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Chia seeds are so easy to consume in so many ways. For convenience sake, we recommend adding 1 tablespoon of chia seeds in a glass of liquid like water or juice or beverage (doesn’t matter if it’s hot or cold), stir the mixture quickly to break up any clumps, let sit a few minutes, stir it again, then drink. This would give time for the seeds to absorb the liquid, swell and form an outer gel-like layer before you consume them. The gel acts like a physical barrier which facilitates a slow and uniform rate of digestion of the seeds in the body, leading to better digestion and absorption of nutrients. Put the mixture in the refrigerator if you want a thicker chia gel. The longer you let the mixture sit, the thicker the gel will become. Chia gel can be added to hot/cold cereals, sauces, salads, spreads, smoothies, etc. without changing the taste of the food and yet, adding a nutritional boost to it.

A general guideline will be 1-2 level tablespoons or 15g of whole chia seeds a day for adequate intake of Omega 3 fatty acids (3g).

You may consume chia seeds on an empty stomach if your stomach does not usually react adversely (causing gas or bloating or diarrhea) to high-fiber foods. Most people with regular stomachs do not have any problem consuming chia seeds on empty stomachs. A customer with Acid Reflux: We received feedback on how chia seeds have helped in this customer’s acid reflux problem. Customer would take about half a tablespoon of unsoaked, dry chia seeds and just swallow it on an empty stomach. The chia would absorb all the acid in the stomach. A few minutes later, he would drink a glass of water (as the seeds are so hydrophilic that if they do not find enough to absorb in the stomach, they will draw from the body tissues instead). Start with a small amount of dry chia seeds first.

Taking substantial amount of chia seeds without sufficient amounts of fluid may lead to stomach cramping due to the seeds absorbing liquid from the stomach. Just drink more water to solve the problem or lessen the amount of chia seeds consumed.

No, there is no need to. Nature's Superfoods ensures that every batch of chia seed we import is safe for human consumption (by sending samples for microbiological testing at an accredited food laboratory).

Those suffering from low blood pressure may encounter side effects like dizziness after consuming chia seeds. Chia seeds has natural blood-thinning effect.

Those with sensitive bowel conditions should always start off with small amounts of chia seeds to get your body adjusted to the high amount of fibre from chia seeds.

For those on medication, you should always consult with your doctor before adding anything new to your diet. If your doctor has no objection to you taking Chia seeds, start with a small amount and consume the seeds at a different time from your medication. General concerns exist for those taking blood thinners like warfarin that they should avoid taking chia seeds which could thin the blood further.

Can I store Chia seeds at room temperature?

There is no major nutritional difference between the black and white seeds. Studies have shown that the difference is more related to where and how the seed was grown, the soil condition of the area, and not so much the seed colour.

No, it must be cooked first in a rice cooker or a pot.

The easiest, quickest way to cook quinoa is in the rice cooker- just add 1 portion of quinoa and 2 portions of water/broth, and let the cooker do its thing. If you desire quinoa al dente (cooked to be firm to the bite), we recommend a volume of 1.5 cups of water for one cup of quinoa.

Quinoa, in its natural state, has an outer protective coating called saponin which has a bitter taste. Nature’s Superfoods makes sure that every batch of quinoa we bring in is pre-washed to remove this coating. However, as the level of this bitter taste vary from one harvest to the other, we highly recommend to always rinse the quinoa thoroughly (using a fine mesh strainer) before cooking it.

You don’t have to soak the grains before you cook them but it’s recommended for better digestion and to reduce phytic acid. Traditional Soaking instructions: Simply soak uncooked grains overnight in warm water with an acid medium ( for example by adding a tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar, kefir, yoghurt or lemon juice to the warm water). If you do soak the quinoa, pour our excess water and give it a last rinse before cooking the grains.

There is no significant difference among the 3 colours in terms of nutritional value, except for some dark-colour antioxidants (anthocyanins) in the red and black quinoa. The red and black versions are crunchier in terms of texture.

Quinoa is high in dietary fibre and protein which increases satiety, making one eat less throughout the day. Quinoa is also a low GI (Glycemic Index) food which is good for diabetics as it does not spike the blood sugar.

Organic Quinoa Puffs are produced from 100% Quinoa seeds through a careful process of extrusion which retains virtually all the Quinoa seed’s nutrients including the protein level. The final product carries a light, nutty flavor and an airy, crunchy texture which is delicious as a breakfast cereal. Toddlers love this!

Organic Instant Quinoa Powder is a high-protein, high-fiber whole grain powder that contains all 9 essential amino acids (including lysine), B vitamins, folate, calcium, magnesium, a diverse array of antioxidants. It is known for its high good amount of superior protein (12-18%), which is 50% higher than wheat. Daily consumption of Quinoa promotes human growth and development and serves to reduce inflammatory risks. Quinoa Powder is more easily digested when compared to Quinoa grains and Quinoa flour. Different from many other powdered products in the market that contain additives like Maltodextrin, Nature’s Superfoods’ Instant Organic Quinoa Powder is made of 100% whole organic quinoa that has undergone a very special process of gelatinization where the starch bonds are broken down and the Quinoa’s impressive nutrients are released for optimized digestion and absorption. ALL of Quinoa’s nutrients are carefully preserved in this special process.

Organic Quinoa Puffs are made of 100% whole Quinoa seeds, following a process called extrusion where the impressive nutrients of Quinoa are retained. Naturally gluten-free, easy to digest, crunchy and tasty!. Just eat them straight from the pack or eat them as breakfast cereal with milk. Excellent food for children due to Quinoa’s excellent protein quality which is essential to healthy child growth and development. Daily consumption of quinoa for adults is a good way to reduce risks of such inflammation-related problems as diabetes, hypertension, etc. (including obesity).

Yes! Organic Instant Quinoa Powder can be consumed by babies (from 6 months) and is in fact excellent for them. Nature’s Superfoods’ Organic Instant Quinoa Powder is different from many other powdered products in the market as it does not contain additives like maltodextrin. It is made of 100% whole organic quinoa following a gelatinization process where the starch bonds are broken down and the quinoa’s impressive nutrients are released for optimized digestion and absorption. This makes Instant Quinoa Powder more easily digested when compared to Quinoa seeds and Quinoa flour. In addition, the amino acid profile is similar to that of mother’s breast milk making Organic Instant Quinoa Powder an excellent source of nutrition for babies. Instant Quinoa Powder does not need to be cooked; it acts as a natural thickener when mixed directly with liquids and can be used directly in soft foods for babies.

Maqui berries contain amazingly high levels of anthocyanins (purple pigments with high antioxidant activity) called delphinidins (a type of anthocyanin). These delphinidins demonstrate potent anti-inflammatory activity, so they help to lower the risk of a variety of degenerative diseases that involve inflammation, ranging from cardiovascular disease to diabetes to arthritis. Delphinidin has also been shown in studies to have strong positive results in inhibiting cancer cell growth, including prostate and colon cancers. The richest known natural source of delphinidins is the maqui berry. Maqui Berry also has anti-diabetic effects and helps inhibit LDL oxidation (as published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2002), which means Maqui can help with the reduction of LDL “bad’ cholesterol levels.

You should consider these superfoods as different nutrient-dense whole foods with different sets of nutrients and antioxidants that will benefit your body in different ways. There are many, many types of antioxidants and no one superfood has them all. Variety, balance and moderation is key toward achieving proper nutrition - there’s no reason to focus on just one high-antioxidant superfood and ignore the rest. Your body needs an array of antioxidants. For example, Maqui Berry has an abundance of purple antioxidants called anthocyanins which are known for its strong anti-inflammatory & anti-cancer benefits; Maqui has more anthocyanins than Camu-Camu Berry. Camu-Camu Berry Powder, on the other hand, is the No. 1 superfood for full spectrum Vitamin C (Camu-Camu has higher Vitamin C content than Maqui Berry) and Vitamin C is another type of antioxidant that is particularly effective in boosting the immune system function.

As mentioned above, variety, balance and moderation is key toward good nutrition. Like an orchestra that needs the correct representation of different instruments to make a beautiful symphony, so our bodies need an array of antioxidants in right proportions, not just one type of antioxidant, to ensure good health. Much like how we have been advised to eat a “rainbow” of different colored fruits and vegetables as each colored vegetable and fruit has unique properties, it is equally sound nutritional advice to consume a variety of nutrient-dense superfoods in appropriate servings (according to age, gender, and physical activity level), not just stick to one, as each superfood has different sets of nutrients and antioxidants in different concentrations. It will be difficult to overdose on antioxidants if you adopt the above approach.

Yes, of course. It is, after all, a wholesome nutrient-dense berry. Children can take approx. half to 1 teaspoon daily of Maqui Berry Powder, it’s perfectly fine even if they take more like 2-3 teaspoons when they are down with fever, for example. Mix powder into juices, smoothies, yogurt, cereals, etc.

Of course you can. Both berries are wholesome foods; you will be getting a wide variety of antioxidants by combining superfoods. Experiment with different recipes of superfoods for your family.

Nutritional Yeast flakes are an inactive, primary grown yeast that is specially grown for its exceptional nutritional value – it is an excellent, vegan source of B vitamins (including B12), protein, fiber and minerals. It is commonly known as nooch. While brewer's, baker's and nutritional yeasts are technically made from the same species of yeast, they are very different products that are used for different purposes. Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast that is used, especially by vegans, to thicken sauces and to mimic the flavor of cheese. Active, dry yeast is an activated yeast usually included in breads to make them rise.

Nutritional Yeast flakes have a savory, cheese-like taste. They are a very versatile superfood and can be consumed as is or added directly to any recipe. No need to be cooked. Many vegetarians and vegans use it as a cheese substitute, adding it directly into gravies, sauces, scrambled eggs, soups and other dishes. Our favorite easy breakfast recipe is to sprinkle 1-2 teaspoons of Nutritional Yeast flakes over half-boiled eggs – yummy!

Nutritional Yeast Flakes contain a full spectrum of B vitamins: Thiamine(B1), Riboflavin(B2), Niacin (B3), Folate (B9), Pantothenate (B5), Pyridoxine (B6), Biotin (B7), and Cobalamin (B12). Adequate daily intake of these essential B vitamins is important to ensure optimum energy production and muscle building /recovery process. They’re also rich in protein and dietary fiber, and low in saturated fats. Nutritional Yeast can help boost immunity, improve digestive health and is very beneficial for athletes due to its B vitamin and high protein content. It’s also considered a great source of B12 vitamins for vegans and vegetarians (as B12 vitamins are mostly found in animal products).

Yes, of course. Nutritional Yeast perfect for both vegetarian and vegan consumption due to their nutrition profile as well as their versatility to be used in a variety of different dishes.

Nutritional Yeast is different from yeast used to make bread as it is an inactive, primary grown yeast that is specially produced for its exceptional nutritional value. Nutritional yeast is a nutritious, versatile and tasty vegan condiment you can add directly into rice, soups, dips, salad dressings, pastas, cereals, juices and smoothies, for an umami flavour and nutritional boost.

Yes, yacon syrup is currently one of the most recommended alternative sweeteners for diabetics because it is efficient in regulating blood sugar level and has very low calorie content. Yacon syrup contains between 30% to 50% of fructooligosaccharides (FOS), a complex carbohydrate (that is sweet) which cannot be broken down easily by the human body and hence, passes through the digestive tract unmetabolised. FOS is also a prebiotic which promotes the growth of good bacteria (probiotic) in the digestive system, thus leading to beneficial effects on metabolism and the immune system.

According to an experiment carried out by Dr. Oz, the answer is yes. Dr Oz’s study found the average participant lost almost 3 lbs of fat (some of the women lost 5 lbs or more) and almost 2 inches from the waist in 4 weeks. All they did was take one teaspoon of Yacon Syrup 3 times per day, with no changes in exercise or diet except the Yacon Syrup. Results will, of course, vary from person to person. Nature’s Superfoods recommends a more long-term and holistic approach to weight loss, which involves a lifestyle change - healthy eating, exercising (the right way), improving the quality of your sleep, eliminating stress factors, among others. Results will likely be more permanent this way. Taking Yacon Syrup, can then be part of this long-term weight loss strategy.

You may take 1 level teaspoon of Yacon Syrup before or during each meal (2-3 teaspoons per day). Taking 1 teaspoon before meal helps to keep blood sugar steady and suppress appetite. You do not have to take Yacon Syrup on a daily basis unless you are hoping to lose some weight.

No, unless you take more than the recommended dose. If you take too much at a time, you may experience a laxative effect, bloating, excessive gas production, digestive discomfort, as Yacon Syrup is an excellent colon cleanser! It is best to start out with just 1 teaspoon (a day) and then work your way up. People who frequently suffer from diarrhea or loose stools may want to avoid yacon.

Please consult your doctor before trying new foods/supplements.

Like most other natural products, there are no interactions between yacon syrup and existing medications that have been documented. However, if you wish to be cautious, we would recommend you to consult your doctor before trying yacon.

Coconut sugar is considered a better natural sweetener due to its low Glycemic Index (GI) of 35, nutrient content and delicious, rich caramel-like flavor. They contain nutrients like minerals Iron, Zinc, Calcium and Potassium, and polyphenols; unlike the common table sugar (white cane sugar) which is stripped of all vital nutrients and provide just 'empty' calories.

The low GI of 35 of Coconut Palm Sugar (which is only half of the GI of cane sugar) means it will not spike your blood sugar levels or make you experience the "highs" and "lows" so often associated with cane sugar. It also provides a slow release of energy. All these make coconut palm sugar a diabetic-friendly natural sweetener.

Palm sugar is made from the sap in the stems of the Palmyra palm, the date palm, the sugar date palm, the sago palm or the sugar palm. Coconut sugar is made from the flower sap of coconut trees- Nature’s Superfoods’ coconut sugar is 100% PURE nectar of the coconut palm tree (cocos nucifera) flowers.

Gula melaka, is the Malay name for palm sugar used in Malaysia. Pure gula melaka is made from the sap of palm trees only. However, many manufacturers add sugar so they can produce larger quantities and sell at a lower price.

The answer is no.Dr. Beverly Teter of the University of Maryland, a lipid biochemist and researcher, said that scientists have wrongly blamed cholesterol for heart diseases (when they found high levels of cholesterol at a damaged blood vessel). “It’s the inflammation in the vessels that start the lesion,” she explained. “The body then sends the cholesterol like a scab to cover over it to protect the blood system and the vessel wall from further damage.” What she was saying is this- Inflammation is the real culprit behind heart disease, not cholesterol. Teter also points out that while for years coconut oil was criticized for raising cholesterol, scientists have now learned that pure non-hydrogenated coconut oil actually raises the HDL, or good cholesterol and lowers the LDL, or bad cholesterol, thus improving one’s cholesterol profile and reducing the risk for heart disease. Mary G. Enig, PhD, with the Weston Price Foundation has also had similar research results on the positive effect of natural non-hyrdogenated coconut oil on one’s cholesterol profile and heart. To read more, go to http://www.westonaprice.org/know-your-fats/latest-studies-on-coconut-oil We should be more concerned about avoiding or reducing foods that cause inflammation in the body, such as refined sugar, artificial food additives, trans fats in deep fried foods or fast foods, common cooking oils (with very high Omega 6 fatty acids and a super low or non-existing Omega 3 fats), etc. A highly imbalanced omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in our diets promotes inflammation. Unfortunately, most unaware people are consuming too much Omega 6 fats in their daily diet and relatively little Omega 3.

As a dietary supplement. A good quality VCO will have a mild and pleasant coconut taste and smell, thus you can easily swallow it as a dietary supplement, with/after meals with no unpleasant feeling/taste or 'bite'. For beginners, start with 1 tablespoon of VCO. If you are not comfortable with the coconut taste and aroma, you can consume (direct oral intake) our Culinary Virgin Coconut Oil, which is more neutral in taste. Our Culinary Virgin Coconut Oil is derived from passing the original Virgin Coconut Oil through inert clay to minimize the coconut taste and smell - it has all the nutritional goodness of our original VCO and is still an unrefined, cold-pressed oil. -Experiment with Virgin Coconut Oil by adding to salads and dishes where you want that mild coconut flavor. You can use our Culinary Virgin Coconut Oil for salads if you do not with to have that coconut taste/aroma. -Cook with VCO- it is one of the healthiest cooking oils in the world with a high smoking point (think trans fat-free dishes!). Note the mild coconut taste for the original VCO,and choose recipes wisely to complement the taste of coconut. For those who do not wish their cooked dishes to carry a coconut taste/aroma, choose our neutral-taste Culinary Virgin Coconut Oil for your daily cooking. -Cook healthy ‘nasi lemak’ style rice by adding 1 tbsp of original VCO to rice. Cook as usual in rice cooker.

Virgin Coconut Oil is the next best thing after human breast milk, due to its high content of lauric acid which is the primary anti-viral and anti-bacterial agent in breast milk. As VCO is stable at high temperatures (VCO is slow to oxidize and resistant to rancidity), it’s suitable for all types of cooking for your babies or toddlers – use it in place of less-healthy polyunsaturated cooking oils. For babies and toddlers — 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of VCO a day.

Coconut Oil is a food and a staple for many people in Asia, hence it is considered safe for anybody. In fact,research has shown that consuming virgin coconut oil and other coconut products help boost the levels of lauric and capric acids in the breast milk of lactating mothers, thus enhancing its immune boosting properties and promoting both brain and bone development in the baby. Having said that, if your body is used to a low-fat diet (like many in Western countries), it is unwise to begin experimenting with coconut oil while pregnant as your body will need some adjustment to the fat content.

If your body is used to a low-fat diet regimen, you may experience digestive issues or even diarrhea after consuming VCO. Diarrhea or even sinus problems may also occur due to the antiviral, antibacterial and antioxidant properties of coconut oil killing off some of the bacteria and viruses in the body. This seemingly negative side effect can be reduced or avoided all together if you start with a small daily dose of VCO (1 tablespoon or less) with meals and gradually increase to the recommended serving after the first week to allow the body to adjust.

No there is no need to. We recommend keeping VCO at room temperature- above 24 degrees celcius. Pure VCO solidifies at temperatures below 24 degrees celcius – becoming milky white instead of clear and transparent. You will not be able to pour out the oil should it solidify. To melt the oil (in case it solidifies in colder temperatures), just put the VCO bottle in a bowl/container of warm water. The oil will become clear and transparent again after a while.

Virgin Coconut Oil vs Extra Virgin Olive Oil - VCO is largely made up of saturated fats while EVOO is largely made up of monounsaturated fats. On the scale of stability to heat-induced damage, the saturated fats (VCO) are more stable (more heat-resistant) as compared to mono-unsaturated fats (EVOO). EVOO is more suitable for cold foods (in salad dressing or drizzle over foods) and for light cooking. (Cooking may also destroy some of the heat-sensitive antioxidants and Vitamin E in EVOO). If you are making an effort to control your weight, use EVOO sparingly, as its monounsaturated fatty acids are quite long in structure, which makes them more prone to being stored as fat than short or medium chain fatty acids (as those in VCO). Medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) are metabolized diferently from long-chain fatty acids- MCFAs are converted into energy quickly in the body, reducing fat deposition and facilitating weight control. Virgin Coconut Oil vs Rice Bran Oil - Rice Bran Oil has a high smoking point like VCO. The only disadvantage of Rice Bran Oil, in our opinion, is its high content of Omega 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (as compared to Omega 3 fatty acids). Most of us in developed countries, with our Western diets, are already consuming too much Omega 6, as compared to our Omega 3 intake. The ideal ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 intake is 1:1. Our modern-day ratio can soar up to 15:1 (Omega 6: Omega 3). This imbalanced ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 easily leads to more inflammation-related health problems such as higher rates of diabetes, cancer, heart disease, stroke, arthritis and skin disorders. So unless you are supplementing with reasonable amounts of Omega 3 in your diet, it will be better to stay away from oils heavy in Omega 6 polyunsaturated fats. Most vegetable oils are Omega 6-heavy. So when evaluate cooking oils, remember: Too many omega-6s = Bad.

Oil Pulling originated thousands of years ago in India, for the purpose of detoxification of the whole body. Just use a tablespoon of organic raw virgin coconut oil and swish it around in your mouth for 10-15 minutes before spitting the oil out in a trash can. As you are swishing the oil in your mouth, the enzymes in the oil fat will literally “pull” bacteria and toxins from your body. Be careful to not swallow the oil in your mouth as you would be ingesting bacteria and toxins as well. Best to do oil pulling after brushing your teeth, before meals on an empty stomach, once a day. Oil pulling may help with various ailments such as migraine headaches, sinus, tooth decay, teeth whitening, body/joint pains, acne, diabetes, etc. Do not be alarmed by the temporary worsening of symptoms as this usually occurs as part of the detoxification process. Continue with oil pulling until you sense improvement in your condition – may take weeks. For more information, go to <a href="http://www.oilpulling.org">http://www.oilpulling.org.</a>

Our Culinary virgin coconut oil has a very mild or almost neutral taste and aroma, as compared to regular Virgin Coconut Oil which has a distinct coconut taste and aroma (before/after cooking). If you do not want your cooked dishes to carry a distinct coconut taste and aroma, then our Culinary VCO is the oil for you.

The moisture level of our VCO is very low which results in it having a longer shelf life of more than 3 years while preserving the same delicate aroma and smooth taste.

Our Culinary virgin coconut oil has a very mild or almost neutral taste and aroma, as compared to regular Virgin Coconut Oil which has a distinct coconut taste and aroma (before/after cooking). If you do not want your cooked dishes to carry a distinct coconut taste and aroma, then our Culinary VCO is the oil for you.

You can use it as a healthy cooking oil or for baking. Our Culinary VCO will not lend a strong coconut flavor or aroma to whatever you are cooking. You can also consume it as it is as a dietary supplement (2-4 tablespoons a day with/after meals. For beginners, start with 1 tablespoon a day).

Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Pure VCO solidifies (becomes milky white) in temperatures below 24°C (for example in the refrigerator), it goes back to its liquid state when it is stored back to warmer temperatures (above 24°C).

Chia seed oil can be used for salad dressings or cooked into dishes to help increase its omega-3 content. Chia seed oil can even be applied directly to dry skin as it has hydrating properties. (mix 1-2 drops into your daily moisturizer (or hair conditioner) or use it as a facial oil)

Yes, Chia seed oil has a higher smoke point compared to even coconut oil. However, it is not recommended for it to be used for deep frying. It’s best to use the oil for light, stir-fry dishes instead.

Chia seed oil is an excellent nutritive supplement with the optimal ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 (3:1 ratio). It is also a rich source of antioxidants like kaempferol, quercetin, caffeic acid which all contribute to the overall health benefits of this oil. It can help protect against cardiovascular diseases, support skin and hair health and can be a strong agent in fighting against oxidative stresses and premature aging due to its high antioxidant content.

Chia seed oil can be consumed as 1 teaspoon a day as this is equivalent (in Omega 3 content) to consuming 15g or 2 tablespoons of whole chia seeds. As the nutrients are condensed in the Chia seed oil, consuming 1 teaspoon provides the same amount of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids as consuming 2 tablespoons of Chia seeds. Ideally, you should consume Chia Seed Oil with a meal, or after a meal.