Turmeric is one of the most well-known, widely researched, and commonly used Ayurvedic spices in the world. Turmeric is often combined with Amalaki because of the duo’s potency and power. Turmeric works to boost cardiovascular health by purifying the blood, regulating blood sugar levels, supporting healthy insulin levels, and promoting a healthy inflammatory response in the body. It is among the world's healthiest foods and has been shown to have a number of health benefits. Turmeric contains beta-carotene, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), calcium, flavonoids, fiber, iron, niacin, potassium, zinc and other nutrients. But the chemical in turmeric linked to its most highly touted health effects is curcumin. Curcumin is believed to have a wide range of good effects on health, memory, cognition, and overall healthy brain function, Studies have found that turmeric is an adaptogen based on the ability to support the body’s immune system, antioxidant function as well as helping the body to maintain healthy levels of Corticosterone. Turmeric promotes a healthy heart and liver, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and supports your immune system, Turmeric is an excellent source of both iron and manganese. It is also a good source of vitamin B6, dietary fiber, copper, and potassium. Phytonutrients in turmeric include curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, tumerones, and tumenorols.. Turmeric is a natural prebiotic and increases the activity of digestive enzymes. Turmeric has antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.

Amalaki has been revered for over 5,000 years in Ayurveda for its rejuvenating properties which is why it's the most commonly used ingredient of most Ayurvedic preparations in some form or the other. Amalaki detoxifies and rejuvenates the digestive system and GI tract, and reduces acidity. Amalaki is naturally abundant in antioxidants that help reduce free radicals and boost immune response. Amalaki is a potent rejuvenative that nourishes the tissues and gently removes natural toxins. Amalaki also cleanses the colon, eliminating excess toxins and heat while supporting healthy bowel movements.All together this superfood promotes energy and vitality, supports immune function, promotes the digestive system, stabilizes blood sugar levels, and has an overall rejuvenating effect on the body. The flavonoids found in amalaki are “quercetin” and “embelin” Amalaki also contains a high concentration of amino acids, trace minerals, and other beneficial phytonutrients. Amalaki is known for its extreme adaptogenic and immune support and has antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties

Haritaki has been regarded very highly from ancient times by traditional healers and it is rightly called the mother of herbs. In Sanskrit, Haritaki means “carries away” (all diseases). The date-like haritaki fruit serves as a gentle and effective detoxifying agent for the body. Through its astringent taste, the haritaki stimulates the metabolic fire of the cells Probably due to its antioxidant properties haritaki is known as an adaptogen. Haritaki is the polyphenolic/phytonutrient-rich fruit of the Terminalia Chebula tree which contains various biochemicals such as hydrolysable tannins, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids. Haritaki is a safe and effective purgative, expectorant and tonic. It is widely used in ayurvedic as a rejuvenating agent as well as to help with the metabolic system. Haritaki promotes health through successive steps of purification and detoxification. Supporting the body's natural cleansing process, it increases digestive enzymes and gently removes accumulated natural toxins in the gastrointestinal tract. As a rejuvenative, it supports the proper function of the colon,

Gymnema has been used by Ayurvedic healers to help support healthy blood sugar levels for thousands of years. Gymnema is an Ayurvedic herb promoting healthy metabolic function. Gymnema contains many powerful phytonutrients including triterpenoids which have adaptogenic qualities that enhance the body’s ability to respond to stress Used for nearly 2,000 years in Ayurvedic tradition, historically Gymnema is called “the sugar destroyer” because of its ability to interfere with the absorbability of sugar in the mouth and in the intestinal tract. Recent studies have found that Gymnema Sylvestre demonstrated significant antioxidant activity, and contains phytonutrients and related flavonoids that support the normalization of blood glucose levels and the production of insulin to within normal ranges. Gymnema has antiviral and antimicrobial properties.

Green Tea has been a valued as healthful in Ayurveda for more than 4,000 years. A powerful antioxidant, green tea contains high concentrated levels of EGCG that neutralize toxic free radicals within the body. It also works to protect the DNA, regulate blood sugar levels, increase thermogenesis, and boost energy. Green Tea contains large amounts of polyphenols and a combination of different phytonutrients (polyphenols) which may offer numerous benefits including a boost to memory and cognition. Green tea, known as a companion adaptogen, is also good for detoxification and contains beneficial flavonoids and other natural phytochemicals that support cardiovascular, metabolic and immune health, protect against oxidative stress and support a healthy response to normal metabolic stress The flavonoids in green tea, contains over 4,000 compounds that help ward off free radicals and support overall health. Studies have found that green tea helps boost the growth of beneficial probiotics in the gut, and is therefore considered a prebiotic along with an antioxidant. Green tea has antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.

Historically chia was revered for their high energy and eaten as a staple by Aztecs and Mayans. It is reported that 1 tablespoon of chia could sustain an Aztec warrior for 24 hours There’s even some evidence to suggest that chia was so valuable to Aztecs that they were traded as currency. Extremely high in antioxidants and zinc, among other phytonutrients, chia, known as an adaptogen with its immune-boosting properties are tiny but potent. Two notable properties of chia are that it supports deep hydration and is an excellent source of high-quality fiber. Eating chia seeds regularly can also help quell inflammation, and have a powerful free radical scavenging ability. Chia is also a natural source of omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs), particularly alpha-linolenic acid. Omega-3 EFAs are polyunsaturated "good" fats. They're "essential" because the body needs them for complete health, yet it cannot produce them on its own, and therefore they must be acquired through diet or supplementation. Omega-3 fatty acids also help support the heart and general cardiovascular system health. In fact, chia is known to be one of the richest sources of the essential Omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid. Chia contains up to three to ten times the Omega- content of most normal grains and contains at least twice the content of protein in most grains. Chia, the forgotten food of the ancient Aztecs is also rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals,.flavonoids (such as quercetin, myricetin, kaempferol), phenolic acids (such as caffeic acid), lignin, vitamins C and E, and it's a natural prebiotic. It is for this reason that Chia Seeds are often referred to as a "superfood".

In Ayurvedic the Sanskrit definition of the term "guggul" is "one that protects against diseases." This attests to the wide respect of Ayurvedic applications for this botanical, considered the most important for the removal of "ama," toxic substances which accumulate as a result of sluggish digestion and circulation associated with a slowing of metabolism. Guggul is rich in flavonoids, natural phytonutrients. Known as the “fat killer” in Ayurvedic medicine, guggul is a powerful resin extract that comes from the small, thorny Mukul myrrh tree. It is known in Ayurveda for its ability to help rid the body of unwanted fat, increase cellular fire, and support healthy cholesterol levels and liver function. In addition to detoxing, health practitioners have used guggul for rejuvenating and cleansing the lymph system, for healthy weight management and energy, and strengthening joint mobility Guggul's antioxidant effects have been subjected to scientific scrutiny. Adaptogenic guggul has antiviral and antimicrobial properties.

Cocoa beans were used as currency as well as the drink of the elite by ancient Mesoamerican civilizations. The use of cocoa as a store of value persisted even into colonial times. Modern research has discovered that cocoa is good for blood vessel health and packs some of nature’s most powerful phytonutrients called cocoa flavanols to help our body stay in tune. The flavanols have been linked in studies with improved memory and thinking skills. Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated that these cocoa flavanols promote healthy blood flow from head to toe. Our heart, brain, and muscles depend on a healthy circulatory system. It helps us feel our best and perform at our highest. And supporting healthy blood flow is essential to helping you maintain who you are for years to come. Cocoa powder, loaded with adaptogens, contains catechins, Cacao, epicatechin, theobromine, and the polymers procyanidins, polyphenols all excellent antioxidants. The main type of flavonoids present in cacao beans are flavanols, flavonoids, and quercetin. Cocoa has more phenolic phytochemicals and a higher antioxidant capacity than teas and red wine Studies have found that cocoa helps boost the growth of beneficial probiotics in the gut, and is therefore considered a prebiotic along with an antioxidant.

Used in the Vanilla version of IQed® 

Cinnamon has a long history both as a spice and as a medicine. In ancient days, cinnamon was more valuable than gold. Both Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine have utilized cinnamon for various health benefits. Cinnamon aids with problems in the digestive system and is high in antioxidants that prevent inflammatory conditions that damage cell membranes and insulin receptors. Cinnamon contains numerous flavonoids including a unique group of phytonutrients known as polyphenol polymers. Seasoning a high carb food with cinnamon can help lessen its impact on your blood sugar levels. Cinnamon slows the rate at which the stomach empties after meals, reducing the rise in blood sugar after eating. Today the US Department of Agriculture lists cinnamon as one of the most potent antioxidants of all food sources. Cinnamon is often used in ayurvedic herbal preparations to enhance the bio-availability of other herbs. Cinnamon contains lots of natural prebiotics and can be called a microbiome superfood. In Ayurveda, cinnamon is used to balance the digestion and to pacify stomach disorders. Ayurveda holds cinnamon as an adaptogen due to its ability to protect and empower cells, the immune and nervous system as well as gene expression. Cinnamon with its powerful anti-inflammatory properties is linked with numerous health and longevity benefits including support for heart and circulatory health, and optimal joint health Recent clinical studies indicate that cinnamon may help support healthy glucose metabolism. Cinnamon has antifungal, antibacterial, and even antiviral properties.

Used in the Chocolate version of IQed® Cayenne pepper, an excellent source of antioxidants, has been used both as a food and a medicine for over 9000 years Cayenne pepper is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. Cayenne pepper is also high in flavonoids and carotenoids. Many herbalists believe that cayenne acts as a catalyst and increases the effectiveness of other herbs when used with them. Cayenne is a medicinal and nutritional herb. Medicinally it aids in elimination and assimilation and promotes the entire digestion system. Nutritionally it is a very high source of vitamins A and C, has the complete B complexes, and is very rich in organic calcium and potassium. There are a number of positive effects cayenne pepper has on the digestive system. Cayenne pepper is a natural digestive enzyme as it stimulates the flow of enzyme production, which is essential for our digestive system to work properly. It also stimulates gastric juices that aid the body’s ability to metabolize food and toxins. Cayenne pepper benefits include its ability to stimulate circulation and eliminate acidity by opening the capillaries and regulating blood sugar; it also helps the digestive system that moves bacteria and toxins out of the body. Cayenne pepper also increases body temperature and boosts your metabolism. Studies have found that cayenne pepper has anti-irritant properties and does not stimulate, but inhibits acid secretion, stimulates alkali and mucus secretions and particularly gastric mucosal blood flow, Cayenne pepper is known as an adaptogen based on its ability to support the immune system and has antifungal, antibacterial, and even antiviral properties.