Einkorn Wheat Products

Proteins are a group of biological compounds which are present in every live cell, organ and tissue of the body.  Meaning “first” or “of prime importance” in Greek, proteins participate in every cellular process occurring in the body.  Proteins are made up of structures called amino acids, there are a total of 21 amino acids, 9 are essential, the rest are nonessential – you must consume the essential amino acids in your diet because your body cannot make them. 

Dietary protein supports bone health in three main ways: by supplying the raw material required to construct soft bone matrix, by increasing plasma IGF1 and by promoting muscle growth and retention.  IGF1 is a growth hormone that stimulates and increases the activity of osteoblasts (cells which secrete the substance of bone).  It is especially important to ensure that children get enough protein since they are still developing and it is necessary to ensure their growth is unimpaired.  Proteins play an important role in muscle contraction and coordination, they are present in the muscle tissues in the form of many microfilaments and provide muscle structure.  Muscle growth depends on the adequacy of proteins in the body.  Proteins function as building blocks for muscles, bones and cartilage, opt for a variety of whole foods to meet your protein needs including; grass fed meat and poultry, eggs, dairy, seeds, beans and nuts.

Protein contributes to:

·         the maintenance of normal bones

·         a growth in muscle mass

·         the maintenance of muscle mass

·         Protein is needed for normal growth and development of bone in children.

Also known as thiamin, vitamin B1 is one of the eight water soluble vitamins in the vitamin B family.  It is a vital human nutrient playing an important role in how we convert our food into energy – when we consume our food it is broken down into simpler units such as carbohydrates, fats and amino acids, vitamin B1 plays a crucial role in utilising these units to produce energy.  This is especially true for cells in the brain where the energy demand is really high which is why it is also referred to as a “morale vitamin” for its positive effect on the nervous system and a healthy mental attitude! 

Promoting the health of the nervous system, vitamin B1 helps in the proper development of the myelin sheaths around nerves, improving the body’s ability to withstand stress, it is often called the “anti-stress” vitamin and is also reported to improve the memory and powers of concentration.  Thiamin is essential to the body’s cardiac heath, involved in blood formation and helping in the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine which is used to relay messages between the nerves and muscles to ensure proper cardiac function.  Brewer’s yeast and liver are the richest sources of vitamin B1, however, spirulina, linseeds, rye, wheat germ and kidney beans are also important sources of this vitamin.

Vitamin B1 contributes to:

·         normal energy-yielding metabolism

·         the normal functioning of the nervous system

·         normal psychological function

·         the normal function of the heart

Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, is a water soluble vitamin.  It is one of the eight B vitamins that are essential for human health and is found in a variety of foods, both plant based and animal based, and is not lost in cooking like many of the other vitamins.  Vitamin B2 is critical to the breakdown of dietary carbohydrates, fats and proteins into energy that you can use.  Without adequate riboflavin in the diet the enzymes involved in energy production do not function optimally which can lead to tiredness and stress. 

Working in tandem with other B vitamins, vitamin B2 helps to protect the nervous system and plays an important role in saving your body from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, serving as a component of the enzyme glutathione reductase which helps to neutralize free radicals.  Essential for the formation of fresh red blood cells, vitamin B2 also interacts with iron which is used to synthesize haemoglobin, allowing your body to get the oxygen rich blood needed to perform the daily functions of life.   Along with vitamin A, riboflavin also helps to maintain the mucous membranes in the digestive system.  Playing a major role in ensuring healthy corneas, perfect vision and radiant skin, vitamin B2 is best consumed as nature intended!  Dietary sources rich in this important vitamin include; dark leafy green vegetables, barleygrass, mushrooms, avocados, dairy products and wild rice.

Vitamin B2 contributes to:

·         normal energy yielding metabolism

·         the normal functioning of the nervous system

·         the maintenance of normal mucous membranes

·         the maintenance of normal red blood cells

·         the maintenance of normal skin

Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, plays an essential role in human life and is the most versatile of all the B vitamins!  Working closely with the other B vitamins, vitamin B6 contributes to numerous functions in the body.  It plays an important role in refurbishing the immune system to the required functional level, this potential health benefit appears to be associated with its role in the metabolism of the amino acid tryptophan.  Also referred to as the “mood vitamin”, B6 is needed for proper brain development and function, preventing mental fatigue and helping the body make the feel good hormones serotonin and norepinephrine that relax and lift your spirits, along with melatonin, the hormone which regulates the body clock. 

Vitamin B6 is functional in working with a number of enzymatic systems to make these enzymes work in the desired manner, this association contributes to the proper functioning of the nervous system.  It is also involved at several steps in the metabolism of carbohydrates, in particular the enzyme that pulls carbohydrates out of storage in the cell - in the form of a molecule called glycogen – which requires vitamin B6 for its activity and it metabolises a number of other nutrients to extract energy.  Vitamin B6 is a key factor in the manufacture of haemoglobin – the oxygen carrying component of red blood cells – and has a role in preventing heart disease.  Without enough B6 a compound called homocysteine builds up in the body which can damage blood vessel linings, setting the stage for plaque build-up when the body tries to heal the damage.  Vitamin B6 prevents this build-up thereby reducing the risk of heart attack.  The availability of this important vitamin is highest in foods like spirulina, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, green beans, walnuts and wheat germ.

Vitamin B6 contributes to:

·         the normal functioning of the nervous system

·         normal homocysteine metabolism

·         normal protein and glycogen metabolism

·         normal psychological function

·         normal red blood cell formation

·         the normal function of the immune system

·         the reduction of tiredness and fatigue

·         the regulation of hormonal activity

·         normal cysteine synthesis

·         normal energy-yielding metabolism

Next to calcium, phosphorus is the most abundant mineral in the body.  In order to be properly utilised it must be in proper balance with calcium and magnesium in the blood, these are the two minerals it works in tandem with to create strong bones and teeth, also helping to lay the foundation of a strong skeletal structure.  It is an essential part of our diet - especially as children when the most bone growth and development occurs.  Both DNA and RNA contain phosphorus which make it important for cellular reproduction. 

Phosphorus also contributes to the repair process and maintenance of various body cells which suffer from daily wear and tear, it makes up part of the phospholipids that surround cells - phospholipids help to protect and regulate what goes in and out of each cell.  Phosphorus plays an essential role in how the body stores and uses energy, it aids in the process of energy extraction by stimulating the process of metabolism of different nutrients including niacin(B3) and riboflavin(B2), helping to maximise the uptake of these two vitamins in particular.  The best sources for this mineral are chlorella, dairy, whole grains, legumes and nuts.

Phosphorus contributes to:

·         the maintenance of normal bones

·         the maintenance of normal teeth

·         the normal growth and development of bone in children

·         the normal function of cell membranes

·         normal energy-yielding metabolism

Iron is needed for a number of highly complex processes that continuously take place in the body on a molecular level and that are indispensable to human life.  Formation of haemoglobin is the chief function of this mineral – this is the primary protein found in red blood cells and represents about two thirds of the body’s iron.  Haemoglobin binds to the oxygen molecules that you breathe in from the air and releases them into your tissues.  The brain receives around 20% of the blood oxygen and a proper flow of blood to the brain can stimulate cognitive activity and help to create new neural pathways, it is especially important that children consume enough iron in their diet – iron deficiency in the first two years of a child’s life is associated with delayed cognitive and psychomotor development.  

Ribonucleic reductase is an iron dependant enzyme that is required for DNA synthesis (cell division), thus iron is required for a number of functions including healing and immune function - red blood cells are necessary for providing oxygen to damaged tissues, organs and cells.  Iron is also involved in food metabolism and is a cofactor and activator for some enzymes which play key roles in energy production and metabolism.  If iron stores are low symptoms can include tiredness, fatigue and dizziness.  Dietary iron has two forms, heme (animal based) and non-heme (plant based), important sources are; grass fed beef, oysters, spinach, lentils and beans.

Iron contributes to:

·         normal cognitive function

·         normal energy-yielding metabolism

·         normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin

·         normal oxygen transport in the body

·         normal function of the immune system

·         the reduction of tiredness and fatigue

·         normal cognitive development of children

·         Iron has a role in the process of cell division

Vitamin A is the name given to a group of fat-soluble antioxidant compounds.  Two different types of vitamin A are found in the diet; “preformed vitamin A” (also referred to as retinol or retinal) is found in animal products and “pro-vitamin A” is found in plant based foods - the most common type being beta-carotene.  It was the first fat soluble vitamin to be recognised and is sometimes referred to as the “anti-infective” vitamin due to its enhancement of the body’s immunity against infections by increasing the lymphatic responses against disease forming antigens.  It keeps the mucous membranes moist that line the mouth, respiratory passage and urinary tract and enhances the activity of white blood cells. 

Known as retinol because it produces the pigments in the retina in the eye, it enables your eyes to adjust to light changes, keeps the eyes moist and improves night vision.  It can also significantly reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.  Vitamin A helps to keep your body free from free radicals and toxins which might cause damage to your skin, helping to keep it soft and supple by ensuring moisture retention.  Vitamin A deficiency can impair iron metabolism which can lead to anaemia despite adequate iron intake.  Playing an important role in cells’ ability to adapt to perform specific functions in larger organs, the richest sources of preformed vitamin A are found in liver, kidney, butter and whole milk, whereas good sources of pro-vitamin A are dark green leafy vegetables and yellow-orange vegetables such as sweet potatoes and carrots.

Vitamin A contributes to:

·         normal iron metabolism

·         the maintenance of normal mucous membranes

·         the maintenance of normal skin

·         the maintenance of normal vision

·         the normal function of the immune system

·         Vitamin A has a role in the process of cell specialisation

Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, is an essential nutrient that must be provided for in your diet. The health benefits of niacin are primarily derived from its use in producing a coenzyme called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide or NAD, with one of the most important health benefits being its role in producing energy from dietary carbohydrates and fats.  Vitamin B3 seems to have a particularly potent role in maintaining mental agility and is important for the proper functioning of all cells including the cells of the brain and the nervous system - it acts as a powerful antioxidant in brain cells.  When the nervous system is working properly symptoms such as anxiety and mood swings can be prevented, even a slight deficiency in vitamin B3 can cause physical and mental fatigue. 

The most common symptom of niacin deficiency involves the skin with a severe deficiency leading to dermatitis and a condition called “pellagra” where a thick scaly rash develops in areas exposed to sunlight.  If pellagra is left untreated it can perturb the mucous membranes of the mouth and tongue making them red and swollen.  Vitamin B3 is found abundantly in chia seeds with just 100 grams providing approximately 55% of daily required levels.  Other good sources include sesame and sunflower seeds, nuts and nut butters, capers and brewer’s yeast.

Vitamin B3 contributes to:

·         normal energy-yielding metabolism

·         normal functioning of the nervous system

·         normal psychological function

·         the maintenance of normal mucous membranes

·         the maintenance of normal skin

·         the reduction of tiredness and fatigue

Potassium, the third most abundant mineral in the human body, is an essential mineral whose ions are vital for the functioning of all living cells!  Potassium plays a role at both the cellular and electrical level – considered and electrolyte because it carries a tiny electrical charge – it is found in red blood cells, muscles and bones.  Our bodies use potassium ions to conduct electrical impulses along muscle and nerve cells, it helps to boost the efficiency of nerve reflexes that transmit messages from one body part to another, this in turn helps in muscle contraction to perform various activities without tiring quickly. 

Potassium also has vasodilating properties that work to relieve the tension of blood vessels which is one of the main causes of high blood pressure.  It is helpful in reversing the role of sodium in unbalancing normal blood pressure thus acting as a vital component that maintains the normality of blood pressure in the human body.  The importance of potassium should not be underestimated in your dietary plan, most famously found in bananas other rich sources of potassium include spinach, avocados and coconut water.

Potassium contributes to:

·         normal functioning of the nervous system

·         normal muscle function

·         the maintenance of normal blood pressure

Zinc is a metal that functions as an essential nutrient in the body, it is found in every cell and has been used since ancient times, with Ayurvedic texts dating as far back as the 14^th century recommending its application in various forms.  Although only required in limited amounts, zinc supports important bodily processes like strengthening the immune system – your body needs zinc to make T-cells, a type of white blood cell that fights off foreign invaders in your bloodstream.  With antioxidant properties, zinc helps to protect the cells in the body from damage by free radicals and supports the catalytic activity of various enzymes essential in DNA synthesis and cell division.  In males, zinc assists in spermatogenesis (the production of mature spermatozoa) and is a critical mineral for robust testosterone levels, in females it aids in all the reproductive phases including the birth and lactation stages. 

Zinc is an essential component of over 300 enzymes participating in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fatty acids, proteins and other macronutrients and has a regulatory role in vitamin A transport mediated through protein synthesis.  The intake of zinc has a positive influence on bone mass, it is an important cofactor in the stimulation of bone building osteoblasts (cells that synthesize bone), it accelerates the renewal of skin cells and it is essential for healthy nails and shiny hair.  Zinc is vital for vision with high concentrations found in the retina and may also protect from night blindness and prevent the development of cataracts.  This super nutrient also plays a crucial role in memory formation and cognitive stability, ensuring a proper intake of zinc is an important step towards optimal brain function.  Topping the list of zinc rich foods are oysters, however seeds such as chia, sunflower, hemp and pumpkin are also rich sources of this important mineral.

Zinc contributes to:

·         normal DNA synthesis

·         normal acid-base metabolism

·         normal carbohydrate metabolism

·         normal cognitive function

·         normal fertility and reproduction

·         normal macronutrient metabolism

·         normal metabolism of fatty acids

·         normal metabolism of Vitamin A

·         normal protein synthesis

·         the maintenance of normal bones

·         the maintenance of normal hair

·         the maintenance of normal nails