Spire Nutrition

  We all know that eating our vegetables is good for us, but did you know that there are actually specific compounds in plants that can have positive health effects? These dietary phytochemicals (pronounced "fight-oh-chemicals") can do everything from boosting our immune system to protecting our cells from damage. Read on to learn more about these amazing nutrients and how they can benefit your health! Phytochemicals protect plants and in turn protect us Who knew plants know how to fight back? Their phytochemicals are substances they produce to defend themselves against predators, pests, disease and other environmental stressors. It turns out that these chemicals can also do us a favor and give our own health a boost! Fruits and vegetables – colorfully packed with phytochemicals – are some of the primary sources of these noteworthy chemicals which have many health benefits. Basically, phytochemicals are bioactive compounds that get produced in plants as a defense mechanism. T...

Polyphenols are a type of micronutrient found in plant-based foods. They have various health benefits, including reducing inflammation, protecting against cell damage, and improving cardiovascular health. Polyphenols can also boost cognitive function and help prevent Alzheimer's disease. Because of their many health benefits, it's important to include polyphenols in your diet. This can be done by eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, or by taking a polyphenol supplement . Polyphenols are micronutrients found in plant-based foods Polyphenols are micronutrients found in a variety of plant-based foods including fruits, vegetables, grains, chocolate and tea. They belong to a larger class of chemical compounds called 'phytochemicals', and have recently been studied for their potential health benefits due to the polyphenol-rich diets consumed by populations who traditionally enjoy good health outcomes. In particular polyphenols are known to possess antioxidan...

  Beta-glucan is a type of soluble fiber whose main health benefits come from grains, oats and barley. Besides enhancing cardiovascular health, it is also shown that it increases immune system activity as well as stabilizes blood sugar. The article examines the effects that beta glutamate has on your body and how you feel about it. What is beta glucan? Beta glucan is a substance that is found in bacteria, plants and some foods, including bread, grains, and mushrooms. This is a polysaccharide composed of a string of sugar molecules that join together. Beta glucans boost the immune system and kill tumor cells. Food Sources of Beta-Glucan Beta-glucan has been detected in grazed barley and sorghum. Many mushroom varieties can be beneficial for beta-glucan like oysters and shiitake mushrooms . Beta-Glucan can be found mostly in raw materials, however eating grain is not possible because of processing or cooking needs. Keep all grains in the same natural state as possible. For example,...

We all know that Omega-3 fatty acids are important for our health. But did you know that algae oil is a great vegan source of these essential nutrients? Algae oil provides the body with EPA and DHA, which are the two most active forms of Omega-3. In addition to being vegan, algae oil has some other benefits over fish oil. It's lower in toxins, for one. And it's more sustainable, since we don't have to worry about overfishing. So, if you're looking for a healthy, vegan Omega-3 supplement, give algae oil a try! You might be surprised at how good it is for you. Did you know that the Omega-3s from fish oil actually come from algae? Fish get their omega 3s from eating algae. Algae is a type of plant and marine organism that grows in water and contains essential fatty acids like omega 3s. Fish feed on algae, which is why they are able to obtain the omega 3s from it. Omega 3s are important for the health of both fish and humans, so it is important for fish to have access to al...

  When you have kidney disease, it's important to be mindful of the foods you eat. That includes making sure you're getting enough nutrients, but also avoiding foods that could put strain on your kidneys. Bread is a common staple in many people's diet, so finding bread recipes that are safe for people with chronic kidney disease recipes can be a challenge. But don't worry, we've got you covered! Here are some delicious and nutritious bread recipes for those with kidney disease. Enjoy! For those with kidney disease, it's important to avoid bread with too much sodium, potassium, and phosphorus Individuals with chronic kidney disease may need to monitor their intake of potassium, phosphorus, and sodium. There are many bread recipes that fit this dietary requirement, allowing them to enjoy bread while still sticking to their health conditions. For example, wheat bread can be a great choice as it is low in all three components and is readily available in stores. Howe...

  We often think of ancient civilizations as being primitive and backwards compared to our own. But did you know that the Egyptians had a highly developed society, with impressive feats of engineering, architecture and agriculture? And some experts believe that a key ingredient in their success was Kamut wheat. Could this ancient grain have been the secret to Egyptian civilization? Let's take a closer look at the evidence. Kamut, also known as Khorasan wheat, is a grain with a long history DNA analysis suggests that this ancient grain originated in the Fertile Crescent region of the Middle East and it is believed to have been first cultivated by the ancient Egyptians over 4,000 years ago. The fact that some seeds were recovered from the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamen adds evidence to its links with ancient Egyptian civilization. Its modern popularity stems from its nutrition value and flavor - higher protein content than modern durum wheat and a sweet nutty taste distinguish Kamut’s g...

Are you a fan of tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, or eggplants? If so, you may be eating nightshade vegetables. These plants are part of the Solanaceae family and are native to various parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and South America. While nightshades have been staple foods in many diets for centuries, there is some debate over whether or not they are good for your health. So what’s the verdict? Are nightshades Deadly or delicious? Let’s take a closer look. From French fries to tomato soup, we’ve all enjoyed foods made with nightshade vegetables. These plants are packed with nutrients like vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. They also contain compounds like the antioxidant lycopene and capsaicin that have been linked to health benefits like reduced inflammation and cancer prevention. But some people believe that nightshades may also be poisonous because they contain alkaloids like solanine, chaconine, and tropane alkaloids. High levels of these compounds can cause symptom...

Secretly tucked away on the grocery store shelves there is a nutritional powerhouse that you should be paying attention to. The ancient Aztecs had a secret weapon in their quest to dominate the region: amaranth. This little-known superfood was a key part of their diet, and now we're uncovering the benefits of this powerful grain. From its nutrient-rich composition to its potential health benefits, amaranth is a hidden gem that deserves our attention. Stay tuned as we explore the history and benefits of this fascinating food called amaranth. There are over 70 species of amaranth While there are over 70 Amaranthus species of genus Amaranthus, only a few are commonly used for food. The few species that are used as grain are collectively known as grain amaranth. Many of the others are wild or are used for ornamental purposes. You could also try to plant amaranth in your yard for its beauty! The ornamental plant can grow up to 6ft tall. So be sure to give it lots of space in your grade...