1. Barley (Hordeum vulgare)

Benefits: Supports heart health, gut health, cholesterol reduction, and blood sugar control

Clinical Reference:

• Keenan, J. M., Pins, J. J., Frazel, C., Moran, A., & Turnquist, L. (2002). “Whole grain cereals and weight management: A review of the evidence.” Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 21(2), 123-131.

Barley β-glucan has been shown to reduce cholesterol and improve glycemic response.

• Behall, K. M., Scholfield, D. J., & Hallfrisch, J. G. (2004). “Barley β-glucan reduces plasma glucose and insulin responses.” Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 23(6), 465-470.

2. Moringa (Moringa oleifera)

Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, supports immune system and nutrient supplementation

Clinical Reference:

• Leone, A., Spada, A., Battezzati, A., Schiraldi, A., Aristil, J., & Bertoli, S. (2015). “Moringa oleifera seeds and oil: Characteristics and uses for human health.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 17(2), 214.

Moringa is rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, and vitamins.

• Gopalakrishnan, L., Doriya, K., & Kumar, D. S. (2016). “Moringa oleifera: A review on nutritive importance and its medicinal application.” Food Science and Human Wellness, 5(2), 49-56.

3. Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

Benefits: Liver protection, detoxification, antioxidant, supports bile production

Clinical Reference:

• Saller, R., Meier, R., & Brignoli, R. (2001). “The use of silymarin in the treatment of liver diseases.” Drugs, 61(14), 2035–2063.

Silymarin (active compound in milk thistle) helps regenerate liver cells and protect against toxins.

• Loguercio, C., & Festi, D. (2011). “Silybin and the liver: From basic research to clinical practice.” World Journal of Gastroenterology, 17(18), 2288–2301.

4. Selenium

Benefits: Antioxidant, supports immune system, thyroid health, and reproductive health

Clinical Reference:

• Rayman, M. P. (2012). “Selenium and human health.” The Lancet, 379(9822), 1256-1268.

Adequate selenium levels are associated with reduced risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and thyroid dysfunction.

• Fairweather-Tait, S. J., et al. (2011). “Selenium in human health and disease.” Antioxidants & Redox Signaling, 14(7), 1337–1383.

5. Psyllium Husk (Plantago ovata)

Benefits: Digestive health, constipation relief, cholesterol lowering, appetite control

Clinical Reference:

• Anderson, J. W., et al. (2000). “Long-term cholesterol-lowering effects of psyllium as an adjunct to diet therapy in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia.” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 71(6), 1433–1438.

• Pal, S., Khossousi, A., Binns, C., Dhaliwal, S., & Ellis, V. (2011). “The effect of a fiber supplement compared to a healthy diet on body composition, lipids, glucose, and insulin in overweight people.” Nutrition Journal, 10(1), 1–

6. Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.)

Benefits: Antioxidant-rich, cognitive support, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory

Clinical Reference:

• Joseph, J. A., et al. (1999). “Reversals of age-related declines in neuronal signal transduction, cognitive, and motor behavioral deficits with blueberry, spinach, or strawberry dietary supplementation.” Journal of Neuroscience, 19(18), 8114–8121.

• Basu, A., & Lyons, T. J. (2012). “Strawberries, blueberries, and cranberries in the metabolic syndrome: Clinical perspectives.” Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 60(23), 5687–5692.