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AUG 06, 2024

The Dangers of Gummy Vitamins: It Not Worth It.

How Healthy Are Gummy Vitamins? These days taking gummy vitamins can be sweeter than ever. But is it good for you? Growing number of companies are selling gummy vitamins ranging from multivitamins to collagen. They look and taste a lot like candy. Come in all different colors, size and playful shapes. But the sad reality is they are ineffective, possibly harmful, and a complete waste of money.  Too Much Sugar There are many doctors that are saying buyer beware of gummy vitamins. Gummy vitamins contains sugar.  Gummy vitamins can carry 2 to 8 grams of sugar which means 90% sugar and 10% vitamins. That is like getting 90% ice and 10% drink. If you think sugar free gummies are better, there are some concerns as well. Sugar free gummies contain sugar alcohol which can cause unpleasant GI affects like bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abominable pain. Consumer labs (consumerlabs.com)  is consumer advocacy organization that has done some extensive research about the problems with gummy vitamins has stated that there is more sugar (nearly up to 90% sugar than vitamins). In addition, sugar alcohol taking daily may lead to diarrhea, stomachaches and bloating.  Low Quality means No Benefits Another issue with gummy vitamins is quality. Gummy vitamins lose potency faster when it’s in gummy form (Consumerlabs.com). In other words, they may not even work. The label on gummy vitamins are not accurate because the it loses potency over time. If you are taking collagen gummies you may be taking less than .5 gram of collagen which like taking no collagen. Some manufactures overcompensate by adding more potency which can be harmful as well. For example, fat-soluble vitamin gummies like A, D, E, and K can build toxic levels in the body if take in excess. (WebMD).   Artificial Ingredients Gummy Vitamins often contains artificial food dyes and fillers to give them appealing textures (WEBMD). It should be noted that vegetarian gummies vitamins are made with pectin which is derived from citrus fruit peels and apples. The problem with pectin is it must be combined with other substance like sugar and acids (methoxyl).   Solutions Don’t take gummy vitamins.  Gummy vitamins have many downsides, compared with traditional supplements. The dosage of gummy vitamins can be unreliable. Also, chances are that by the time you eat your gummy, its vitamin content will have degraded. The better option is to take traditional pills, powders, capsules and tablets.   Don’t take gummy vitamins, collagen, creatine etc Take capsules Take powders Avoid Pectin, sugar alcohol and sugar based gummies   

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JUL 30, 2024

The Science Behind Healthy Aging with Hearthy Collagen

Staying physically active and mentally fit Hearthy Collagen In the clinical trial funded by PB Leiner, a research team at Florida State University found that Hearthy Collagen supplementation not only helps to relieve joint pain for active middle-aged adults and increases their daily living activities but it now also has a proven effect on their mental well-being. PHYSICAL EXERCISE NURTURES HOLISTIC HEALTH Across the globe, healthcare tendencies are shifting from a curative approach to a holistic take on well-being, with consumers not only working on their physical fitness but also carefully tending to their mental and emotional well-being. Especially among Boomers and Gen X, the desire to feel well and age gracefully are top drivers behind pursuing a healthier lifestyle, and this also applies among Gen Z and Millennial consumers. Being physically active is closely linked to mental well-being in people’s minds: when asked about the steps they had taken over the past 12 months to improve mental and/or emotional well-being.  PAIN AND DISCOMFORT HINDER MIDDLE- AGED ADULTS IN THEIR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY At the same time, joint health is a major concern for active adults worldwide. Research shows that 93% of those aged between 45 and 59 years have concernsabout joint and muscle pain, with two-thirds stating it has a moderate to severe impact on their health. This leaves the category of the active middle-aged population in something of a catch-22 situation: they want to exercise - 87% of middle-aged adults thinkthat exercising or improving physical fitness is (very) important to create a feeling of well-being or wellness - but they also apprehend exercising. In fact, over half of people aged 45 years+ reported having stopped or reduced exercise due to joint pain. THE ROLE OF COLLAGEN IN JOINT HEALTH, HEALTHY AGING, AND WELL-BEING  Aging is accompanied by declines in physiological processes related to tissue regeneration in skin, muscle, connective tissue, and bones. The degeneration ofthese tissues commonly results in decreased physical function, injury, and subsequent long-term pain and disability. Joint pain is a remarkably widespreadissue among middle-aged people throughout the world with increasing prevalence in active and aging populations. Pain can limit physical activities and daily living activities, resulting in declining mental and social health.  Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and it is a major component of tendons and ligaments that, unfortunately, breaks down disproportionately with age compared to muscle tissue and bones. The onset of age-related losses of collagen begins as early as the second to third decade of life, with a decrease of approximately 1% per year after age 40. This can cause a loss of up to 75% of total body collagen by the age of 80. In addition, collagen loss, especially in tissues that are subjected to the greatest forces (e.g. tendons and ligaments), may result in connective tissue impairments and injury.Although physical activity is largely recommended to improve health and prevent age-related declines in body tissue, the prevalence of chronic pain increaseswith age and activity level. Those who experience pain tend to exhibit pain-avoidant behaviors, which result in reduced physical activity that can also, inturn, prompt pain. This creates a cycle of physical activity restriction that can lead to increased disability and decreased participation in sports, as well asimpairments in daily living activities. Furthermore, pain, as well as pain-avoidant behaviors, can diminish the quality of life and adversely affect mental, social,and economic determinants of health, especially in aging active populations. Clinical study: Hearthy Foods Collagen significantly reduces joint pain & improves mental well-being of the active middle-aged population. Studies have shown that collagen can reduce joint pain among those suffering from conditions such as osteoarthritis as well as joint stability problems, injuredjoints, or exercise-induced issues. However, no previous research has proven the long-term impact of collagen on both joint pain and everyday activities, as well asmental well-being in the healthy and active middle-aged population.Recognizing the vast number of people in this demographic, PB Leiner collaborated with Florida State University (FSU) to carry out a randomized,double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to determine whether Hearthy foods collagen peptides could improve their experiences with joint pain and discomfort. This is the first study of its kind to research this demographic: healthy active middle-aged adults without specific pathology, but suffering from joint and/or musculoskeletal pain. It is also the only study to have measured mental well-being combined with physical pain relief provided by collagen peptides. The study participants (n=75 males and females) were all aged between 40 and 65, exercised at least 3-4 hours per week, and were not suffering from osteoarthritis or joint injuries, and reported having periodic but sustained/chronic joint and/or musculoskeletal pain.  Over the course of nine months, each participant consumed either a placebo or 5 g Hearthy Foods collagen peptides twice daily (one in the morning and one in the evening) and their progress was assessed according to the Knee Injury & Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS)and Veterans Rand 12 Item Health Survey (VR-12). Higher scores indicated reductions in pain and improvements in the ability to carry out everyday activities, and mental well-being. Importantly, no adverse effects were self-reported byparticipants in any of the treatment groups during the study participation. Therefore, the Hearthy Foods collagen peptides supplement was found to be safe and well tolerated. REDUCED JOINT PAIN The research showed significant improvements with SOLUGEL®. Those consuming 10 g per day of SOLUGEL® collagen peptides saw an improvementaccording to the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, indicating significant reductions in pain and improvements in knee functionality. Pain is a major limiter of physical activity and daily living activities for everyone, contributing to lower well-being and increased disease risks. The pain score evaluates the degree of joint pain and functionality of the knee in the movements experienced by the participants. As shown in figure 1, a daily Hearthy Foods intake for 6months resulted in statistically significant reduced joint pain scores in more frequent exercisers compared to the placebo group (*p<0.05). Furthermore, pain scores worsened in the placebo group during this time period. The meaning of pain score change is further calculated to reveal the clinical importance. Even the smallest increases in clinical importance would allow participants to feel the ease of pain, leading to improved well-being. Furthermore, Hearthy Foods collagen intake resulted in 36% of participants with a clinicallymeaningful improvement in pain scores. Meanwhile, as many as 50% of participants in the placebo group had worse clinically meaningful pain scores. DAILY LIVING ACTIVITIES INCREASED The study also found that collagen peptides may increase the number of activities of daily living (ADL), involving everyday activities such as commuting, cleaning, shopping, etc. One-third of those participating who consumed 10 g of Hearthy Foods Collagen each day saw meaningful improvements in their scores while undertaking such activities. Conversely, none of the participants in the placebo group saw any improvements.  The capability to remain independent in daily activities is crucial for active adults. The improvement of the ADL score indicates better independence in terms of dailyactivities. As shown in figure 2, Hearthy Foods Collagen intake for 6 months resulted in statistically significant improved ADL scores compared to the placebo group (*p<0.05) while the placebo group saw no improvements. Even the smallest increases in clinical importance would allow participants to feel the improvements in their daily activities, leading to more independence and mobility. Thus, the meaning of the ADL score change is further calculated to reveal the clinical importance. Hearthy Foods Collagen intake resulted in 32% of participants with a clinically meaningful improvement in ADL scores, while none of the participants in the placebo group experienced significant improvements. IMPROVED MENTAL WELL-BEING This is the first study to examine the effects of collagen peptide supplementation on The Veterans RAND 12 Item Health Survey (VR-12) and to also find significantmood improvements with the supplementation. The study found that Hearthy Foods collagen peptides improved the mental health scores. Conversely, noneof the participants in the placebo group saw any improvement. As a result of this unique study, there is now clinical evidence proving the ability of collagen to helpreduce joint pain over the long term among healthy and active middle-aged people. The Veterans RAND 12 Item Health Survey (VR-12) is a self-report survey that is used to measure well-being and health-related quality of life. The mental health part of the questionnaire included function limitations due to emotional problems, bodily pain, energy fatigue, social functioning, and mental well-being. An intake of 10 g/day Hearthy Foods Collagen resulted in a significant 8% higher mental components score after 3 months with continued improvements over time (9.3% after 6 months) in middle-aged active adults experiencing joint discomfort compared to the placebo. As shown in figure 3, the daily SOLUGEL®intake for 3 months resulted in statistically significant improved mental health scores compared to the placebo group (*p<0.05). Meanwhile, the placebogroup saw no improvements. HEARTHY FOODS COLLAGEN PEPTIDES  Hearthy Foods collagen can provide a clinically proven solution across a wide range of applications for the target population. Obtained from natural animal sources, it is a highly digestible pure protein that is composed of high-quality collagen peptides. To find out more about the possibilities offered by Hearthy Foods Collagen, please get in touch with us at online@hearthyfoods.com or visit www.hearthyfoods.com

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OCT 19, 2023

Unleashing the Power of the Ultimate Protein Shake

Protein shakes have long been associated with athletes and fitness enthusiasts, and for good reason. They offer a convenient and effective way to meet protein needs, especially after an intense workout. However, not all protein shakes are created equal. Allow us to introduce you to the ultimate protein shake, a powerhouse blend of quality proteins and nutrients designed to optimize muscle growth and recovery.   50 Grams of Quality Protein Our ultimate protein shake isn't just a run-of-the-mill protein supplement. It's a meticulously crafted blend of two high-quality protein sources: whey and collagen. Each serving of this shake delivers a whopping 50 grams of protein - 30 grams from whey and 20 grams from collagen. Why these two sources, you may ask? Whey protein is a complete protein that contains all nine essential amino acids. It’s easily digestible and quickly absorbed by the body, making it an excellent choice for post-workout recovery. On the other hand, collagen protein, while not a complete protein, offers unique benefits. It's great for joint health, skin health, and can even aid in digestion. The combination of these two proteins ensures that you're not just building muscle, but also taking care of your overall health.   Google "Dr. Berg Colostrum video for the benefits of colostrum" Colostrum for Muscle Growth and Recovery But the benefits of our ultimate protein shake don't stop at high-quality proteins. We've also added colostrum to the mix. Colostrum is a form of milk produced by mammals in the late stages of pregnancy and the first few days after giving birth. Packed with nutrients, antibodies, and growth factors, it's often referred to as 'liquid gold'. In the context of fitness and muscle building, colostrum is especially beneficial due to its growth factors. These growth factors can help to stimulate muscle growth, improve recovery, and enhance performance. Incorporating colostrum into your post-workout shake can give you that extra edge you're looking for in your fitness journey.   The Ultimate Protein Shake: More Than Just a Protein Supplement With its blend of whey and collagen proteins, and the addition of colostrum, our ultimate protein shake is more than just a protein supplement. It's a comprehensive post-workout solution designed to support muscle growth, recovery, and overall health. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, incorporating this ultimate protein shake into your routine can help you get the most out of your workouts and speed up your progress.

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MAR 23, 2023

How to Fast Healthy While Improving Focus, Health, Energy, Spirituality, and Fitness

By: Rehan Jalali, C.S.N. Due to the Intermittent fasting movement, many people have incorporated regular fasting into their lives. The 16:8 eating plan and others are very popular these days. Well, Ramadan is the Michael Jordan of fasting! Most people see the month of Ramadan as a time when they will surely lose strength and or muscle mass and some people think they can only “maintain” during this month. This cannot be further from the truth. In fact, if you use some of the strategies I am about to share with you, you can make some of your best gains during this month! It’s all about maximizing nutrient uptake/Lowering any chance of deficiencies, maintaining proper hydration, boosting immune function, maximizing sleep, and modifying key fat burning/muscle building hormones in your favor during this month. And of course PREPARATION—If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail! Plus, how can you truly maximize this month spiritually and get in the zen zone if your body is sick, tired, and your mind isn’t sharp?  Make sure you set specific fitness goals for Ramadan, write them down and put on your fridge or phone, and go and achieve them!  This year the fasting will be strenuous--around 13-15 hours a day. More if you happen to live in the UK or parts of Europe. So you must be more vigilant about hydration and the food you eat. First of all, let’s look at what happens to your body during Ramadan. While you are fasting, obviously you become more dehydrated at rest--but actually less than if you had exercised aerobically for over an hour (so exercise causes greater dehydration for that time period versus fasting). Your main metabolic fuel source for bodily function during fasting is mainly fat, which is a good thing (semi ketosis state). So the goals during Ramadan are to maximize metabolism (even though your metabolism may slow down due to less food and little sleep), preserve and enhance as much lean muscle mass as possible (which will inherently increase metabolic rate and allow you to burn more calories at rest), and maximize your workout (both cardio and weight training). During Ramadan, depending on your goals, I really recommend that you limit cardio to 1-3 days a week at the most. This is again to preserve as much lean muscle tissue as possible. There is actually research showing the health benefits of fasting. It is truly a physical purification. According to a study published in the reputable European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the researchers concluded that “no detrimental effects on health have as yet been directly attributed to negative water balance at the levels that may be produced in Ramadan.” Other research has actually shown cardiovascular benefits of fasting during Ramadan—that is if you can avoid the IBS (no, not irritable bowel syndrome) but the dreaded Iftar Binging Syndrome! It is vital to eat moderate to small meals even after iftar (breaking the fast). Studies show Ramadan fasting lowers blood pressure, lowers inflammation, improves cardiovascular health, and causes enhancements in platelet count. Plus fasting is now showing immune system rejuvenation and stem cell regeneration! And numerous brain health benefits.  Training Times Ok, enough of the background, let’s get to the meat of it! I am going to set the record straight here. The best time to do a weight training workout is NOT while fasting. This can create way too much muscle breakdown and cause a significant rise in the catabolic hormone cortisol. Training while in a state of dehydration can decrease strength significantly. In fact, research indicates that dehydrating a muscle by as little as 3% can cause a 12% loss in strength. Training while you are fasting can actually be much more detrimental than beneficial! This is mainly due to no water intake. If it was just food and you were hydrated, no prob. The best time to weight train during Ramadan is at night. This will insure that you will have several meals and plenty of water in your system before going to the gym. This will also allow you to consume your important post workout meal or shake which is essential to muscle growth and even fat loss. If this is too late then the next best time to weight train is about 1 hour after Breaking the fast. You could do a short but intense 20-30 minute workout. In fact, research shows that a reduced training volume during Ramadan can maximize lean muscle and strength. The best time to do cardio work for maximum fat loss is before the pre-dawn meal—yep that’s the truth. Of course, most people I know will not want to get up at around 3: 30 AM and do cardio! If you CAN pull this off then the best thing to do is get up and drink plenty of water with a cup of coffee, green tea, or oolong tea and perform 6-9 minutes of high intensity cardio work like sprinting. Stretch before and after the session. If this is out of the question for you, then the next best time to do cardio is approximately 30-45 minutes before breaking of the fast (Brisk walk or steady state cardio only during this time). Short, high intensity cardio like sprinting is actually great to do during Ramadan. It takes less than 10 minutes and provides maximum benefit in terms of fat burning and lean muscle preservation! This isn’t “driving miss Daisy” cardio—it’s very intensive-Ex. Sprint for 15-20 sec at full speed (like a dog or the police is chasing you!) and walk for 1 min. Do 5-6 cycles like that and you’re good! Start slow of course and work your way up. This high intensity cardio should not be done while fasting but rather after breaking the fast or before the pre-dawn meal.  According to some research, rinsing the mouth with water or a carbohydrate solution during the fast while exercising can improve sports performance! So rinse away!  So now you know when to train, it’s time to learn what to eat and drink (think water, water, and more water!).  Suhur meal (Morning/pre-dawn) For the pre-dawn meal, it is imperative to drink plenty of water and eat a good blend of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, and essential fat—that’s right “good fats” have many fat loss, health, and muscle building properties and their importance is even greater during Ramadan. Nutrient dense is the key here! Some good “suhur” foods include: Egg whites (1-2 yolks) Chicken breast Oatmeal (preferably steel cut or multi-grain) Cream of wheat Hearthy Protein shake Heathy Collagen Hearthy Bone Broth Trader Joe's Granola bars Cinnamon Bananas Raw, Dark Honey Raisins or dates Watermelon  Figs Fibrous vegetables –This will help increase the feeling of fullness as well. All natural peanut butter or almond butter  Hemp/flax/chia seeds Flax seed and fish oil - A great and tasty brand is Omega Swirl from Barleans and Country Life or NOW foods has a high DHA fish oil which would be good for mental function.  Olive oil – preferably extra virgin (which means it’s cold processed and the essential fatty acids are preserved) It is important to take a solid Hearthy Multi-Vitamin/multi-mineral supplement with the pre-dawn meal (suhur) as well to make sure daily minimum requirements of key nutrients are met. The best one is Advanced Multivitamin from Hearthy Foods. Taking extra vitamin C can also be helpful. A great product is Emergen-C from Alacer. It is very important to watch your sodium intake at this time as high sodium can cause greater dehydration plus increase thirst during the day—not good for fasters. Avoid high sodium foods like soups, sauces, condiments, gravies, high sodium bread products, and canned meats. Of course eating fried foods and heavy oil items can cause heartburn and problems for you all day so it is best to avoid those if possible! Iftar meal (Sunset time to Break the Fast) This is a key time for rehydration. Breaking the fast with dates and water is profound nutritionally, you will see that dates are very unique in their nutrient content. They contain very high levels of potassium (much more than a banana), a key re-hydration mineral and a special carbohydrate blend that enhances hydration above and beyond water alone. They contain a special blend of glucose and fructose for short and long term energy. They also have a special nutrient called beta D-glucan which is a soluble fiber that can enhance satiety and digestive health. So basically when you eat a date and water for iftar your body gets hydrated again much faster than with water alone (this is a complex topic but I don’t want to bore you with the details—You can think of dates and water as a very advanced form of Gatorade®). In fact, clinical research published in the International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition entitled “The fruit of the date palm: its possible use as the best food for the future?” concluded that “dates may be considered as an almost ideal food, providing a wide range of essential nutrients and potential health benefits.” You should also eat some quality protein at iftar time as well. I recommend three dates and a protein powder like Hearthy Whey Protein. Of course, drink plenty of water--In fact, keep a water bottle with you at all times after sunset! Then 1- 1.5 hours later have a food meal (or follow the schedule above for cardio). Then during prayer have a protein bar or ready to drink protein shake in the middle (not while you are praying of course!) or have another small protein and complex carbohydrate meal after the 8—drink plenty of water if you have a protein bar (Quest, Barbells, or Power Crunch if you want a lighter version). Then go train about 30-45 minutes after eating the bar (bar is optional). A great pre-workout drink like Pre-Kaged from Kaged Muscle, C4, or Bang energy can be beneficial for energy and strength levels. Keep in mind the Bang and Pre-Kaged have significant amounts of caffeine so if you have trouble sleeping, you might just want to stick with a good ole cup of black coffee pre-workout. You can also take an essential amino acid product like EAA+ from Nutrex during and right after the workout to preserve lean muscle. After the workout, also have another nutrition shake (as mentioned a few lines ago) with plenty of water. Don't overeat meals at night. Your body loves homeostasis and wants to maintain a certain balance—you literally have to shock it constantly to lose fat and gain muscle over the long run! There is so much wisdom in “Eat and drink but not to excess"!  SAMPLE Ramadan MEAL PLAN for fat loss and muscle gain (*This plan is for a 170 lb male, please adjust amounts for bodyweight) Suhur (Pre-Dawn Meal)  Eat 6-8 egg whites (one yolk) One bowl of plain oatmeal w/ cinnamon, raisins and 3 dates 1 teaspoon all-natural peanut butter, almond butter, or olive oil or flax seed oil (1 tablespoon Barleans Omega Swirl) Plenty of water (16-24 oz.) Hearthy Foods Advanced multi-vitamin Turmeric (Hearthy Foods brand)  Iftar (the evening opening of the fast): 3-5 Dates and a Hearthy Protein Shake  Plenty of water For cardio workouts --Do cardio 30-45 minutes after this meal for 30-45 minutes at a moderate pace or do a sprint workout if you have less time and then have the next meal before night prayers. (Have a cup of green tea, Oolong tea, or coffee with Iftar on cardio days) For weight training days: Eat another food meal before prayers like chicken breast (or lean beef -sirloin/top round/eye of round), brown rice and some veggies OR Baked Fish (Salmon, Tuna, Orange Roughy, cod, or Mahi mahi), sweet potato, and some steamed vegetables.  Drink plenty of water during the workout and can take the EAA drinks during. Train intensely and short. Workouts should last 20-35 min.  After the workout, have another Nutrition Shake --lots of water of course. Then sleep 45 minutes later or stay up all night eating, praying, and working!  Following these simple workout and nutrition tips can really help you make great gains. God Bless!  Top 6 healthy foods for Ramadan.  1) Dates – They contain a unique blend of glucose and fructose and have a very high potassium content (about 64% more than bananas). They have a nutrient called beta-D-glucan which is a soluble fiber that has health benefits and can increase the feeling of fullness.  2) Raw, Unfiltered Honey - It contains many phytochemicals and flavanoids that can enhance health. Honey is very good for increasing energy. It is an excellent source of antioxidants. In fact, ORAC tests show it has the highest level of antioxidants of virtually any natural food on earth! It even has anti-bacterial effects. Take 1-2 tablespoons daily. 3) Fish – Eating fish regularly can have positive effects on health. The fish oils EPA and DHA have been shown to improve brain function, enhance cardiovascular health, and reduce inflammation among other things. Some of the best fish are cold water wild salmon, orange or white roughy, deep sea black Cod, sea bass, Ahi Tuna, Mahi mahi, low sodium albacore tuna, and herring.  4) Figs – They contain key mineral such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium. They are also a great source of fiber and can support healthy blood sugar levels. Figs are an alkaline food which means they help balance the Ph of the body making it less acidic.  5) Olive Oil - Contains omega 9 or oleic fatty acids. It has been shown to increase the good cholesterol (HDL) while lowering bad cholesterol (LDL). It also seems to have some antioxidant effects. Look for extra virgin olive oil (cold-pressed). Cooking with it can lower some of its benefits. Add it to food after it is cooked! 6) Watermelon - 92% water and very hydrating. Also contains Citrulline, lycopene, and minerals for health and fitness.  *This article is for informational purposes only.

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MAR 23, 2022

The Benefits of Taking Collagen While Fasting. A Strategic Advantage

Everyone knows the benefits of fasting.  Dieticians, scientists, religious scholars are advocating fasting as a way to help with physical, mental, and spiritual growth.   What is fasting? Fasting is the willful refrainment from eating and sometimes drinking. From a purely physiological context, "fasting" may refer to the metabolic status of a person who has not eaten overnight, or to the metabolic state achieved after complete digestion and absorption of a meal. Several metabolic adjustments occur during fasting. Some diagnostic tests are used to determine a fasting state. For example, a person is assumed to be fasting once 8–12 hours have elapsed since the last meal. Metabolic changes of the fasting state begin after absorption of a meal.  Renowned intermittent fasting advocate and doctor Dr. Jason Fung says fasting helps with insulin control, weight loss, lower the risk of diabetes, and most importantly overall good health.  How does collagen play a specific role in helping you enhance your fast?  Lets take a look at what collagen is. Collagen is protein.  Since collagen is a protein that is critical for health and wellness. Just by adding a scoop of collagen to your into your water, coffee or tea at the break of your fast, especially Hearthy collagen (unflavored & unsweetened variety), will help you get you an instant boost that will enhance recovery. At an average of 35 calories per 10g serving, collagen helps you to feel full and energized. Knowing that there is a minimum amount of food you can eat before the start of your fast and at the break of fast makes collagen an optimal choice.  After all, adding a scoop of easy-to-mix collagen to your daily nutrition supports a whole roster of health and beauty goals including maintaining strong bones, healthy tendons & cartilage, a healthy gut, shiny thick hair, strong nails, lean muscle, better flexibility, and last but not least, smooth, hydrated, youthful skin. Its a really a no-brainer.  Take collagen in the morning before your fast and at the break of fast. Here's why?  Collagen will help you feel full and sustain you for rest of the day. Since collagen is keto, you can still get to ketosis during the fast, and best of all you won't feel bloated.  Also, take collagen with water at the break of fast. It has no flavor and will dissolve completely. It helps with energy, feeling satiated, and curtails you from overeating. How much Collagen should you take at the beginning and the end of your fast? We recommend 10 to 15 mg before and end of the fast. 

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AUG 05, 2021

Your Guide to Hearthy Foods’ Low FODMAP Products

           Recently, we’ve been sharing recipes that adhere to the Low FODMAP diet, like our Tuscan Kale & Almond Flour Crackers, or our Grilled Asian-Style Meatballs. With our large variety of alternative, gluten free products, it just so happens that many of them can also be safely consumed on the Low FODMAP diet! In this blog post, we’ll review which products are Low FODMAP according to resources and information collected from Monash University, and how you can use them in your everyday cooking and baking. What is the Low FODMAP Diet?      If you’re unfamiliar with the diet, the FODMAP diet is a 3-step dietary plan that was designed to provide relief for individuals suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). “FODMAP” stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols, which are short-chain carbohydrates that are rapidly fermented by bacteria in the gut. For those with IBS, this can trigger unpleasant symptoms such as bloating, gas and stomach pain. They’re found in everyday foods, such as wheat, apples, garlic, onion, cauliflower and honey, to name a few. Fortunately, research has shown that successful implementation of the diet can reduce stomach pain, bloating and distension, and improve bowel habits and quality of life. To learn more and for additional resources, visit MonashFODMAP.com. Which of Our Products are Low FODMAP? Our Low FODMAP Nut Flours Almond Flour - According to Monash University’s Low FODMAP Diet app, almond flour is Low FODMAP in 1/4 cup servings, but high FODMAP in 1/2 cup servings. Almond flour is a great base flour to use for bread, pancakes, brownies, cookies, cakes, muffins and waffles. Use them in combination with finer flours, like tapioca flour or cassava flour, to achieve the best texture. Pecan Flour - Pecans are Low FODMAP in 0.71 ounces, which translates to about 19 grams of our pecan flour. While FODMAP content can vary from its whole form to the flour form, keeping the serving size low at 19 grams should be safe. Pecan flour can be used similarly to almond flour. Our Low FODMAP Fruit Flours Cacao Flour - Cacao flour is Low FODMAP at 2 heaped teaspoons (0.28 ounces), and high FODMAP in 50 teaspoons (7.0 ounces). Use this to add chocolatey flavor to anything you desire - smoothies, oatmeal and baked goods. Cassava Flour - Cassava flour is Low FODMAP in 15 gram servings, which equates to 2 tablespoons. Although this is a small amount, it can be combined with other Low FODMAP flours, like almond, quinoa and/or oat flour, to achieve a perfect bready texture in baked goods, while keeping the FODMAP-levels low. Potato Flour - There are no detectable FODMAPs in fresh potato, so potato flour is likely safe at standard serving sizes. Potato flour creates moist products due to the flour’s ability to attract and retain moisture. Use it combined with other flours to make the perfect bread flour mixture.  Kabocha Pumpkin Flour - Fresh Kabocha pumpkin is Low FODMAP in 2.65 ounce servings (2/3 cup). There are no detectable FODMAPs in fresh Kabocha pumpkin, so a serving of our flour seems to be safe. This flour is perfect for rice breads, loaves and cakes. Tapioca Flour - Tapioca flour is safe in 2/3 cup servings (3.53 ounces). As a finer flour, it adds lightness to baked goods, making it perfect to pair with denser flours like almond flour, pecan flour or oat flour. You can use it to make perfect crepes, pancakes and breads, or to thicken sauces. Our Low FODMAP Vegetable Flours Broccoli Flour - Fresh broccoli is Low FODMAP in 2.65 ounce servings (3/4 cup). As 3/4 cup of broccoli has ~4.5 grams of carbohydrates, this equates to about 2 tablespoons of our broccoli flour. A tiny bit of this flour is all you need to sneak a little bit of health in dips, sauces or savory baked goods. Carrot Flour - There are no detectable FODMAPs in carrots, so a full serving of carrot flour is likely safe on the Low FODMAP diet. Its density and versatility make it easy to swap into recipes that call for all-purpose flour. If you want to be cautious for potential FODMAP content, combine this with other FODMAP-friendly flours.Kale Flour - There are only trace amounts of FODMAPs found in kale. This flour is potent, and a tiny bit is all you need for a burst of kale flavor. Sneak them into savory baked goods like muffins, crackers and loaves, or use them directly in smoothies or acai bowls. Parsnip Flour - Similar to carrots, there are no detectable FODMAPs in parsnips. This flour can be added to many recipes such as meatloaf, breads, pancakes, brownies, cookies, cakes, muffins, waffles, ice creams, yogurt, smoothies - you name it. It adds a subtle sweetness and an extra boost of nutrition and flavor. Our Low FODMAP Grain Flours Buckwheat Flour - Buckwheat flour has been tested to be Low FODMAP at 2/3 cup, or 3.53 ounces. Buckwheat provides a rich, earthy flavor and is best used for quick breads and yeast breads. Millet Flour - Millet flour has been tested to be Low FODMAP at 2/3 cup. Its light, mild flavor makes it perfect for sweet or savory baking, and adds a cake-like crumb to baked goods. Oat Flour - Oat flour has been tested to be Low FODMAP at 1/2 cup servings. Oat flour is a great substitute for all purpose flour. Use it for cakes, crunchy cookies, moist breads, crusts, cupcakes and muffins. Quinoa Flour - Quinoa flour is Low FODMAP in 2/3 cup servings. This high protein and high fiber flour helps provide structure and rise to baked goods, so the possibilities are endless. It also adds a unique grassy flavor. Rice Flour - Rice flour is Low FODMAP in 2/3 cup servings. Combine rice flour with other Low FODMAP flours for use in quick breads and cookies. It can be used to thicken soups and stews, and can also be used as a crispy coating for fried goods. Other Low FODMAP Products Gluten-Free All Purpose Flour - Our gluten-free all-purpose flour is made with oat flour, tapioca flour, xanthan gum, making at least 1/2 a cup Low FODMAP.  Grass-Fed Gelatin Marshmallows - No High-FODMAP ingredients here! Our marshmallows contain simple ingredients, with the only carbohydrates being sugar and tapioca flour. Grass-Fed Collagen and Grass-Fed Gelatin - As collagen and gelatin do not contain carbohydrates, both are FODMAP-friendly. We hope this list gave you some ideas on ways to use our Low FODMAP products. Do you have your own favorite ways to use our specialty flours? Let us know in the comments below!

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