Omega Smart Bar Ingredients
Nutrition Bars Made from Natural Ingredients
Figs:Figs are a wonderful digestive aid- rich in the enzyme ficin. They also help to cleanse and soothe the intestines and maintain a healthy gastrointestinal tract.
Figs even contain omega3 fatty acids, which are associated with healthy heart and brain function, as well as lutein and beta-carotene which aids vision. Figs are a great source of potassium,(which helps with blood pressure) Nutritionists recommend figs for helping to lower blood cholesterol and blood pressure. Figs also contain vitamin B6, which is responsible for producing mood-boosting serotonin, lowering cholesterol and preventing water retention.
Adequate vitamin B6 plays an important role in regulating mental processes and mood. Vitamin B6 is also important in maintaining healthy hair and skin.
As a concentrated source of minerals they will enrich the blood, and help protect your body from oxidation by increasing plasma (blood) antioxidant capacity. Dried figs have a higher amount of the antioxidant polyphenol (ranging from 4 to 50 times higher).
- Antioxidants fight free radicals. which cause cellular damage.
- Reducing cellular damage means stronger nails, healthier skin, and shinier hair.
- They are a great source of fiber (containing both soluble and insoluble forms), flavanoids, and a strong anti-cancer agent known as benzaldehyde.
Low glycemic sweetener naturally derived from a cactus plant. Will not spike blood sugar levels.
Flax Seeds:
Omega 3's are needed by every cell in the body, yet most people are deficient, contributing to many forms of illness and degeneration! The benefits of flax seeds are truly amazing, here are just a few!
- The lignans in flax seeds benefit renal (kidney) function. Phytoestrogens have structural similarity to estrogen- great for menopause!
- Tones the stomach and intestines, (mucilaginous). Benefits any digestive disturbance.
- Help strengthen immune system and keep arteries clear.
- Contain antibacterial, antiviral, and anti fungal properties. Increase fat burning in the body.
- Improve bone strength, connective tissue health, and the condition of hair, skin, & nails.
- Contribute to brain function and the ability to learn and concentrate. Decrease inflammation.
- Speed wound and injury healing.
- Promote balanced hormone function, contributing to better sleep, mood, and energy levels.
Nuts:
Known in nutritional circles as the King of the Nuts! Almonds are alkaline, with a high mineral content (containing as much calcium as milk, high in magnesium, too). They pack 1/3 more protein than eggs and are rich in vitamin E. With manganese and copper- essential cofactors for SOD, they contribute to the production of an enzyme that inhibits free radicals in cells.
Walnuts are rich in Omega 3's, and have been shown to help maintain heart health. No surprise that they look like "little brains," as they have been shown to contribute to brain functioning. Most recently, these mighty powerhouses have been linked to lower total cholesterol levels- and, more importantly, reduced LDL (or "bad" cholesterol) levels.
Dark Chocolate:
Does chocolate have health benefits? Absolutely, and some pretty great ones- just go for the dark stuff! Ounce for ounce, cacao actually contains more polyphenols (antioxidants) than red wine and most fruits and vegetables. It is a wonderful source of magnesium, and even the fat found naturally in the chocolate bean is of the healthy monounsaturated variety. The high levels of phenols counter the plaque that clogs arteries, and dark chocolate has even been shown to help maintain blood pressure. The theobromine in chocolate relaxes the smooth muscle of the digestive tract (soothing an upset stomach), and is a natural mood lifter. It can even help to boost serotonin levels- a neurotransmitter that instills calm and relaxed feelings.
Coconut:
Unfortunately, for many years coconuts were a casualty of some very flawed studies back in the 70's, considered ancient by today's nutritional professionals! Fortunately, the public is now beginning to also become aware of the many virtues of this extremely healthful food.
- Composed of MCT's (medium chain triglycerides), coconut is easily broken down and utilized by the body as immediate fuel- not stored as fat in body.
- It helps to increase metabolism
- Supports weight loss
- Promotes thyroid function
- It is a natural antibacterial and antifungal, reducing the risk of infection. The caprillic acid in coconuts destroys pathogens (fungi & yeasts in body) as well as bacteria harbored in the mouth and gums.
- As if this weren't enough, Coconut also improves digestion and is a delicious way to help maintain the healthy appearance of skin, hair, & nails.
Fermented Soy:
Another "controversial" food- and its a no wonder, thanks to conflicting and sometimes alarming information.
Soy has been used for centuries as part of healthful diets, but, again, we are guilty of over processing (creating isolates, textured proteins, and a virtual flood of concentrated products) and then consuming those processed items with a "more is better" mentality.
For some people, the proteins found in soy are an allergen or may just be difficult to break down, leading to some gastrointestinal distress like bloating. Omega Smart uses only fermented soy ( never any isolates or flavor enhancers), which means (like miso and tempeh), its proteins are predigested, and therefore often well tolerated by those with gastrointestinal disorders. The big scare about phytoestrogens in soy is just that- a big scare, again, based upon very high doses of isolated and concentrated single components of what was once a natural whole food. Soy has been show to be beneficial (due to its phytoestrogen content) to many conditions from menopause to prostate cancer.
Please check the fermented soy link for more information.