Powerful Ingredients
Our products are scientifically formulated, utilizing ingredients individually demonstrated to augment cardiometabolic health. We’ve proven that combining them can yield rapid measurable health improvements. To view over 500 references supporting our ingredients and approach, click here.
Walnuts
Rich source of ALA's (essential omega 3 fatty acids) and antioxidants, both of which help reduce inflammation . The beneficial fat composition of walnuts has been shown to help lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels when eaten every day. Walnuts are also an excellent source of copper, folic acid, phosphorus, vitamin B6, manganese, and vitamin E.
Products that contain this ingredient: Anytime Sprinkle, Strawberry Banana Smoothie Mix, Blueberry & Cinnamon Oatmeal, Oats & Walnut Pancake Mix, Dark Chocolate Crunch, Peanut Butter Bar, Apple Cinnamon Bar, Dark Chocolate Walnut Bar, Lemon Almond Bar, Cherry Pecan Bar.
Almonds
Contain healthy fats (mono and polyunsaturated), fiber, antioxidants and plant sterols ie. all 4 building blocks for heart health. Note that it’s the brown skin which contains the antioxidants which is why we use whole raw almonds exclusively. Almonds are nutrient dense (high amounts of Vitamin E, manganese and magnesium). See also general notes on nuts as a category below.
Products that contain this ingredient: Anytime Sprinkle, Strawberry Banana Smoothie Mix, Blueberry & Cinnamon Oatmeal, Oats & Walnut Pancake Mix, Dark Chocolate Crunch, Apple Cinnamon Bar, Lemon Almond Bar, Cherry Pecan Bar, Peanut and Almond Nut Butter.
Pecans
Pecans are rich in monounsaturated fats, which can help lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol, contributing to a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. Pecans also contain antioxidants, including vitamin E, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, and essential minerals such as magnesium and potassium, which play roles in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.
Products that contain this ingredient: Cherry Pecan Bars.
Peanuts
Studies have demonstrated that regularly eating peanuts is associated with about a 20% lower death rate from heart disease. In fact, the Harvard Health Blog reports that eating peanuts (which are part of the legume family) appears to be just as potent for preventing heart disease as eating nuts.
Products that contain this ingredient: Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars, Peanut & Almond Nut Butter.
Flax Seeds
High in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber; flax seeds improve blood vessel function and have been shown to significantly reduce blood pressure. Daily consumption of flaxseed has also been shown to reduce blood glucose levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Like chia seeds, flaxseeds are rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid that can also act as an antioxidant and reduce lipid oxidation (lipid oxidation is important in atherosclerosis which is the buildup of plaque in arteries).
Products that contain this ingredient: Anytime Sprinkle, Strawberry Banana Smoothie Mix, Blueberry & Cinnamon Oatmeal, Oats & Walnut Pancake Mix, Dark Chocolate Crunch, Peanut Butter Bar, Dark Chocolate Walnut Bar, Lemon Almond Bar, Cherry Pecan Bar, Peanut & Almond Nut Butter.
White Chia Seeds
High in omega 3 fatty acids, protein and soluble fiber; chia seeds have been shown to help lower blood pressure, improve blood sugar levels, and help lower cholesterol (including lowering LDL, “bad” cholesterol) when consumed daily. Daily consumption of chia seeds has also been found to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke by inhibiting platelet aggregation. Because they avidly absorb and expand with water, chia seeds can help keep you fuller longer.
Products that contain this ingredient: Anytime Sprinkle, Strawberry Banana Smoothie Mix, Blueberry & Cinnamon Oatmeal, Oats & Walnut Pancake Mix, Dark Chocolate Crunch, Peanut Butter Bar, Apple Cinnamon Bar, Dark Chocolate Walnut Bar, Lemon Almond Bar, Cherry Pecan Bar.
Oat Bran
Oat bran is the outer layer of the oat kernel. This contains more soluble fiber than whole oats. Soluble fiber reduces the absorption of cholesterol into the bloodstream and therefore reduces cholesterol levels. Oat bran also contains more protein and B vitamins than whole oats (note – our oatmeal has high levels of whole oats so there’s also oat bran as part of that – basically equivalent in amount of oat bran found in the other products we make.
Products that contain this ingredient: Anytime Sprinkle, Strawberry Banana Smoothie Mix, Oats & Walnut Pancake Mix, Dark Chocolate Crunch, Peanut Butter Bar, Apple Cinnamon Bar, Dark Chocolate Walnut Bar, Lemon Almond Bar, Cherry Pecan Bar.
Whole Oats
Whole oats are high in antioxidants including avenanthramides which have anti-inflammatory and vasodilating properties, and may lead to better blood flow. Whole oats are also rich in beta glucan, a soluble fiber which prevents cholesterol absorption and reabsorption in the digestive tract. Beta glucan also helps modulate blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity and slowing down digestion. As a whole grain, oats are very filling and have been shown to aid weight loss.
Products that contain this ingredient: Blueberry & Cinnamon Oatmeal, Oats & Walnut Pancake Mix.
Saskatoon Berries
You can think of these as super blueberries. High in antioxidants and fiber these berries also deliver, manganese, magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, copper, carotene, and Vitamin C. Antioxidants are important for cholesterol management as LDL has to be oxidized to be incorporated into artery walls. Antioxidants reduce the proportion of LDL which becomes oxidized. The Saskatoon berries in our products are manufactured to our specifications in Manitoba, Canada.
Products that contain this ingredient: All.
Dried Cranberries
Cranberries have a high antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory properties. Like Saskatoon berries, cranberries help ensure that any LDL cholesterol that’s floating around is not oxidized. This is important because LDL has to be oxidized to be incorporated into artery walls.
Products that contain this ingredient: Anytime Sprinkle, Strawberry Banana Smoothie Mix, Blueberry & Cinnamon Oatmeal, Oats & Walnut Pancake Mix, Dark Chocolate Crunch, Apple Cinnamon Bar.
Raisins
Raisins contain fiber, potassium, and antioxidants and can help with lowering blood pressure, improving blood sugar levels, and improving heart health.
Products that contain this ingredient: Anytime Sprinkle, Strawberry Banana Smoothie Mix, Blueberry & Cinnamon Oatmeal, Oats & Walnut Pancake Mix, Dark Chocolate Crunch.
Blueberries
Blueberries have been shown to increase insulin sensitivity in people who are obese. This is important because as weight goes up, tissue sensitivity to insulin goes down leading to higher and higher blood sugar readings eventually culminating in the development of diabetes. Blueberries are also high in antioxidants and fiber and have been shown to support cardiometabolic health in multiple studies.
Products that contain this ingredient: Blueberry & Cinnamon Oatmeal.
Apples
An apple a day keeps the doctor away! By delivering plenty of whole food fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, whole-apple consumption has been shown to reduce LDL and total cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, and plasma inflammatory markers, while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol, and improving endothelial function.
Products that contain this ingredient: Apple Cinnamon Bars.
Strawberries
Full of antioxidants, strawberries also have anti-inflammatory properties. Other beneficial characteristics include a low glycemic index and a good source of fiber and vitamin C. So much so that the Strawberry Banana Smoothie Mix delivers 60+% of your daily vitamin C requirement.
Products that contain this ingredient: Strawberry & Banana Smoothie Mix.
Bananas
Filled with potassium which is important for heart health and blood pressure control; bananas also deliver plenty of fiber which means they not only help lower cholesterol but can also help improve digestion. Pectins and resistant starches found in bananas help improve blood sugar control after a meal.
Products that contain this ingredient: Strawberry and Banana Smoothie Mix, Oats & Walnut Pancake Mix.
Bittersweet Chocolate
Dark chocolate is rich in flavanols, which are antioxidants. Flavanols are responsible for the bitter taste – so the more bitter a chocolate, the better it is for you. Flavanols come from cacao. Over 70% cacao content is ideal in order to reap the health benefits associated with chocolate consumption. Our chocolate contains 72% cacao. Flavanols in chocolate have been shown to help reduce blood pressure.
Products that contain this ingredient: Dark Chocolate Crunch, Dark Chocolate Walnut Bars, and Peanut Butter Bars.
Carrot Powder
Made from dehydrated carrots; carrots are an excellent natural source of Vitamin A and fiber. As such they are an integral component of a diet that supports cardiovascular health. Interestingly, although vitamin A derived from whole food sources has been shown to improve health and reduce the risk of various diseases, especially cancer, vitamin A supplements have not panned out as a preventive measure.
Products that contain this ingredient: Oats & Walnut Pancake Mix.
Montmercy Cherries
Dried tart cherries are particularly high in anthocyanins, the antioxidant which gives tart cherries their distinctive red color and may be the key to their potential health benefits (antinflammatory effects which could help muscle/joint pain as well as support heart health). Some have even labelled cherries as nature’s ibuprofen.
Products that contain this ingredient: Cherry Pecan Bars.
Pea Fiber
Helps improve texture and retain moisture in baked goods. Contains fiber, numerous B vitamins, potassium, magnesium and iron. Fiber coming from peas may help reduce insulin resistance and improve gut microbiome health.
Products that contain this ingredient: Oats & Walnut Pancake Mix.
Vanilla Bean
Many foods tout “vanilla flavor” as an ingredient. Unfortunately, “flavor” delivers no health benefits. Which is why our vanilla notes come from real whole vanilla beans and seeds. Real vanilla beans can help lower cholesterol and are naturally rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants have been associated with a multitude of health benefits including reducing the impact of elevated LDL levels and lowering the risk of cancer and dementia.
Products that contain this ingredient: Oats & Walnut Pancake Mix.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon contains high levels of antioxidants and has been proven to help with LDL cholesterol and blood pressure control. Cinnamon has also been shown in multiple studies to help improve blood sugar levels.
Products that contain this ingredient: Blueberry & Cinnamon Oatmeal, Apple Cinnamon Bars and Oats & Walnut Pancake Mix.
Dates
Despite being naturally high in sugar dates don't significantly impact blood sugar levels. They contain high amounts of fiber and potassium and can help with inflammation, making dates not only sweet but also health promoting.
Products that contain this ingredient: Peanut Butter Bars, Apple Cinnamon Bars, Dark Chocolate Walnut Bars, Lemon Almond Bars, and Cherry Pecan Bars.
Psyllium Husk
Psyllium husk is the high-fiber component of plantago seeds, just like oat bran is the high-fiber component of Oat seeds. It is a rich source of soluble fiber and has been shown to help lower cholesterol in its own right. In addition, the fiber in psyllium husk supports a healthy gut microbiome, with all the downstream beneficial effects.
Products that contain this ingredient: Peanut & Almond Nut Butter.
Rosemary Extract
A natural extract from the rosemary plant, rosemary extract is very high in antioxidants, polyphenols and flavonoids. In addition to helping meet our antioxidant level goals, rosemary extract helps to naturally prevent spoilage - necessary for products that contain high levels of nuts and seeds. Rosemary is an evergreen shrub that grows in the Mediterranean Sea and sub-Himalayan areas. It contains several classes of compounds, including diterpenes, polyphenols, and flavonoids.
Products that contain this ingredient: Peanut & Almond Nut Butter.
Cranberry Seeds
Cranberry seeds are fiber superheroes, offering 1.6x as much dietary fiber as chia or flax seeds. Together with their omega-3 content, they help support heart health. They’re also a good source of zinc and help support a healthy immune system.
Products that contain this ingredient: Peanut & Almond Nut Butter.
Lemon Juice and Lemon Oil
Lemons are high in vitamin C, fiber, and various beneficial plant compounds. These nutrients are responsible for several health benefits, including supporting heart health, weight control, and digestive health. Lemon oil also has antioxidant properties.
Products that contain this ingredient: Lemon Almond Bars.
Blackstrap Molasses
Blackstrap molasses are a rich source of iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. In fact, ounce for ounce, blackstrap molasses contain more iron than eggs, more calcium than milk, and more potassium than any other food. Blackstrap molasses are also very rich in antioxidants, and a great source of these vital micronutrients.
Products that contain this ingredient: Peanut & Almond Nut Butter.
Whole Pinto Bean Flour
High in fiber and antioxidants whole pinto beans can help lower LDL. As a low glycemic index ingredient, pinto beans can also help with blood sugar regulation. Beans and lentils are central components in diets of people who live long well (Blue Zones).
Products that contain this ingredient: Dark Chocolate Crunch, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter and Dark Chocolate Walnut Bars.
Flaxseed Oil
Flax seed oil has exceptionally high ALA omega-3 fatty content and anti-inflammatory properties.
Products that contain this ingredient: Peanut & Almond Nut Butter.
Sea salt
We go out of our way to minimize the salt and sodium content of our foods whenever we can. Sometimes including it is unavoidable (like in our Pancakes which by necessity contain baking powder, a source of sodium, to help them cook properly). Occasionally, it’s purely to enhance the enjoyment of the food – because eating for heart health should not taste like cardboard. Although some roasted peanut butters come with no added salt, our nut butter is made with many more ingredients than simply peanuts and required just a bit of salt to bring the nut flavor forward. However, the amount is so small our nut butter still qualifies as a low sodium food.
Products that contain this ingredient: Peanut & Almond Nut Butter.
Plant Sterols
Natural plant components that block dietary and bile cholesterol absorption within the intestinal tract. In patients with high cholesterol, adding plant sterols to the diet can reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol by up to 12% without any adverse effects. Naturally high plant sterol intake is one reason why whole-food vegans and vegetarians display significantly lower LDL and total cholesterol levels, on average.
Products that contain this ingredient: All.
Dried Egg Whites
Necessary for pancake texture and high in protein. Read Dr. Klodas' thoughts on eggs. Note that the major concern regarding eggs is saturated fat and cholesterol content. Saturated fat and cholesterol are only found in egg yolks, so these are not an issue when using egg whites.
Products that contain this ingredient: Oats & Walnut Pancake Mix.
Arrowroot Flour
Used to hold together a gluten-free pancake. Contains potassium, iron, and B vitamins. B vitamins help lower homocysteine levels. Homocysteine elevations can make the lining of arteries more “sticky”, and more likely for cholesterol to glum on and promote plaque formation. Elevated homocysteine levels can be genetically driven or be related to B vitamin deficiency. If your homocysteine level is elevated, chances are high your doctor will check your B vitamin levels as the next step.
Products that contain this ingredient: Oats & Walnut Pancake Mix.
Aluminum-Free Baking Powder
Necessary to create a rise in the dough for pancakes. This does contain sodium but is the only source of sodium in this product.
Products that contain this ingredient: Oats & Walnut Pancake Mix.
General notes on nuts
Nuts are good sources of several micronutrients, as well as healthy fats (mono and poly-unsaturated fatty acids), protein, fiber, and various phytochemicals.
There is strong evidence that nut consumption lowers blood cholesterol and is associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
There is some evidence suggesting that nut consumption can improve blood sugar control in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Data indicates that higher nut consumption does not result in greater weight gain; rather, incorporating nuts into the diet may benefit weight control. Therefore substituting nuts for unhealthy snacks is a good strategy to avoid weight gain and improve the nutritional quality of one’s diet.
Discover the four building blocks of heart health.
Fiber
Found in foods like oat bran, flaxseed and dried fruit, fiber binds to cholesterol particles in the intestine and moves them out of the body.
Plant Sterols
Plant sterols - a group of substances made in plants such as nuts and seeds - block cholesterol absorption in the digestive tract.
Antioxidants
Found in foods like dark chocolate, berries and pecans, antioxidants help prevent the build-up of plaque in the blood vessels.
Omega-3
Omega-3s - essential fatty acids present in foods such as chia seeds, walnuts and flaxseed - reduce inflammation and help lower triglycerides while raising HDL (good) cholesterol.
