer.
Researchers from Saint Louis University found similar results in their study, published in Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (2). Fit men and women participated in treadmill trials after consuming beetroot and a placebo on a separate occasion. While there was no change in heart-rate, the participants enjoyed lower “perceived exertion,” which helped them run.
Researchers in a different study, published in Acute Topics In Sport Nutrition, found that these benefits are more likely when you consume the veggie about 2 to 3 hours before your exercise (3).
But exercise isn’t the only way beets can benefit your health.
They can help improve blood pressure and lower oxidative stress.
In addition to vitamins, beets contain betalain, which is pigment that gives the veggie its color. Plant pigment chemicals aren’t just for aesthetics, they can also boost health benefits.
In this case, betalain can act as as antioxidant, providing an anti-inflammatory aid. While not many human studies have explored this, nutritionists and holistic health practitioners believe that veggie can help reduce oxidative stress, which in turn, would help with inflammation (4).
Oxidative-properties are one of the main reasons that beets are so great in workout regiments. But this property also makes it great for a healthy blood pressure regimen.
In some studies, beets helps improve lower blood pressure. In the Journal of Nutrition, researchers found that 23 men found improvement when eating bread enriched with beetroot. For this reason, the author’s of the study recommended the veggie to be studied as a new treatment for hypertension.
Getting Your Beets
Most nutritionists recommend getting your beet nutrition from whole foods. That’s why our premium blends are based ONLY from whole foods sources.
If you’re looking for a way to include beneficial beets in any of your regimens, we have two specific mixes:
- Organic Power Beets (Pre-workout) – Optimized with yerba mate and rhodilia root, this mix helps boost energy and performance.
- Organ Power Beets (Rapid Recovery) – Optimized with tumeric and tart cherry, this mix helps foster energy and joint-recovery.
3 Ways Tart Cherry Can Help You Recover Post-workout (Plus, a Simple Smoothie Recipe)
January 25, 2019
All aboard the tart cherry hype train. We’ve recently talked about how the bright-red fruit can provide better sleep (with science-backed evidence), but there are barrels more to share about this tart little treasure.
Not only can it help you catch those deep z’s, but it can possibly encourage recovery for athletes post-work, and be a loyal companion to muscles, tendons, joints, injuries, aging and uric acid build-up! It sure is quite the list, so we’re going to keep it simple for today’s blog. Read on to learn more about post-workout, muscles and inflammation.
Tart cherry might help with muscle pain associated with running.
Runners, rejoice! When you’re going hard on the treadmill (or making the rest of us jealous as you stroll down suburban streets), this extract can help keep the bounce in your stride.
In one study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, researchers studied how the dark red fruit’s juice could affect the stressed tension long distance runners feel after a session (1). The randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial followed 54 runners both before and after a race. One group of participants consumed tart cherry twice a day for 7 days before their race, while they other took a placebo.
So, what did the researchers find? Both groups reported pain after their trek (obviously, we feel it too just reading about it.) However, the group who ingested cherry juice reported a smaller increase in pain than the placebo group.
So, adding a drop of extract in your water or taking a quick shot of it (like you might with apple cider vinegar) before and after your ellipitcal-sesh may not be a bad idea. It could help with soreness in the long-run.
The juice might also help reduce muscle damage associated with strength exercises.
Okay, so maybe you’re not a runner. If you’re more likely to perform strength exercises, tart cherry can still make up an essential part of your recovery routine.
In one study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, researchers investigated the effects of Montmorency cherry juice and how it affects pain and damage felt after intensive unilateral leg exercises. (2)
Researchers focused the trail on ten seasoned athletes and over the span of two separate tests. The participants consumed the extract 7 days before their exercise and two days after the test. Exercise on both legs were accounted for. Finally, researchers took venous blood samples and analyzing for high C-reactive protein count (an inflammatory marker), total antioxidant capacity, creatine activity and more data related to oxidative muscle damage.
Here’s what they found: the tart cherry juice concentrate helped improve these markers, signaling a reduction in damage that can be caused by intensive lifting.
So, sprinkling this cherry into your water, smoothies or healthy snack on leg day could be a total game-changer for minimizing muscle damage.
It may also help encourage inflammation-reduction.
Because of its antioxidants & anthocyanins, tart cherries’ juice may help your body respond to inflammation.
One study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports studied how its benefits concerning oxidative stress and muscle damage related to inflammation in marathon runners (3). For this trial, participants drank either cherry juice or a placebo before five days before their marathon run and and two days after.
What were the results? The cherry group showed signs (reduced C-reactive protein levels and other markers) of less inflammation when compared to the placebo group. Plus, the group showed higher lipid peroxidation. In English — their muscles were recovering better.
Simple Post-workout Smoothie Recipe
Ready to give tart cherry a try? Besides adding it to a glass of water each day, it can easily work in any smoothie, too.
We recommend using our Organic Tart Cherry extract in this sweet post-workout smoothie, based on Very Well Fit.
For this recipe, you’ll need:
- Frozen or fresh fruit (about 1 cup). We recommend pineapple or berries for some tropical feels. You can also go with beets for a oxidative boost. Cherry and beets make a surprising tasty pair. That’s why they’re both ingredients in our Organic Power Beets – Rapid Recovery mix.
- Spinach or kale. Pick an essential green and chop it up. Don’t go over half a cup (you don’t want to overpower the taste).
- Your choice of yogurt or smoothie-base. We love a good non-diary, almond yogurt, but you can adjust to your liking. Just keep it under half a cup. Feel free to also use a protein-blend.
- Tart cherry extract/juice. Obviously, this extract is the star of the show. You’ll want to tailor the amount to taste. We would recommend starting with one or two tablespoons first, then go from there.
Using our Tart Cherry for a smoothie or other delicious concoction? Tag us on Instagram or post on our Facebook page.
- Kuehl, K. S., Perrier, E. T., Elliot, D. L., & Chesnutt, J. C. (2010). Efficacy of tart cherry juice in reducing muscle pain during running: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 7, 17. doi:10.1186/1550-2783-7-17
- Bowtell JL, Sumners DP, Dyer A, Fox P, Mileva KN. Montmorency tart cherry juice reduces muscle damage caused by intensive strength exercise. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 2011;43:1544-1551.
- Howatson G., McHugh M.P., Hill J.A., Brouner J., Jewell A.P., van Someren K.A., Shave R.E., Howatson S.A. Influence of tart cherry juice on indices of recovery following marathon running. Scand. J. Med. Sci. Sports. 2010;20:843–852. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2009.01005.x.
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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
