Ingredients and Benefits

Reviewed by: Dietician Larisa Páez

• Oat Bran
• Whole wheat oats
• Cinnamon
• Coconut
• Organic sugar cane
• Whole wheat flour
• Corn Starch
• Peanut
• Apple
• Molasses
• Raisins
• Wheat bran
• Sesame Seed
• Soy Protein
• Soy Lecithin

Oat Bran:

Previous as well as on-going studies continue to support the role of bran or oat flour as being directly beneficial in lowering cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart disease, which affects approximately 80% of people with diabetes.

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Whole wheat oats

Important source of soluble dietetic fiber; which helps to lower cholesterol levels which reduces the risk of coronary disease and controls blood glucose levels, which is important for people with diabetes

FIND IT IN: Natural Mix, Granola Bars

Cinnamon

It has been shown that the consumption of cinnamon in certain daily amounts reduces glycemia levels as well as triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and all cholesterol in people with diabetes type 2. The results of these studies suggest that the consumption of cinnamon can reduce the risks associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

FIND IT IN: Natural Mix, Granola Bars

Coconut

Coconut is highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals. Benefits have been attributed to this fruit such as: regulatory effect of the intestinal function, relief from arteriosclerosis, and regulation of the thyroid function.

FIND IT IN: Natural Mix, Granola Bars

Organic sugar cane

Organic sugar cane is a good substitute for sugar. Sugar cane doesn’t go through the same refinement process as sugar, so it contains more nutrients. In addition, it is a good source of riboflavin, a vitamin that helps with several vital metabolic processes in the body.

FIND IT IN: Natural Mix, Granola Bars, Soy Chocolate Chip Cookie, Soy Vanilla Cookie

Whole wheat flour

This product contains all of the wheat grain and all of the nutrients in flour that are found in nature, including fiber, vitamins and minerals. There is evidence that it reduces the risk of cardiac disease and diabetes. Nowadays, nutrition experts recommend the consumption of more whole grains to increase dietetic fiber. Eating a diet rich in fiber can help to reduce the risk of some types of cancer and can help lower cholesterol.

FIND IT IN:Whole Wheat Sesame Sticks, Whole Wheat Sesame Nachitos, Whole Wheat Sesame Bizcochos, Natural Mix

Corn Starch

The main benefit of corn starch with respect to other flours is the fact that it is gluten-free, which makes it suitable for people with celiac disease or who are gluten intolerant. Besides being easily digested, this type of flour is a good source of carbohydrates and minerals such as magnesium and phosphorus as well as vitamins E and A.

FIND IT IN: Cornbits, Natural Mix

Peanut

This oil product is good for one’s health because of its antioxidant properties which are necessary in protecting the body from illnesses associated with coronary disease or cancer. Besides containing high protein and monosaturated fat levels, that tend to lower blood cholesterol levels and promote cardiovascular health, it also contains important vitamins and minerals that help to prevent anticarcinogenic agents and to support brain function.

FIND IT IN:Granola Bars

Apple

Fruit that contains flavonoids, a type of antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and as a result has a protective effect against cardiovascular diseases and some types of cancer.

FIND IT IN: Granola Bars

Molasses

Molasses is a thick liquid product that comes from sugar cane. It contains carbonhydrates as well as several minerals, such as iron, copper, and magnesium. It also contains B vitamins which play an important role in our metabolism, such as the transformation of food into energy.

FIND IT IN: Granola Bars

Raisins

Recent studies show that raisins have more health benefits than was previously thought. On one hand, they have a positive effect on heart disease by stimulating the body to use its own cholesterol. Secondly, they help to reduce colon cancer and are among the most important antioxidant foods. In addition, they help to restore the acid-base balance in the blood after physical activity.

FIND IT IN: Granola Bars

Wheat bran

This is one of the richest sources of dietetic insoluble fiber, which reduces the risk of heart disease, colon cancer, diverticulus and obesity.

FIND IT IN:Granola Bars

Sesame Seed

Not only is it a source of many minerals such as copper and calcium, but also of Vitamin B1 and dietetic fiber. Besides these nutrients, sesame seeds contain substances called lignans (sesamin and sesamolin) that are beneficial compounds that help to lower cholesterol, prevent high blood pressure and protect the kidney from oxidative damage.

FIND IT IN: Whole Wheat Sesame Sticks, Whole Wheat Sesame Nachitos, Whole Wheat Sesame Bizcochos, Cornbits, Natural Mix, Soy Granola Bars

Soy

Soy Protein

Good substitute for animal products due to the fact that it contains a high amount of protein with less fat (especially saturated). According to scientific studies, a daily diet with 25 grams of soy protein, which besides being low in fat, cholesterol and sodium can help to reduce the risk of coronary disease.

FIND IT IN: Whole Wheat Sesame Sticks, Whole Wheat Sesame Bizcochos, Whole Wheat Sesame Nachitos, Natural Mix, Granola Bars, Soy Chocolate Chip Cookie, Soy Vanilla Cookie.

Soy Lecithin

Phosfolipid is rich in necessary substances for brain neurons, such as choline and inositol. Because of these properties it improves memory and helps the whole nervous system, including the skin. It is also a good hepatic contributor because it effectively emulsifies fats and reduces bad cholesterol. It is good for the heart, blood circulation and high blood pressure, among other things.

FIND IT IN: Whole Wheat Sesame Sticks, Whole Wheat Sesame Nachitos, Whole Wheat Sesame Bizcochos. Cornbits, Natural Mix , Soy Chocolate Chip Cookie, Soy Vanilla Cookie, Granola Bars

References:

• Alam Khan, Mahpara Safdar, Mohammad Muzaffar Ali Khan, Khan Nawaz Khattak, and Richard A. Anderson. 2003 Cinnamon Improves Glucose and Lipids of People With Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Care 26:3215-3218, by the American Diabetes Association, Inc.
• Liebman, B.  2006. Whole Grains. Nutrition Action Health Letter.  May2006, Vol. 33, Issue 4 p1. 4
• Pak, N.; Ayala, C.; Vera, G.; Pennacchiotti, I. y Araya, H. (1990). Fibra dietética soluble e insoluble en cereales y leguminosas cultivadas en Chile. Arch. Latinoamer. Nutr.. 40(1):116-125.
• Perry, P. 2005.DIABETES-STAYING FIT WITH FIBER. Saturday Evening Post, Jan/Feb2005, Vol. 277 Issue 1, p60-62, 2p, 2c.
• www.sciencedaily.com
• www.fda.gov
• www.whfoods.com
• www.nlm.nih.gov
• www.ucce.ucdavis.edu
• www.medicina21.com
• www.coconutresearchcenter.org
• www.asesorianutricional.com.ar