WHY SUPERFOODS AND ADAPTOGENS?
Our premium superfood and adaptogen blends deliver essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants that revitalize your body, enhance your cognition, and optimize your well-being.

Ashwagandha

A revered herb from the Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine, ashwagandha root is a Rasayana, an adaptogen that strengthens the body. Used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, Ashwagandha has been seen to help boost muscle strength, reduce inflammation and joint pain, increase endurance and stamina, boost immunity, normalize blood sugar levels, improve heart health, and enhance fertility and sexual function in both men and women. It also can relieve adrenal fatigue, enhance thyroid function, reduce brain cell degeneration, and combat anxiety and stress.

So PranaCakesTM has that going for it, which is nice!

Arrowroot Powder

Not only is Arrowroot a B-vitamin powerhouse, it supports healthy digestion, boosts metabolic rate, and it promotes healthy sleep. With its high potassium to sodium ratio, Arrowroot powder is good for the heart, promotes circulation, aids in weight loss, and lowers cholesterol levels.

Added bonus, it makes the cakes extra rich and thick!

Bacopa Monnieri

Bacopa monnieri is a Brahmi herb which grows naturally in India and has a long history of use in the Ayurvedic medicine tradition as a treatment of a number of disorders, particularly those involving anxiety, intellect and poor memory.

Increasing levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, bacopa is known to enhance cognition and intellectual capacities. The body uses acetylcholine to counteract its fight-or-flight response by settling the body into a state of “resting and digesting.” This enables selective attention, heightened perception, and enhanced memory.  

Historically in India, Brahmen (holy men) consume tea steeped in Brahmi herbs before they meditate. These OG meditators knew a thing or two about a thing or two.

Baking Powder

In order for our pancakes and waffles to rise and shine along with you in the morning, a little leavening is necessary. Not all baking powders are created equally, and it proved impossible to find one that lived up to our standards. So we threw on our aprons and created one that’s kosher, non-GMO, and free of aluminum and cornstarch.

Buckwheat Flour

Don’t let the name fool you, buckwheat flour has nothing in common with wheat. For one thing, it’s not wheat, or even a grain – it is a tiny fruit related to rhubarb - making it naturally gluten-free. For another, it has much higher levels of essential minerals (including zinc, copper, manganese and magnesium) and fiber than traditional flours. 

Like some of its bandmates, buckwheat flour is also a complete protein source, accounting for the nine essential amino acids our body is unable to produce on its own. Not surprisingly, buckwheat recipes have gained new popularity among vegans and plant-based consumers looking for protein-rich foods that don’t originate from animals. 

Studies suggest buckwheat flour can also lower cholesterol, ease hypertension, support liver function, fight inflammation, reduce blood sugar levels, and relieve certain gastrointestinal problems for those with sensitive stomachs.

Best of all…this is our main ingredient!

Cacao

The scientific name for cacao is Theobroma Cacao, meaning “drink of the gods.” With the benefits associated with this superfood, it’s a worthy translation. In addition to its disease-fighting plant compounds and relaxation-promoting tryptophan, cacao powder is chock-full of vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, and other health-promoting antioxidants, while its high insoluble fiber is associated with reduced diabetes risk.

Potential benefits of the theobromine found in cacao include a healthy heart, increased energy, improved cognitive function, improved mood, healthy respiratory system, and reduced inflammation. While the benefits of cacao are many, be mindful of how much you consume. Like caffeine, excessive theobromine consumption may result in headaches, sweating, and shaking. 

Don’t worry…we anticipated this while formulating our recipe so you can enjoy our products every day with confidence. You would have to eat more than 10 BrainCakesTM or PranaCakesTM in a day to exceed the recommended theobromine usage!

Ceylon Cinnamon

A spice that has a significant place in human history, the value of cinnamon cannot be understated. It contains phenolic compounds, flavonoids and antioxidants that give it anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. Studies show it may regulate blood sugar and risk of type 2 diabetes, reduce cholesterol, reduce inflammation, act as an antioxidant, slow signs of aging, and speed up hair growth.

As well, its prebiotic properties may improve gut health, relieve digestive discomfort, and improve the body’s metabolism by targeting fat deposited in the abdominal area. On top of the above benefits, cinnamon brings exceptional flavor synergy to our mixes. 

Cinnamon is to our mixes what Alfred is to Batman.

Coconut Sugar

Coconut sugar is another superfood that clocks in with numerous benefits. Among them are the essential electrolytes potassium, magnesium, and sodium that regulate your body’s water content and benefit many functions of the heart, nerves and muscles. There are also the minerals iron, zinc, and calcium, along with vitamin C which offer a host of health benefits, including stronger bones, healthy skin, and immunity support. Meanwhile, coconut sugar is considered low glycemic index (GI) and low glycemic load (GL), meaning that you’d have to consume a lot of it for it to dramatically raise your blood sugar.

All of the above is enough to appreciate the value of this sweetener, so it feels rather gratuitous to mention coconut sugar also contains: nitrogen, which supports the cardiovascular system and helps keep your heart healthy; raw antioxidants, which fight off the oxidation of cells in the body (combating aging); short chain fatty acids, which are healthy fats known to help prevent high cholesterol and heart disease; and Inulin, a dietary fiber that helps keep your gut healthy, prevent colon cancer, and balance your blood sugar.

All in all, as natural sweeteners go, coconut sugar takes (and makes) the cake!

Cordyceps

Cordyceps is a medicinal mushroom known for its naturally energizing, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s a rare fungus traditionally found at high altitudes on the Himalayan plateau - and has been used for centuries in Tibet and Traditional Chinese Medicine as a tonic to improve energy, promote endurance, and increase vitality. Studies have shown it may also improve learning and memory, boost exercise performance, improve oxygen consumption, aid post-workout recovery, have anti-aging properties, help manage Type 2 Diabetes, improve heart health, and fight inflammation.  

Added bonus, studies have shown increased sexual function when consuming this potent mushroom. Giddy up! 

Gotu Kola

Dubbed the herb of longevity, Gotu kola is believed to help relieve stress, enhance mood, and induce sleep, thereby calming the nervous system and improving brain function and neuron health. This Brahmi herb is known to facilitate improved cognition by oxygenating the brain and stimulating neural pathways by eliminating plaque and free radicals.

Studies indicate gotu kola can have a positive effect on anxiety, as it lowers the stress hormone cortisol and increases serotonin and dopamine levels. It is also known to enhance spirituality, and is thus referred to as the ‘Herb of Enlightenment,’ the “Herb of Longevity,” or the “Herb of Life is Beautiful”.”

Who doesn’t want a little more beauty in their life?!

Lion's Mane

Lion’s mane mushrooms, also known as hou tou gu or yamabushitake, are large, white, shaggy mushrooms that resemble a lion’s mane. They contain bioactive substances that have beneficial effects on the body, especially the brain, heart and gut. They have potent antioxidant, immune boosting, and anti-inflammatory properties, and studies have shown they could also protect against dementia, help relieve mild symptoms of depression and anxiety, speed recovery from nervous system injuries, protect against ulcers, reduce risk of heart disease, boost memory, and improve mood. It’s no wonder that lion’s mane is gaining notoriety around the world as  a “smart mushroom” because of its support for cognitive function and neurological health. 

King of the functional food jungle…check!

Maca

Maca root hails from the high altitude Andes mountains and has been used as a powerful nutritional superfood by the Peruvians for thousands of years. It is high in protein, fiber, Vitamin C, B vitamins, calcium, iron, potassium, copper, manganese and fatty acids. Maca is believed to balance hormone levels, maintain energy, and support a healthy libido. 

Maca has powerful flavonoids which studies show can boost mood and ease anxiety, and is also an effective adaptogen that helps the body adapt to changing physical and mental stresses, which makes it very useful during hard training. 

Phytonutrients, like those found in Maca, are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and may also enhance immunity, repair DNA damage from exposure to toxins, and detoxify carcinogens. 

When it comes to sustaining your energy and crushing your day, Maca has your back!

Pink Himalayan Salt

There’s salt, and then there’s pink Himalayan salt. Not only does it contain 84 essential minerals required by the human body and promote a healthy pH balance of the cells, it also helps regulate blood sugar levels and the body’s natural sleep cycle. 

In addition, it’s a good source of magnesium, promotes increased absorption of nutrients, supports respiratory function and aids metabolism.

And if that weren’t enough, it boosts circulation and supports libido…giddy up, again!

Potato Starch

A staple in gluten free cooking, potato starch offers a leavening far healthier than most thickening agents. Not only does it have significantly fewer calories and carbohydrates than the more commonly used cornstarch, potato starch also acts as a prebiotic in the body, which means it actually feeds the good bacteria in your intestine.

Rhodiola

Rhodiola Rosea, also known as “arctic root” and “golden root”, has been used in Russia, Asia and parts of Europe for its many adaptogenic health benefits over hundreds of years. Rhodiola is believed to help protect the cardiovascular system while also possessing anti-anxiety, energy-promoting, and memory-enhancing properties. 

As an adaptogen, Rhodiola may improve concentration, alleviate fatigue, and enhance physical endurance. Research has shown that rhodiola may also help some symptoms of depression by positively influencing neurotransmitters that affect mood and emotion.

Like the Little Engine That Could, a small amount of rhodiola goes a long way!

Sacha Inchi

Revered as a valuable Amazonian superfood source for more than 3,000 years, sacha inchi is a seed that grows in the highlands of Peru, is high in protein, rich in fiber – clocking in at 5 grams per 1-oz. serving – and is one of the richest sources of plant-based omega fatty acids you can find.

Sacha inchi is also high in Vitamin A, and Vitamin E, and can help to boost muscle growth, protect your brain, and lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Added bonus, sacha inchi is also better for the environment than many other sources of protein due to the relative ease of its sustainability.

Kind of a no-brainer.

Siberian Ginseng

Siberian Ginseng, also known as eleuthero root, has traditionally been used in Eastern countries to prevent colds and flu, treat chronic fatigue, and to increase energy, longevity, and vitality. Widely used in Russia for the adaptogenic benefit of improved concentration, eleuthero root has an immuno-modulating effect that helps support the normal function of the body's hormonal stress system, which in turn enhances the body’s capacity to benefit from the superfoods with which it’s combined.

In short, siberian ginseng is like the spark that ignites the fuel!

Spirulina

We love spirulina because, gram-for-gram, it may be the single most nutritious food on the planet. First used by the Aztecs as an endurance-booster, this blue-green algae is a complete plant-based protein that boasts 19 amino acids.

According to the FDA, spirulina contains significant amounts of calcium, niacin, potassium, magnesium, B vitamins and iron. In addition, it contains a powerful pigment-protein called  phycocyanin, which research indicates may have pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and brain-protective properties. Studies also show that spirulina boosts the production of white blood cells and antibodies that fight viruses and bacteria in your body.

Tank-grown in an environmentally pristine area, away from industrial, agricultural and human development, our spirulina is dried at low temperatures to preserve its nutritional value.

You could say spirulina is a super-duper superfood!