Ingredient Glossary
Our formulas are comprised of two key elements: nutrition from whole food powders and function from functional ingredients. We choose the highest quality, most efficacious ingredients we can find, which we've meticulously sourced from all over the globe.
Explore the many functions, benefits, and traditional uses of our carefully-selected ingredients here.
Acerola cherry
This tiny fruit is one of the richest sources of vitamin C available, with 50–100 times more than oranges or lemons. This bright orange-red berry contains antioxidants such as carotenoids and anthocyanins. Acerola has been shown to support immune function, digestion, skin appearance, and energy levels.
Aloe vera
You’ve probably slathered aloe vera onto a sunburn, but did you know it’s also soothing to the gut? Aloe is rich in restorative bioactive compounds like amino acids, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, enzymes and antioxidants that support digestion, regularity, and healthy inflammatory levels in the gut and throughout the body.
Amla
Also known as the Indian gooseberry, this bitter berry has been a vital part of Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years used for its rich health benefits. Amla is high in antioxidants and phytochemicals like kaempferol, furosin, gallic acid, corilagin and quercetin that help fight free radicals and support immune function, digestion, and healthy aging.
Astragalus
Astragalus, a traditional medicinal herb that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, is a powerful and versatile plant used to promote health and longevity. In traditional Chinese medicine, astragalus is believed to strengthen the body's Qi, or life force, and promote healing. The herb contains the phytocompounds saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides that offer antioxidant and immune-supportive properties that give Astragalus its notable health benefits.
Banana
The banana is a dietary staple for many across the globe and everyone's favorite addition to smoothies, oatmeal, sandwiches, baked goods, lunchboxes, or as a quick, portable snack. Bananas were first cultivated in Southeast Asia where they were grown as an ornamental plant and for their medicinal properties. Bananas are considered to be the world's first fruit and their cultivation is thought to predate the cultivation of rice!
Originally, only green and red bananas were grown and had to be cooked to eat. The sweet yellow banana that we know today is a mutated version of the original varieties, and wasn’t discovered until the 1800s in Jamaica. Once realized that this banana could be eaten without cooking, this variety was cultivated and quickly became popular. Today, over 1,000 varieties of banana are available worldwide and an estimated 100+ million bananas are consumed annually.
While famous for high potassium levels, bananas are also good sources of fiber, resistant starch, vitamin C, magnesium, vitamin B6, manganese, and the essential amino acid tryptophan. Bananas support regular bowel function and the soluble fiber binds to and removes toxins in the gut. Resistant starch acts as a prebiotic that feeds beneficial gut bacteria to support overall gut health. Bananas also offer a potent source of readily available energy to help fuel the body through workouts and daily life.
Blackberry
This popular dark purple berry is an aggregate fruit composed of small drupelets that each contains a seed. This distinctive structure gives the berry its unique texture and appearance. Blackberries have a long history of use, dating back to ancient Greece and Roman times when they were used for their medicinal properties.
This nutrient-rich berry is high in vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, and contain beneficial phytonutrients like anthocyanins, flavanols, ellagitannins, and phenolic acids, which contribute to their high antioxidant capacity. They are also an excellent source of fiber, which supports gut health and digestion.
Blueberry
Arguably the most widely consumed berry throughout the world, the blueberry is originally a native plant of North America. In fact, Native Americans used blueberries as food and medicine long before European settlers arrived. Now, the blueberry is grown on nearly every continent as either wild or farmed berries.
This superfood is one of the most nutrient dense foods you can eat. While both farmed and wild blueberries offer significant health benefits, there are notable distinctions to consider. Wild blueberries naturally thrive in their native settings, such as forests or barrens, unlike their farmed counterparts that are purposely cultivated for commercial yield. Also, wild blueberries are smaller in size. Their higher skin-to-pulp ratio gives them a more complex, deeper flavor, and a richer concentration of anthocyanin antioxidants. Otherwise, both types of blueberries stack up closely in nutrient composition.
At Farmana, we favor organic wild blueberries for their superior phytonutrient content, rich flavor, and the simple fact that they flourish unaided in their natural habitats, untouched by human intervention up until harvest.
Calcium HMB
HMB (β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate) is derived from the essential amino acid leucine, which is crucial for facilitating muscle protein synthesis. HMB supports muscle protein synthesis while simultaneously hindering protein breakdown. It achieves this through the activation of the mTOR pathway, a pivotal system overseeing the regulation of muscle protein synthesis. Research has found that HMB supplementation helps to conserve muscle mass in both positive and compromised health states. Studies have also revealed that long-term supplementation could potentially improve muscular function in elderly adults, even in the absence of resistance training.
Carnitine L-tartrate
This naturally-occurring compound is found primarily in red meat, and in smaller amounts in chicken, milk and dairy products, fish, beans, and avocado. It is responsible for transporting fat into the mitochondria where it's converted into ATP for energy. Carnitine is important for energy production and metabolism and supports healthy glucose metabolism, lipid profiles, and body composition.
Carnitine helps preserve muscle glycogen and promote fat oxidation. It also spares the use of amino acids as energy sources during exercise, making them potentially available for new protein synthesis, and decreases the accumulation of lactate. It supports metabolic flexibility and the body's ability to switch between burning glucose and fat for fuel, which is critical for exercise and fasting.
Carrot
Carrots are one of the most popular and versatile vegetables in the world and come in a rainbow of colors, including orange, purple, red, yellow and white. Carrots are a descendant of wild carrots, aka the flower Queen Anne’s lace. The first carrots available were purple and yellow, and the modern orange carrot wasn’t cultivated until 1400-1500 BC.
Carrots contain an array of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber. While famous for their ability to improve vision, this is true mostly for orange carrots as they contain the orange carotenoid, beta carotene. This carotenoid converts to vitamin A in the body, which supports vision and immune health. The other colors have their own benefits: purple carrots are high in anthocyanins (anti-inflammatory), yellow carrots contain xanthophyll carotenoids (skin and eye health), and red carrots contain lycopene carotenoids (heart health).
Coconut water
Coconut water is known for its delicious, tropical flavor and is often referred to as “Nature’s Gatorade” because of its hydration properties. Coconut water is the clear liquid inside of young, green coconuts and is packed with a wide variety of nutrients, including electrolytes (potassium, magnesium and sodium), antioxidants (vitamin C and flavanoids), and cytokinins, a type of plant growth hormone that has immune, skin, and healthy aging benefits.
We source our coconut water from a socially responsible company who exclusively works with small family farms in India, the Philippines and Indonesia that are strategically chosen for their use of agroforestry & sustainable practices. These farms use intercropping, a regenerative agricultural practice in which the farms grow a variety of native crops, creating a symbiotic relationship where all plants thrive with a resulting increase in soil quality, nutrient density, and yield of all crops.
Collagen
Collagen is a type of structural protein that makes up as much as 30% of our body’s total protein and is found primarily in the skin, hair, joints, bone, and teeth.
Within our bodies, collagen is going through a continuous process of breaking down and renewing. Supplementing with collagen helps support this turnover by supplying the raw materials needed to make new collagen. Since our ability to produce collagen starts to decline as soon as we turn 20, this can be especially helpful to maintain skin health and promote healthy aging throughout the body.
Creatine
This naturally-occurring organic acid is found primarily in red meat and seafood. One of the key roles of creatine is to increase the phosphocreatine stores in muscles, which is required to regenerate ATP, especially during high-intensity activities that require rapid energy production. Creatine is also known to increase muscle mass and strength gains when combined with resistance training.
D-ribose
This simple carbohydrate occurs naturally in the body and is found particularly in cell's mitochondria, where it plays a crucial role in energy production. D-ribose is involved in numerous metabolic processes, including ATP synthesis and regeneration. During intense physical activity or periods of increased energy demand, ATP stores can become depleted. D-ribose acts as a building block to help restore ATP levels more quickly, supporting energy production and cellular function to promote faster recovery after physical activity.
Digestive enzymes
Our comprehensive blend of digestive enzymes is designed to break down a wide variety of hard-to-digest protein, fat, carbohydrates, starch, and fiber to ease the digestive process. Digestive enzymes are useful to take when eating a large meal, feeling bloated or uncomfortable, and with foods that you’ve found to be difficult for your body to digest (i.e. gluten, dairy, high fat foods)
Protein-specific enzymes:
Protease, bromelain (found in pineapple) and papain (found in papaya) break down larger proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids. Our combination of protease enzymes work within a wide pH range so they have activity throughout the GI tract in both acidic and neutral environments.
Carbohydrate-specific enzymes:
Amylase is an enzyme that begins digestion of large complex carbohydrates and starches.
Glucoamylase supports amylase activity by breaking down the polysaccharides released from amylase digestion.
Cellulase and hemicellulase helps break down the insoluble cellulose fiber in plant foods. Cellulose is part of the plant wall in fruits and vegetables, but humans don’t have enzymes to digest this fiber which can lead to digestive issues for some. Using supplemental cellulase and hemicellulase can improve digestion and nutrient absorption of plant foods.
Beta glucanase helps digest dietary fiber, including beta-glucans found in mushrooms, grains, and other plant-based foods.
Lactase digests lactose from dairy into glucose and galactose. While your body makes lactase, many people don’t make enough and notice intolerance to dairy with symptoms like bloating and gas. Using a lactase enzyme can help ease consumption of dairy products.
Fat-specific enzyme:
Lipase is the enzyme responsible for digesting fat by breaking down large triglyceride fats and lipids into smaller fatty acids and glycerol (the backbone of fat molecules) for easier absorption and utilization.
Echinacea
Echinacea, also known as the purple coneflower, is a herbaceous plant that is native to North America. It has been used for centuries by indigenous people for its medicinal properties and is now widely recognized for its powerful immune support. It contains several active compounds, including flavonoids and polysaccharides, which have been shown to stimulate immune function and quench inflammation. It is a staple to turn to when in need of bolstering seasonal defenses.
Elderberry
Elderberry, also known as Sambucus, is a shrub that boasts clusters of small, dark purple berries that are burstings with antioxidants and phytonutrients. The elderberry plant has been cultivated in different regions of the world, with different species found in Europe, China, the Rocky Mountains, and Mexico. Elderberry has a long history of use in European folklore and mythology, and was believed to have magical properties. In modern times, it has emerged as a powerhouse of health benefits, including its ability to bolster the immune system to help the body ward off seasonal threats.
Ginger
Ginger is a root vegetable widely used in culinary and as a medicinal herb, which is renowned for its robust flavor and a multitude of health benefits. This flowering plant produces a rhizome that grows in tropical regions around the world, and has been used for thousands of years as a spice, food additive, and traditional medicine by many cultures. In Chinese medicine, it's considered a warming herb that can be used to treat colds and flus. In Ayurvedic medicine, ginger is thought to help digestion and circulation, while also reducing inflammation and improving heart health.
The active compounds in ginger include volatile oils (gingerol and zingiberene) and phenolic compounds (shogaols). These unique phytonutrients are responsible for the many health benefits associated with ginger. Ginger is known for its benefits for digestive health, including its ability to reduce GI discomfort, nausea and vomiting. It has potent anti-inflammatory effects and can help reduce pain and soreness. Ginger has antimicrobial properties that are useful for protecting the body and boosting the immune system's ability to fight illnesses.
Glutamine
L-glutamine, commonly known as glutamine, stands out as one of the 20 amino acids found within proteins, making up 60% of your skeletal muscle. It is labeled as a 'conditionally essential' amino acid, indicating that while the body typically produces adequate amounts, it might struggle to meet higher demands during increased physical activity, injury, stress, or illness.
Glutamine is crucial for human health due to its key role in protein synthesis, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. It also significantly impacts gut functionality, digestion, and immune health. By aiding protein synthesis, glutamine supports the development of lean muscle mass, potentially enhancing recovery speed and diminishing muscle soreness following intense exercise. Supplementing with glutamine can be a game changer for those of us who may not consume sufficient protein in order to build and sustain muscle mass.
Goji berry
Also known as wolfberries, these small, red berries are packed with nutrients and are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, zinc, and fiber. They also contain a variety of active phytonutrients, including polysaccharides, beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein, phenolics, phytosterols, and betaine, which have potent antioxidant properties and support immune function, skin and eye health, detoxification, and healthy inflammatory levels.
Green tea extract
Green tea extract is a concentrated, more potent form of green tea that has many benefits. This extract is rich in antioxidants which promote exercise performance and recovery, and it supports the body's ability to burn fat for fuel which can aid in weight loss. The form we use contains 40% EGCg, which is a polyphenol and the prized health-promoting antioxidant found in green tea.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus is a beautiful flowering plant that is not only visually appealing, but has also been used in food and traditional medicine throughout the world. There are about 220 different species of hibiscus and the flowers come in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, orange, yellow, and white. The flowers of the hibiscus plant are edible and are used in many cuisines around the world in teas, jams, and as a garnish.
The species Hibiscus sabdariffa contains many beneficial compounds, including vitamin C, anthocyanins, beta carotene, protocatechuic acid, quercetin, polysaccharides, and organic acids. These phytonutrients help to support digestion, hydration, detoxification, and promote healthy blood pressure and body composition.
Lemon
Ah, the many uses of lemon. It’s one of the most versatile fruits: use it to flavor your water, brighten the flavor of sweet and savory dishes, add zest to baked goods, lighten dark spots on skin, refresh and hydrate your body, prevent food from turning brown, tenderize cuts of meat, and even as a natural cleaning solution. What can’t lemon do?
When it comes to your health, lemons are full of benefits there too. This citrus fruit contains vitamin C, flavonoids, citric acid and soluble fiber. Known for its high levels of vitamin C, lemons are great for protecting cells from damage and supporting immune function. Vitamin C also promotes collagen production and the health of skin, hair, bones, and joints. The acidic nature of lemon can help to stimulate the production of digestive juices, including stomach acid, bile, and enzymes, which can improve the breakdown and absorption of nutrients from food. The fiber in lemon helps promote digestion and elimination. Additionally, citric acid can help to improve the absorption of minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which are important for muscle function and energy production. Overall, lemon is a powerhouse that has an important place in our formulas, both for its flavor and its many functions.
Pineapple
Pineapple is a tropical fruit native to South America. It is not just a single fruit, but actually a group of berries that have fused together. Pineapple is the only known source of bromelain, a potent enzyme that digests protein. Coupled with its high fiber and water content, pineapple offers impressive benefits for digestion and overall gut health.
Beyond its digestive benefits, pineapple is rich in vitamin C and includes a variety of phytonutrients such as phenolic compounds (ferulic acid, gallic acid, sinapic acid) and flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, catechins). These act as antioxidants, combating free radicals in the body and supporting immune health and overall wellness.
Pomegranate
Pomegranate is a unique red fruit native to the Middle East that has been used medicinally for centuries. They are one of the oldest known fruits, with evidence of their cultivation dating back to ancient Egypt. Pomegranates are actually classified as a berry, and each fruit can contain hundreds of edible seeds called arils.
Pomegranates have been shown to support physical performance due to their high content of nitrates, which can improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles, leading to enhanced exercise capacity and endurance. Additionally, their antioxidant properties may help reduce exercise-induced muscle damage, leading to faster recovery and improved muscle function. This fruit can also support collagen production due to its high content of antioxidants and polyphenols, which can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and environmental stressors, making it a great food to incorporate into your diet to maintain healthy skin.
Purslane
Purslane is an edible leafy green vegetable that is commonly regarded as a weed. This plant can be found all over the world and while considered a weed in many areas, in others it is cultivated as a nutrient-dense leafy vegetable. Purslane has recently regained popularity due to its surprisingly rich nutritional profile, health benefits, and its ability to positively impact soil health and the environment.
From a nutritional standpoint, purslane has impressive nutrient stats. It is one of the few plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid. It’s a rare example of a plant high in omega-3s that doesn't grow in a marine environment. With 7x the beta-carotene of carrots, 6x more vitamin E than spinach, plus a healthy dose of vitamin C, glutathione, folate, magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, and even melatonin, purslane is a powerhouse in terms of nutrient content.
Thanks to its succulent qualities, purslane is remarkably drought-resistant, able to thrive in dry conditions where other plants may not thrive. It also absorbs carbon dioxide more effectively than many plants, helping to clean the air we breathe.
As a cover crop, the fast and dense growth of purslane can protect bare soil—conserving moisture, reducing erosion, and creating a microhabitat for beneficial insects and microbes that contribute to a vibrant soil ecosystem. Notable too is purslane's foray into space agriculture, where it's regarded for its nutrient profile, rapid growth, and adaptability to different growing conditions.
In short, purslane is not just a plant to pass by—it's a culinary ingredient, an eco-champion, and a testament to the surprising benefits of reevaluating the plants we take for granted.
Quercetin
Known as the “King of the flavonoids”, this powerful antioxidant is found in certain plant foods, such as apples, onions, berries, and grapes. This nutrition superstar helps fight free radicals and promotes healthy aging, normal inflammatory processes, and immune function.
Specific to immune function, quercetin influences both innate and adaptive immune responses, which support the body's short and long term defense mechanisms against pathogens. Quercetin is also known to stabilize mast cells, which helps reduce the release of histamine and other inflammatory signals. This makes it helpful in combating symptoms of seasonal allergies.
Spirulina
Spirulina is a blue-green algae that grows in both fresh and saltwater. It is one of the richest sources of chlorophyll, the green pigment that plants use to absorb energy from light. Spirulina is a nutrient-dense superfood rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and is known to have extensive health benefits. It is abundant in plant protein, which makes up 60-70% of its weight and contains the full range of essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. Spirulina is a good source of the vitamins β-carotene (vitamin A), along with vitamins B1, B2, B12, and vitamin E. Its β-carotene content is unusually high which is about 30 times higher than found in a carrot. Spirulina is exceptionally rich in vitamin B12, which is not typically found in plant-based sources.
The unique combination of phytochemicals and high nutritional content of spirulina give it many health benefits. Spirulina has been shown to support immune function and boost energy and endurance. It is a good source of fiber and serves as a prebiotic, feeding the beneficial bacteria in the gut. Spirulina also contains phycocyanin, a blue pigment with potent anti-inflammatory effects that fights free radicals and may help reduce inflammation.
Spinach
When you think of leafy greens, spinach is probably the first to come to mind. One of the original “superfoods”, this highly nutritious leafy green vegetable is well known for its dense nutrient profile and health benefits. Spinach is loaded with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K1, folate, iron, and calcium. Spinach is rich in antioxidants like lutein, beta carotene, zeaxanthin, quercetin, and kaempferol, which help reduce oxidative stress in the body.
Together, these nutrients provide a wide range of health benefits, including immune health, enhanced energy levels, eye health, improved bone density, and healthy digestion. Additionally, the nitrates in spinach help to support blood flow, which helps improve muscle function and is especially beneficial during exercise.
Tapioca fiber (resistant starch)
Tapioca fiber is a functional compound derived from organic cassava root. It acts as a resistant starch, which is a type of soluble fiber that resists digestion in the small intestine and then moves on to the large intestine where it is fermented by gut bacteria. This fermentation process produces short-chain fatty acids, such as butyrate, which acts as a fuel source that feeds beneficial gut bacteria. The positive effect that resistant starch has on gut microbiota supports regularity, toxin elimination, and immune function and helps protect against pathogens.
Cassava root offers significant environmental and soil health benefits when cultivated responsibly. Its deep root system helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion, particularly beneficial in erosion-prone regions. Cassava thrives in poor soil conditions and exhibits remarkable drought tolerance, making it an ideal crop for drought-prone areas. This resilience allows it to grow with minimal irrigation, thus conserving water and preserving soil structure.
The source of cassava root used in our products is grown organically using rotational cropping practices. This method involves alternating plant species in the fields, which enhances biodiversity and organic matter to help rebuild soil health and enrich soil fertility.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a root vegetable and spice commonly used in traditional medicine, cuisine, and religious ceremonies throughout India and Asia for millennia, which is recognized for its vibrant yellow hue and distinctive warm, slightly bitter flavor. However, turmeric is not just a flavorful addition to your meals—it also has a wide range of health benefits that have been backed by extensive scientific evidence.
Native to the plant Curcuma longa, turmeric is filled with a variety of health-promoting phytochemicals. The most notable phytochemical found in turmeric is curcumin, a yellow polyphenolic pigment, which has been extensively studied for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Curcumin is a potent antioxidant that scavenges and neutralized free radicals to prevent them from doing damage within the body. The anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin are also significant, helping maintain beneficial inflammation responses which thereby promote overall health. As a neuroprotective compound, curcumin plays a critical role in safeguarding the brain from both internal and environmental threats. It is also beneficial for gut health, as it improves gut motility, and supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, and assists digestion and nutrient absorption.