Creamy Vanilla Tart and Coconut Salted Caramel Protein

I’d be crazy not to call this protein a beauty blend which will become clear to you once you see the amazing actions the ingredients have to offer.

Firstly Schisandra, of course an incredible adaptogen meaning it increases resistance to stress from physical exhaustion to more emotional stress such as anxiety. Even more then this, Schisandra has also shown to normalise blood pressure – lowering it in hypertension and vice versa in hypotension – via modulating the width of the blood vessels and hence how much blood can pass through.

"Schisandra increases resistance to stress from physical exhaustion to more emotional stress such as anxiety"

Going back to the beauty aspect, Schisandra has been termed the beauty berry, rich in antioxidants, vitamin C & E, zinc and beneficial fatty acids to name a few.

Tremella would have to be one of the prettiest mushrooms out there, resembling something from an exotic coral reef. While it also exerts anti-ageing properties to back up the beauty berry above being a natural form of hyaluronic acid, which if you don't recognise from skin care products, has shown to plump and firm skin and support joints and ligaments through its role in collagen production, though its benefits go much further.

"Tremella shown to plump and firm skin and support joints and ligaments through its role in collagen production"

Tremella also support our detoxification pathways through increasing Superoxide dismutase, which is an internal toxin scavenger, as well as boosting levels of glutathione, our body’s master detoxification substance present in each and every cell of the body. From an adaptogenic perspective Tremella increases ATP expression and availability of glycogen in the liver and muscles, essentially increasing our energetic and endurance potential and combatting onset of fatigue.

Camu camu is a little known fruit from the wetlands of South America and while its acidity makes raw consumption somewhat unpleasant its benefits can absolutely shine in this powdered form. Camu Camu promotes one of the highest levels of vitamin C than any other plant source making it an amazing immune booster against bacterial and viral conditions. Further however this vitamin C is backed up by antioxidant anthocyanins, flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol, potassium, calcium and zinc, shown to reduce systemic inflammation, being the major driver behind chronic diseases such as Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, Type 2 Diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

"Camu Camu shown to reduce systemic inflammation, being the major driver behind chronic diseases"

Anti-obesity actions have also been shown in research with test groups showing lowered levels of glucose, insulin, LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as lover levels of adipose (fatty) tissue.

Silica is the third most abundant trace element in the body and often overlooked and underrated in terms of health though a major player, acting like glue providing strength, flexibility and resilience in bone, skin, connective tissue, nails and hair. With osteoporosis being ever more present in the aging population (especially in women as oestrogen levels decline) supporting our bone health through calcium, vitamin D, collagen and silica has never been more important. Traditionally absorbed from the soil and consumed via plants, the erosion of minerals in our soils has drastically reduced dietary intake.

"This protein powder promotes collagen production and enhances skin hydration for a glowing, radiant, beautiful and healthy complexion"

Bamboo silica working alongside camu camu, schisandra, and tremella mushroom means this protein powder promotes collagen production and enhances skin hydration for a glowing, radiant, beautiful and healthy complexion.

While we all know that probiotics are good for us, Bacillus coagulans is a proven heat resistance strain meaning not only can it live outside of the fridge, more importantly it can make it all the way through our digestive system to where we need it most. It has shown to be able to boost the immune system, reduce incidence of allergies, lower cholesterol and reduce risk of infection from common pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida albicans.

Monk fruit is a sweetener that has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries being 150 times sweeter than sugar with zero calories or carbohydrates thusno negative impacts on blood sugar regulation or side effects than the artificial sweeteners are laden with. Anti-inflammatory benefits have also been shown with use in hot drinks being able to reduce sore throats and phlegm related conditions.

I guess we should finally talk about the protein in this protein powder as this is where many products on the market do us wrong. Many are packed full of whey which is not only not plant based it wreaks havoc on the gut if sensitive to dairy at all. Pea proteins can also often cause bloating and digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals. Tonika’s pea protein is sprouted and fermented making it easy to digest and absorb while also having a higher nutrient profile and lower levels of carbohydrates and fat.

"Tonika’s pea protein is sprouted and fermented making it easy to digest and absorb while also having a higher nutrient profile and lower levels of carbohydrates and fat."

And just incase this gentle product isn’t quite easy enough to consume digestive enzymes have been thrown in to ensure your body reaps maximum benefit from all these wonderful ingredients mother nature has cooked up for us.

- Rowena Benbow (In-house Naturopath)