Ingredients Glossary
Acai Berry – A tiny purple palm fruit native to South America, it was a staple food of the Amazonians. Açaí is rich in antioxidants (specifically anthocyanins like those found in red wine) and healthy fats similar to olive oil.
Almonds: Technically not a nut (actually the seed of the fruit of the almond tree), almonds are high in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, magnesium and potassium. We use raw, certified organic almonds to make our fresh almond milk and our herbed Pharmer’s cheese.
Avocados: Rich in healthy fats, including anti-inflammatory phytosterols, avocadoes are an amazing sub-tropical fruit. Our Avocado-Basil Dressing offers a delicious way to reap their health benefits and will actually boost your nutritive intake when used to dress one of our organic green salads: Recent research has shown that absorption of two key carotenoid antioxidants—lycopene and beta-carotene—increases significantly when eaten in conjunction with fresh avocado.
Banana: Potassium-powered, high-energy fruit that lends natural sweetness to many of our Protein Shakes and Smoothies. We only use organic and fair-trade certified bananas.
Beets: One of our absolute favorite root vegetables, beets are deliciously sweet and crunchy when used raw, while slow roasting concentrates their delicious, earthy flavor. The unique phytonutrients found in beets have been shown to provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and detoxification support which is why they’re an essential ingredient in many of our cold-pressed Juice Infusions. You may also enjoy them in our Carrot-Beet Cleanser and French Lentil & Roasted Beet Salads.
Black pepper: Actually the dried, mature berry of the pepper plant, black pepper (also known as black peppercorn)
has long been prized for its myriad health benefits and culinary versatility. Used sparingly as a seasoning, this potent spice helps stimulate and improve digestion by triggering the body to produce hydrochloric acid. This can help reduce gas, bloating and other digestive complications. The presence of black pepper also greatly increases the body’s ability to absorb curcumin, the powerful, anti-inflammatory compound found in turmeric root - which is why you’ll find always find them used together in our cold-pressed Juice Infusions and Protein Shakes.
Blueberries: Blueberries have one of the highest antioxidant capacities of any edible plant on the planet! Native to the Northeastern United States, they’re at their absolute best in the summertime, when we bring them in fresh from the fields of local organic growers. We use them year-round to boost the antioxidant profile of our Immunition cold-pressed Juice Infusion, and our Defense+ Protein Shake. You’ll also find them in our frozen fruit Smoothies and in our delectable, high-protein almond muffins.
Burdock root: This hearty, tenacious root has been used as a vegetable and medicinal plant since ancient times. Indigenous to Northern Europe and Siberia, it now grows wild in many areas of the globe, and is also cultivated in parts of Asia where it plays a larger role in native cuisine. We love it for its deep, earthy flavor, blood-boosting mineral profile and general detoxifying properties. Burdock is very low in calories and sugar, but yields an incredibly sweet tasting nectar when juiced, lending flavor and nutrition to many of our cold-pressed Juice Infusions.
Cacao Powder – Made by low-temperature roasting of organic cacao beans (from which chocolate are made). Cacao is a great source of antioxidants, and contains an abundance of magnesium and iron. It’s a great natural stimulant and mood enhancer.
Calendula flower: Calendula flowers were one time a frequent ingredient in winter stews and soups because they have many healing properties for the body. The flower is a powerful healer of wounds by promoting cell repair and growth. It is also an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. It can be applied topically or internally to heal and treat infections. Calendula is also one of the best herbs for nourishing and cleansing the lymphatic system, an important part of the immune system. We use this herb in Flow for it’s anti-inflammatory and lymph cleansing properties.
Cardamom: Native to India, and used extensively in Indian regional cuisine and Ayurvedic medicine, this spice supplies an exotic, sweet flavor to both sweet and savory dishes, and offers potent healing power for your body. Cardamom seed is used to treat a wide range of symptoms, from nausea and indigestion to high blood pressure, inflammation and even depression.
Carrot: These sweet roots are nutritional powerhouses, containing huge amounts of vitamin A to support immune system function, and outstanding levels of phytonutrient antioxidants. New research also links carrot consumption to anti-cancer and cardiovascular benefits.
Cayenne: A spice that is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, helps stimulate detoxification and improves circulation. Capsaicin is the compound found in cayenne pepper that is responsible for its hot, spicy taste, and for its amazing therapeutic abilities.
Chia Seeds: A good source of omega-3 fatty acids (also known as “good fat”), antioxidants, protein and fiber. The ancient Aztecs called chia seeds the “runner’s seed” because they provides lasting, sustained energy.
Celery: Beyond its pleasing crunch and refreshing flavor, celery offers a lot in the way of nutrition. Celery is a rich source of phenolic phytonutrients that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Celery also offers anti-inflammatory and digestive support. Pick up a bottle of our Apha Green juice and enjoy its benefits.
Chamomile flower: A gentle yet potent and effective plant that treats everything from colic and indigestion to muscle spasms, tension, inflammation and infection. The flowers make a calming tea that is good for easing stress and nervousness, and promoting sleep. We add chamomile to our Almond Chill to help you relax whether during the day or before bed.
Chickpea: The chickpea or chick pea (Cicer arietinum) is a legume of the family Fabaceae, subfamily Faboideae. It is also known as gram, or Bengal gram, garbanzo or garbanzo bean and sometimes known as Egyptian pea, ceci, cece or chana. Its seeds are high in protein. It is one of the earliest cultivated legumes: 7,500-year-old remains have been found in the Middle East
Cinnamon: The brown bark of the cinnamon tree, this spice has a long history in both the kitchen and the apothecary. Cinnamon’s culinary and healing properties come from the essential oils found in the bark. The oils have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effects, and research has shown that their incredible aroma can actually boost brain function!
Clove: Cloves are the unopened pink flower buds of the evergreen clove tree. They provide a warming, sweet and aromatic flavor when used in recipes. Clove is also the number one listing on the ORAC scale, which measures antioxidant capacities in common foods. We give our cold-pressed Immunity juice an antioxidant boost with a potent pinch of this powerful spice.
Coconut Kefir: A whole-food probiotic (see Probiotics, below) rich in vitamins, minerals and electrolytes. We make our kefir by inoculating our raw coconut water with live cultures including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria.
Coconut Water: The clear liquid found inside a coconut. Because it is naturally rich in electrolytes, coconut water is a great option for post workout hydration. Our coconut water is unpasteurized, meaning it is not heat-treated, and a raw product so it is rich in live, beneficial enzymes.
Cucumber: 95% percent water, cucumbers are naturally rehydrating to the body. They have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and are also associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.
Dandelion leaf: A common ‘weed’ from the garden, dandelion is tenacious. While the entire plant is useful as both medicine and food, here we focus on the leaves. The greens are a mild diuretic, without depleting the body of minerals. They are a rich source of potassium, iron, calcium and vitamins. We add dandelion to our Alpha Green and Green Light juices to enhance the excretion of toxins and excess fluids while cleansing.
Dates: Chewy and satisfying, with a deep, sweet deliciousness that’s only surpassed by their rich nutritional content. These ancient fruits are the original natural sweetener.
Detoxification - The natural process by which the body gets rid of accumulated toxic substances (toxins). Toxins may include residues from excess fat or protein in the diet, environmental toxins from heavy metals or air pollution, or countless other toxic substances that we encounter everyday. Regular consumption of raw, organic food, specifically in the form of fresh juices, will help stimulate and support the body’s natural ability to cleanse and detoxify.
E3 Live: Live (fresh-frozen) nutrient-dense “aquabotanical”. E3 Live is a form of blue-green algae (Aphanizomenon flos-aqua, or “AFA” for short), wild-harvested from a pristine lake in Oregon. Contains over 65 vitamins, minerals, amino acids and essential fatty acids. May promote increased energy, a strengthened immune system, and support brain function and ability to manage everyday stress.
Echinacea: A native US wild flower that is also known as coneflower. Echinacea extract (liquid tincture) is used therapeutically to support a healthy immune system and help shorten the duration of colds and flu.
Elderberry and Elderflower: Elderberry and elderflower have been used for centuries in Europe for treating colds and flu because they have both immune enhancing and anti-viral properties. They are also and are known for treating upper respiratory infections. We add our infusion to Immunition and Defense+ to give you an added immune boost whether you are already fighting a cold or to prevent you from getting one.
Epic Protein Green Kingdom: Highest quality pea protein powder that also contains lucuma fruit , barley grass, wheatgrass, spirulina, alfalfa, kelp, dulse, orange and lemon peel, beetroot, dandelion, ginkgo and baobab fruit.
Epic Protein Vanilla: Highest quality pea protein powder that also contains lucuma fruit, mesquite pod, vanilla bean and baobab fruit.
Epic Protein Chocolate-Maca: Highest quality pea protein powder that contains cacao, mesquite pod, maca root and baobab fruit.
Fennel bulb: this crunchy vegetable has long been prized for it’s sweet, anise-like flavor and powerful health benefits. Fennel has long been used as a natural remedy for various ailments and to soothe the digestive system. Recent studies have also shown fennel to contain a unique combination of phytonutrients that give it strong antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory properties, and anti-cancer qualities.
Flaxseed: contain high amounts of polyunsaturated fat, rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are essential to good health. Omega 3’s are thought to help reduce inflammation and swelling, lower blood cholesterol levels and slow the growth of cancerous tumors. We use a “high-lignan” flaxseed oil, which is though to have additional cancer-fighting benefits.
Ginger root: A root that has been used as a natural remedy for centuries to help with everything from headaches to nausea to pain relief. This powerful root also helps blood circulation and can reduce inflammation and swelling. When added to juices, it can help stimulate detoxification in the body.
Green apple: with their brisk, tart flavor, green apples are particularly stimulating to the liver and gall bladder, and have been used traditionally to stimulate detoxification of these organs.
Goji berry: native to the Himalayan mountains of Tibet and Mongolia, goji berries are thought to be one of the most nutritionally dense fruits on Earth, and have been used for thousands of years in Tibet and China, both as a culinary ingredient and medicinally. We love their deep, earthy flavor and mild sweetness. Goji berries are also unique because they contain all essential amino acids, and the highest protein content of any fruit.
Hemp seeds: while technically considered a fruit, hemp seeds are an incredibly valuable source of plant-based, bio-available and easily digestible protein, containing all 10 essential amino acids, and 4 grams of protein per tablespoon. Hemp seeds are also highly anti-inflammatory, with a healthy 3:1 ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids.
Himalayan salt: also called “pink salt” due to the rosy hue that its rich concentration of essential minerals lend each crystal, this is one of the world’s highest quality and nutrient-rich culinary salts. Thought to be some of the purest salt on the planet due to the pristine environment in the Himalayan mountains from where it is harvested.
Honey (Raw, Local): An ingredient that has been used for centuries for its numerous healing properties. Raw honey has not been heat-treated (pasteurized), which can destroy the enzymes and compounds that make it so beneficial. Consumption of raw honey that is harvested locally (obtained from hives in New York state, or the surrounding area) may help people build immunity to seasonal allergies.
Kale: the leafy green darling of foodies and health-nuts alike, kale is loved for its mineral-rich nutrient profile, ability to support detoxification, as well as for its wonderful flavor. Here at Organic Pharmer, we just can’t get enough of its green goodness, and use it raw, cooked and juiced!
Lavender flower: This plant is not only beautiful, but has many medicinal uses. It has profound relaxing, calming and uplifting effects, which is why we add a lavender infusion to our Almond Chill. Not only does it add to the deliciousness, it will help you ‘chill’ at the end of a long day or before bed.
Lemon & Lime: both lemons and limes contain unique flavonoid compounds that have powerful antioxidant and anticancer properties. We fresh-squeeze organic lemons and limes to add a burst of flavor and freshness to our Juice-Infusions, Frozen Fruit Smoothies and delicious plant-based cuisine.
Lemon balm: This plant is both delicious and an effective medicinal herb. It calms both the nervous and digestive systems. It functions as a very mild sedative, especially helpful for insomnia. When combined with lavender in our Almond Chill, it is the perfect recipe for a restful sleep.
Lentils: Lentils also contain dietary fiber, folate, vitamin B1, and minerals. Red (or pink) lentils contain a lower concentration of fiber than green lentils (11% rather than 31%). With about 30% of their calories from protein, lentils have the third-highest level of protein, by weight, of any legume or nut, after soybeans and hemp. Proteins include the essential amino acids isoleucine and lysine, and lentils are an inexpensive source of essential protein in many parts of the world, especially in West Asia and the Indian subcontinent, which have large vegetarian populations. Lentils are deficient in two essential amino acids, methionine and cysteine.
Maple syrup: made from cooking down the sap of local sugar maple trees, the resulting dark syrup is one of nature’s best sweeteners. Very high in essential minerals, maple syrup provides iron, zinc, calcium and potassium and manganese, just to name a few.
Mint: A culinary herb with medicinal qualities. Mint supports digestion, relieves nausea and headaches and can help clear congestion.
Mung beans: are small green legumes. Legumes are seeds from the pods of plants in the Leguminosae family and also the Fabaceae family. When sprouted, they are usually just called bean sprouts. Like many other legumes, this bean can be eaten raw when sprouted, or else eaten cooked with the skin on or off. Unlike many other beans, it is quite easy on the digestive tract and doesn’t usually cause a gassy reaction.
Nettles: This herb is an all around tonic for the body. It provides a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals, and can help joint pain, allergies, and hay fever. It is a tonic for the reproductive system of both men and women, but most importantly for our purposes, has a positive effect on the liver. For this reason, we add a Nettle infusion to our Alpha Green and Green Light juices, which focus on supporting the liver detox system.
Orange: juicy and sweet, and extremely high in antioxidant vitamin C, oranges are particular supportive of a good immune system.
Parsley: one of the most popular culinary herbs in the world, parsley is also one of the most nutritious – it’s a rich source of antioxidants, and a good source of folic acid, one of the important B vitamins which are essential to cardiovascular health. We love the fresh flavor parsley lends to our green juices.
Pineapple: a tropical fruit with a delicious balance of sweet and tart flavors, pineapple also contains potent anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.
Probiotics: Live and fermented foods containing beneficial and naturally-occurring microorganisms that strengthen the body’s ability to digest food and assimilate nutrients. These foods include yogurt, kefir (see Coconut Kefir, above) high-quality miso pastes and lacto-fermented pickles. An array of scientific evidence supports the idea that our overall health is determined by the condition of our digestive systems and probiotics help keep our digestive systems in balance.
Quinoa: is a rich source (>20% of the Daily value, DV) of the B vitamins thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6, and folate and is a rich source of the dietary minerals iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. Quinoa is also a good source (10-19% of DV) of the B vitamins niacin and pantothenic acid, vitamin E, and the dietary mineral potassium. Quinoa was important to the diet of pre-Columbian Andean civilizations. Quinoa grain has been called a superfood, a term which is not in common use by dietitians and nutrition scientists. Protein content is very high for a cereal/pseudo-cereal (14% by mass), but not as high as most beans and legumes. The protein content per 100 calories is higher than brown rice, potatoes, barley and millet, but is less than wild rice and oats. Nutritional evaluations indicate that quinoa is a source of complete protein. Other sources claim its protein is not complete but relatively high in essential amino acids.
Red grapes: grapes contain an overwhelming number of health-supportive phytonutrients – way too many to list here! Recent studies have shown that one in particular, resveratrol, has been associated with slowing the aging process and promoting longevity. We’ll certainly drink to that! You’ll find fresh-pressed red grape juice in our Staminator Juice Infusion.
Rosemary: an ancient culinary herb that grown on a small evergreen shrub, rosemary has a unique, pine-like flavor and fragrance. It has also been shown to aid in muscle recovery, which is why we infuse it into our Trainer Protein Shake
Romaine lettuce: this dark green lettuce offers more than just a pleasing, hydrating crunch to your salads, it is also packed with nutrients, and adds valuable nutrition and a fresh flavor to our green Juice Infusions.
Shizandra berry: An adaptogenic herb that helps your body stay strong even when you are stressed. It naturally supports tired adrenal glands and a healthy metabolism.
Slippery elm: The main focus for the use of slippery elm is the gastrointestinal tract, where it is soothing to any irritated or inflamed stomach or intestinal tissues. It can neutralize stomach acid and lubricate the bowel to aid in more effective elimination. We use slippery elm as part of our Happy Gut and Gut+ beverages.
Stevia Leaf extract: Made from the leaf of the stevia plant, which is native to South America, and has been used for centuries as a natural food and drink sweetener. Stevia leaf is 100 times sweeter than sugar and is a great natural alternative to artificial sugar substitutes.
Turmeric root: Turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and is effective for treating arthritis and all other inflammatory conditions. It is also a digestive aid, helps with bile flow and supports healthy flora. Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound found to be immune enhancing and anti-cancer. We add it to our juice, Flow, to help your joints and bowels, move with ease.
Umeboshi plum: actually an apricot, these small fruits are grown in Japan, and prized for their medicinal value and unique, flavor. Typically pickled and aged for a minimum of six months, they are used extensively in Macrobiotic healing. They are highly alkalizing to the blood, and considered a natural equivalent to aspirin.
Vanilla bean: actually the pods or fruits obtained from a tropical climbing orchid, vanilla beans contain tiny seeds which lend a hauntingly delicious flavor and aroma to food. Vanilla has long been used as an aphrodisiac, and is also rich in trace minerals. We infuse it’s soothing flavor and aroma into our Almond Chill for a relaxing effect when sipped.