Functional Food
Functional Food
AHCC: what exactly is this mushroom extract?
In short: AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound) is a standardised extract from cultivated mycelia of shiitake and related mushrooms, developed in Japan. It stands out for a patented process with a focus on alpha-glucans. No health claims for AHCC are authorised in the EU. AHCC is an abbreviation you come across more and more often in the world of food supplements, but not everyone knows what it is. It is a standardised extract made from cultivated mushrooms. In this article we explain factually what AHCC stands for, how it is made, how it compares with other mushroom extracts and what to look for when choosing.
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Lumbrokinase: what is it and how is it made?
In short: lumbrokinase is an enzyme extract from the earthworm Lumbricus rubellus. It is of animal origin (not vegan) and is offered in capsules with a fixed amount of standardised extract. No health claims are authorised in the EU for lumbrokinase. In this article you can read what lumbrokinase is, how it is made, how the amount is stated on the label, how it differs from nattokinase and what to keep in mind if you take medication.
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What is resveratrol and where does it come from?
In short: resveratrol is a polyphenol (antioxidant) found in grape skins and in the plant Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum), among others; the latter is the usual source for supplements. No health claims for resveratrol are authorised in the EU. Resveratrol is a natural plant compound that became known for its presence in the skin of red grapes and in red wine. It belongs to the polyphenols, a large group of plant antioxidants. In this article we explain factually what resveratrol is, which sources contain it, why Japanese knotweed is so often used and what to look for when choosing a resveratrol supplement.
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Gaining insight into magnesium in your diet
Magnesium is an essential mineral found in various plant-based foods and plays an important role in our bodies. In this blog, we discuss which foods contain magnesium and how dietary choices can influence magnesium intake.
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What is colostrum powder (beestings) and where does it come from?
This guide focuses on colostrum powder, also known as first milk powder. We delve into the origin of colostrum, its production, and its unique composition. We also introduce Big Food Whole Colostrum Powder, sourced from European grass-fed cows. We provide detailed information about the product's background, composition, and quality, without making any medical or health claims.
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Discover Colostrum Powder: A Natural Supplement for Your Diet
Colostrum powder, derived from the first milk produced by mammals after birth, offers a natural supplement for those looking to diversify their dietary choices. Among others, Plenthera offers Big Food Whole Colostrum Powder.
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Mushroom Powder: Explaining Chaga, the 'King of Mushrooms'
Chaga, also known as the 'king of mushrooms', is primarily found in cold, northern forests where it grows on birch trees. This special mushroom forms the basis of traditional teas and extracts and is valued for its unique growth pattern and pure origin. Discover everything about chaga's growing conditions, traditional preparation, and the production of organic chaga mushroom powder here.
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How do you add psyllium husk to your daily diet?
Psyllium husk is one of the easiest ways to get more fibre into your daily diet. It is tasteless, absorbs liquid quickly and works in smoothies, yoghurt, soup and gluten-free bread. Below you can read how to use it and how much to take, and you'll find four recipes to get started straight away.View Big Food Psyllium Husk Organic 400 g →
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Raw cocoa powder vs. regular cocoa powder: what's the difference?
Cocoa powder is a widely used ingredient in countless recipes, ranging from smoothies to baked goods. But what exactly is the difference between raw cocoa powder and regular cocoa powder? On this page, we explain the production process, taste, content, and use of organic cocoa powder in your daily diet. Discover why more and more people are choosing raw cocoa as a natural ingredient in their kitchen.
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Ashwagandha (KSM-66): what is it and where does it come from?
In short: ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a herb from Ayurveda, of which mainly the root is used. KSM-66 is a widely used, standardised root extract. No health claims for ashwagandha are authorised in the EU. Ashwagandha is one of the best-known herbs in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system. The plant is also called Indian ginseng or winter cherry. You see ashwagandha more and more often as a supplement, frequently labelled KSM-66. In this article you can read, factually, what ashwagandha is, which plant it comes from, what KSM-66 means and what to look for when comparing an ashwagandha supplement.
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Berberine: what is it and where does it come from?
In short: berberine is a yellow plant alkaloid from plants such as barberry and Berberis aristata. Supplements usually contain berberine HCl, often 500 mg per capsule. No health claims are authorised in the EU for berberine. Berberine is a plant substance that occurs naturally in barberry (berberis), Oregon grape and goldenseal, among others. In this article you can read which plants berberine comes from, the form in which it is used in supplements, what the label states and what to keep in mind regarding medication, pregnancy and breastfeeding.
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Magnesium and your bones: the often-forgotten mineral
When it comes to strong bones, most people immediately think of calcium and vitamin D. But there is a third mineral that is often overlooked: magnesium. About 60% of the magnesium in your body is stored in your bones, and magnesium contributes to the maintenance of normal bones. In this article you can read how magnesium relates to calcium and vitamin D, how much you need and which form of magnesium suits you.
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