April 11, 2018

The Hit List

We have a deep appreciation for the nutrient-dense superfoods that have powered our bites and empowered the GEM community. When we first conceived GEM, we pictured a kaleidoscopic blend of ingredients that worked synergistically to nourish the mind, body, and planet. After scouring the world for the most nutrient-dense food sources, we finally narrowed it down to our core whole-food ingredients.


Each and every time you enjoy a GEM bite, you’re nourishing your body with powerful vitamins, minerals, and herbs that help address average diet deficiencies and fill the gaps in your diet.


Read on to satisfy your curiosity surrounding the extraordinary plants that make up the foundation of GEM:


1 | Spirulina

Sustainably harvested powder from California

A Deeper Look: UN & NASA endorsed algae as the healthiest food on the planet.

Whole Body Benefits: Not only is spirulina a complete protein (which means it contains all essential amino acids), it's also made up of 65% protein—3x the percentage of beef. Plus, it's rich in iron, vitamins A, K, B complex, and omegas.

Why it's in GEM: Cell + Brain + Heart + Phytonutrients

Gram-for-gram, spirulina is one of the most nutrient-dense foods in the world, making it an excellent choice for an all-natural energy boost.*


2 | Chlorella

Cracked cell Chlorella vulgaris powder safely grown in Taiwan

A Deeper Look: Chlorella is a microalgae that is part of a 100% carbon neutral food system (algae)

Whole Body Benefits: It contains over forty nutrients, including potassium, all of the B vitamins, magnesium, zinc and iron, eighteen amino acids, beta carotene, lutein, chlorophyll, and, like its cousin Spirulina, so much more.

Why it's in GEM: Immune Support + Detox + Energy + Skin*

Chlorella is known for its detoxifying properties and the ability to move heavy metals and other unwelcome intruders. Think of it as your daily reset.*


3 | Sea Minerals

Magnesium hydroxide from Irish coast seawater

A Deeper Look: By some estimates, more than 80% of Americans are deficient in magnesium.

Whole Body Benefits: Magnesium is a key mineral involved in more than 600 reactions in the body. Magnesium can provide an array of benefits including muscle relaxation, sleep, and mood support.*

Why it's in GEM: Sleep + Bone + Brain*

Magnesium can help balance hormones and promotes restful sleep so that you can wake up feeling your best self.*


4 | Astaxanthin

Antioxidants from Haematococcus pluvialis, a red algae natural plant source safely grown in water from the Tibetan plateau

A Deeper Look: A powerful antioxidant that gives salmon & shrimp their coral color.

Whole Body Benefits: A microalgae that is 6000x stronger than vitamin C and 550x stronger than vitamin E.

Why it's in GEM: Skin + Clarity + Eyes*

Clinical studies show that astaxanthin can provide graceful aging benefits from the inside out.*


5 | Black Chia Seeds

ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) from chia seeds from Argentina

A Deeper Look: According to ancient Aztec belief, these seeds came from the nose of Cinteotl, the Aztec maize god.

Whole Body Benefits: Chia seeds are high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that can help protect the heart. They also pack quite a punch with 8x more omega-3s than salmon, 3x more antioxidants than blueberries, and 15x more magnesium than broccoli.*

Why it's in GEM: Energy + Brain + Heart + Regularity*

Thanks to omega 3s and magnesium, chia seeds can help ease stress and elevate mood.*


6 | Dates + Coconut

Organically grown in Vietnam & USA

A Deeper Look: There are more than 500 unique polyphenols that boast antioxidant effects, and dates contain more polyphenols than most fruits or vegetables.

Whole Body Benefits: Coconut and dates are great sources of important nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, B vitamins, and antioxidants. They’re also high in fiber and can help with regularity and digestion.*

Why it's in GEM: Metabolism + Digestion + Energy*

The healthy fats in coconut and its oil can help the body better absorb certain antioxidants in food, such as lycopene and beta-carotene.


7 | Quinoa Sprouts

B-Complex from quinoa sprouts from Austria

A Deeper Look: 6,000 year old (pseudo) grain was a sacred staple of the Inca diet

Whole Body Benefits: Rich in vitamin Bs. Certain groups are at higher risk for depletion of B vitamins including those who are vegan, gluten-free, not eating enough fruits or veggies, consuming alcohol frequently, or under a lot of stress.

Why it's in GEM: Brain + Energy + Mood + Heart*

Constant fatigue can sometimes be the result of deficiencies. Vitamin B's help fill the gaps to strengthen, energize, and revitalize.*


8 | Ashwagandha

Withania somnifera roots and leaf extract from India

A Deeper Look: The Sanskrit translation of ashwagandha is “the smell of a horse,” which, thankfully, is not literal. The term is meant to indicate that the herb will give one the vigor and strength of a stallion.

Whole Body Benefits: Ashwagandha is one of the most important herbs of Ayurveda (a traditional system of medicine in India), and it is known for helping balance hormone levels when stress has them out of whack.*

Why it's in GEM: Hormone + Mood*

It's estimated that 2 out of 3 Americans experience daily stress and worry. Ashwagandha is your ultimate stress fighter.*


9 | Mushrooms

Agaricus bisporus mushrooms from the USA

A Deeper Look: Mushrooms (botanically, "fungi") are more closely related in DNA to humans than to plants. Like human skin, mushrooms can produce vitamin D by being exposed to sunlight

Whole Body Benefits: In addition to Vitamin D, mushrooms are great sources of protein, fiber, B vitamins (especially niacin), vitamin C, calcium, minerals, and selenium.

Why it's in GEM: Mood + Bones + Immunity*

For those of us that are sun-deprived (read: anyone who works inside), vitamin D can help enhance mood.*


10 | Chickpeas

MK-7 (Vit. K) from fermented chickpeas from India.

A Deeper Look: A friend to your body and a friend to the earth, chickpeas are powerful nitrogen-fixing legumes that contribute to soil health.

Whole Body Benefits: Chickpeas are one the cleanest sources of vitamin K2, an overlooked nutrient that is essential to our bones. Vitamin K2 pairs with vitamin D and the calcium in your diet to nurture strong bones.*

Why it's in GEM: Bone + Heart*

K2 is often an overlooked nutrient that is tough to get from everyday diets.


11 | Pumpkin Seeds

Sustainably harvested in USA.

A Deeper Look: Green pumpkin seeds (pepitas) are the naked version of white pumpkin seeds that you hull out while carving a pumpkin.

Whole Body Benefits: Pumpkin seeds contain a wide variety of nutrients ranging from magnesium and manganese to copper, protein, and zinc.

Why it's in GEM: Full Body Health*

These unassuming seeds give GEM its crunch and provide a nutritional boost.


12 | Curry Leaves

Murraya koenigii curry leaf extract from India

A Deeper Look: It’s a myth that iron only comes from red meat. We derive our iron from whole curry leaves. Unlike synthetically derived iron, our curry leaves come complete with all the additional compounds and organic co-nutrients needed to fully absorb and digest the iron.*

Whole Body Benefits: Curry leaves are rich in vitamins A, B2, C, Calcium and Iron – our curry leaves are mostly formulated for its iron-boosting content.

Why it's in GEM: Energy + Endurance + Clarity*

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide and can lead to fatigue, weakened immunity, and cognitive impairment. While iron is an essential nutrient for everyone, it is especially important for women and infants.*


*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

This article is based on scientific research and/or other scientific articles and contains trusted sources.

Our goal at GEM is to give readers up-to-date and objective information on health-related topics. GEM content is written by experienced health and lifestyle contributors and articles undergo an extensive review process.

All references are hyperlinked at the end of the article to take readers directly to the source.