Navitas Organics Blog

With the recent signing of the 2018 Farm Bill comes the legalization of industrialized Hemp production, which many farmers, environmental scientists and sustainability advocates are celebrating as an eco-friendly win for the health of our planet. This means that you will most likely see a lot more Hemp this year and beyond – in the form of clothing, food products and even plastic alternatives that make Hemp one of the most popular plants of the year.

But, what is the hype really all about when it comes to Hemp, and more importantly, is it warranted? Let’s dive in by starting with the basics.

What is Hemp?

Hemp is an incredibly versatile plant fiber that has been used for thousands of years and can be grown in a wide variety of climates and soils. In fact, Hemp is grown on almost every continent and has historically been used for paper, textiles and as an excellent source of plant protein. 

Due to the resilient versatility of Hemp, it requires no pesticides or herbicides, as it is naturally pest resistant and can even improve the health of the soil in which it’s planted. This is a huge win for our food system as so much of our soil today continues to be degraded and eroded from years of conventional crops and farming practices. Since Hemp can be planted in many areas where other food crops are not capable of growing, it supports the soil’s health and suppresses weeds, which makes it an excellent rotation crop for organic farmers. 

A Plant-Based Superfood Hero

While there are many environmental benefits to Hemp, it’s also an incredibly nutrient-dense superfood that is full of antioxidants, protein and essential minerals. Hemp contains all nine essential amino acids, which makes it a complete plant-based protein and an excellent source for vegans and vegetarians. It’s also an incredible source of omega-3 fatty acids (something we often don’t get enough of here in the states), which are essential for healthy cell maintenance and development. For these reasons and more, Hemp is the nutrition powerhouse that you’ll want to add into your diet if you aren’t already. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to easily incorporate it into your everyday – through the full range of Navitas Organics products, including Hemp Seeds, Hemp Powder and a number of balanced superfood snacks.

An Eco-Friendly Plastic Replacement

Plastic is a HUGE problem facing our world today and the need for biodegradable, non-petroleum based plastic products has never been more pressing. Our environment simply cannot sustain the demand and rate at which we are using plastic, which means that we need an eco-friendly alternative. Luckily for us, Hemp serves as part of the solution. 

Because Hemp is such a fibrous plant and is roughly made up of 80 percent cellulose fiber, it makes for a perfect alternative to petroleum-based plastic products (which also require cellulose). While Hemp-based plastic products have been around for decades, the technology surrounding these biodegradable plastic alternatives has greatly improved and is picking up momentum in industries looking to move away from petroleum-based plastics altogether.

A Sustainable Clothing Solution

While you may feel like you’re just starting to hear more about Hemp-based clothing, this amazing plant has actually been used around the world for thousands of years to produce textiles – from bed linens and clothing to rope and canvas. Today, Hemp-based clothing is a great option for those looking to avoid synthetic fabrics and the harmful chemicals that are widely used throughout the conventional cotton industry. You may even find that Hemp is being used in combination with other natural fibers to create a durable piece of clothing that also has the soft texture commonly associated with cotton or bamboo. 

So, whether you’re adding Hemp Seeds to your daily smoothie, wearing Hemp clothing or reducing your plastic use with some biodegradable Hemp products, you will definitely see a whole lot of Hemp this year. But, it's no secret that here at Navitas, we're no strangers to Hemp. It's been one of our staple superfoods in the form of seeds and powder for more than 10 years! And we're especially excited about the next evolution of Hemp in both the health and wellness world as well as here at Navitas: Superfood Shots with 20mg hemp CBD. 

Blotchy skin. Back pain. Brain fog. Seasonal allergies. As different as they may all seem, these undesirable symptoms are often due to the same root cause: inflammation.

Inflammation itself isn’t evil. In fact, inflammation is not only an unavoidable part of life – in many ways, it’s very useful and your body actually depends on it. When you get sick or injured, your body uses inflammation as a healing response – a kind of protective measure you may experience as localized redness, swelling, heat (or fever), stiffness and pain – by sending more nourishment and immune-boosting activity to the area in need of healing. This kind of inflammation is temporary and a critical part of your body’s ability to regain a healthy homeostasis. But increasingly, many of us are experiencing a different form of inflammation: chronic inflammation.

Dangers of Chronic Inflammation
Chronic inflammation isn’t just that headache you get while fighting off a cold or the swelling on your knee after bumping into a table. Rather, it’s the headaches you seem to get many days out of the month or the way your knee causes you to wince as you jump rope or walk down a flight of stairs. Chronic inflammation is a kind of continued fight response – one where your body attacks its own tissues. As briefly mentioned, this condition is often the root cause of a host of health problems, including autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease. In some cases, low-level whole-body inflammation may occur, which may be less perceivable on a day-to-day basis initially, but over time, may tax your body into a state of very serious age-related disease, including neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s, as well as cardiovascular disorders and cancer. Needless to say, neither chronic inflammation nor whole-body inflammation is considered a healthy level of inflammation. So, how do you know if you’re at risk?

Common Causes
Unfortunately, more and more individuals are experiencing this detrimental potency of inflammation. There are many factors that contribute to these elevated levels, including environmental toxins, stress, lifestyle factors such as smoking and excess alcohol, as well as genetics. The good news is, these inflammation issues don’t happen overnight, and are largely preventable and even potentially reversible. In fact, adjusting your dietary choices alone can make an immense difference on your inflammation levels overall and improve how you feel.

Protective Practices
Eating foods that are lower on the inflammatory scale can be helpful as a day-to-day protective practice. These kinds of foods include vegetables like greens, roots and tubers as well as lower-sugar fruits like berries. Healthy fats are also extremely important (especially omega 3s and monounsaturated fats), so foods like nuts, seeds, avocados and olives are great choices. Leaning on unprocessed, plant-based proteins is often recommended as well.

What’s more, some foods are not only lower on the inflammatory scale, they’re actually anti-inflammatory or capable of reducing excess inflammation in your body. Many antioxidants contain this property, so seek out antioxidant-rich superfoods like Goldenberries, Turmeric, blueberries, Cacao and Chia. Anti-inflammation properties are also a big part of what makes CBD (cannabinoids) so powerful. CBD has been shown to be an effective element of pain treatment and appears to reduce unnecessary inflammatory actions in immune cells. By combining these CBD compounds with other anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as Goji or Matcha, Navitas Superfood Shots can be an especially powerful tool in helping you lower inflammation as part of a balanced diet.

Remember, an anti-inflammatory diet doesn’t have to just be warding of disease, it can also be a delicious, energizing and enjoyable one as well! Still not convinced a plant-based diet is beneficial? Click here for a deeper dive into the ways it helps your mind, body (and the planet!)

From packaged cereals to doughnuts to toast covered in jam, traditional breakfast foods are notoriously packed with sugar. Some people think a sugar rush in the morning is just what they need to feel energized and ready for the day. But, eating loads of sugar for breakfast can actually slow you down and set you up for bad habits all day long.

Many people crave sugar in the morning because they have low blood sugar levels when they first wake up (this is especially true among adults with diabetes). Morning sugar cravings are also the result of not getting quality sleep the night before or simply because you’ve established a routine over time of eating sugary breakfast foods. However, eating these sweet foods day after day, and particularly right after waking up, can lead to some pretty dire health consequences. Numerous research studies have linked excess sugar in the diet to health concerns such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, increased risk of heart attack, lackluster skin and weight gain...just to name a few! Sugary foods also have some addictive properties, which means you are more likely to crave even more sweet snacks throughout the day if you start your day off with sugar.

But, fear not! There are plenty of low-sugar alternatives you can add to your morning menu, and with a little planning, ensure your breakfast meals are as healthy as they are delicious. Here are three easy ways to start your day without sugar:

1. Veggie Scrambles
There are so many amazing savory breakfast options that cut sugar out of your morning routine entirely. Veggie scrambles are high among them: tasty, filling, quick and easy to make, these one-pan dishes nix the sugar and can help you tackle your daily requirement of vegetables to start your day on the very best note.

Scrambles often have a protein-rich base of eggs, but you can also use crumbled tofu for a fully plant-based version. Just stir-fry a mixture of onions, peppers, mushrooms, spinach or any other veggies you love, add eggs or tofu, and finish off with any seasonings you're craving until cooked through. Top it all off with added superfoods to give your veggie scramble extra flavor and health benefits using versatile varieties such as Hemp Seeds, Chia Seeds and even low-sugar Goji Berries.Vanilla

2. Toast with the Most
Long gone are the days when toast is boring, dull and tasteless. Today’s toast creations feature lots of healthy and delicious toppings that fuel your body with nutrients and protein instead of sugar.

Toast is also an excellent place to get your daily dose of healthy fats with sliced or mashed avocado, coconut oil, olive oil or nut butters. Add some sliced tomatoes, shaved radishes or marinated mushrooms if you'd like, too. And of course, toast is also a wonderful opportunity to start your day with superfoods: try textural and aesthetically pleasing toppings like seeds, nuts, sprouts and spices.

3. Low-Sugar Smoothies
Low-sugar smoothies in the morning are perfect on days you’re rushed or just want something satisfyingly sweet to take on-the-go. In fact, you can make your morning smoothies savory or sweet using Navitas Organics Protein & Greens Essential Blend. This comprehensive plant-based protein powder has a whopping 20 grams of protein per serving and also packs in antioxidant- and mineral-rich superfoods with no sugar (the same applies to the Vanilla and Cacao varieties in case you’re wondering). The Daily Superfood Boosts are also free of added sugars and work great with a smoothie base of sweet potatoes, avocado or even low-sugar fruits like strawberries and blueberries.

With all these amazingly delicious flavors and effortless health benefits, you’re not likely to miss sugar a bit with your new-and-improved breakfast routine! Need more ideas for healthy, low-sugar or sugar-free #SuperStarts? Head to our Recipe Library for all the goods.

In celebration of National Nutrition Month, we’re taking a closer look at all the amazing ways that our food can be an incredible tool for both supporting our health and the health of the planet. Thanks to our global food system, we have access to some of the most nutrient-dense and traditional foods grown around the world. Just take a look at the labels of your favorite foods the next time you’re shopping! You can travel around the world just by wandering the produce section, yet when was the last time you really took a moment to think about not only where your food was coming from, but how it was grown?

In today’s modern world, we also have access to a wide variety of food cultures, which has opened our eyes to so many wonderful possibilities when it comes to our food. This enables someone living in the United States to experience a small part of the culture of another country halfway around the world. This connection is what makes our food such a powerful unifier, but this access also comes with great responsibility.

While it’s a unique privilege to experience superfoods like Cacao, Matcha, Turmeric and Maca easily and at low cost, this privilege shouldn’t come at the expense of the local communities where they’re grown — something that is very important to us here at Navitas Organics. This is where the sustainable food movement comes in and why it is so important to support sustainable practices that back the social, environmental and economic wellness of the communities where these traditional foods are grown and sourced.

But, how do you know what to look for? Luckily today, there are a number of ways that you can determine if a company is using sustainable sourcing practices. Keep reading to learn some of ways that we choose to support a sustainable food system and what you can look for the next time you’re wandering the aisles of your local market, wondering how to make the best choices for your health and the planet.

1. Look for The Fair Trade Label
Fair Trade is a label that represents the fair and equitable treatment and wages of farmers and workers that produce many of our favorite foods — like Cacao! In order for a product to be Fairtrade Certified, producers must have met the global minimum prices and wages for fair trade products.

2. Choose Organic
The USDA Organic label makes it possible for consumers to tell the difference between products that were grown with pesticides and those grown without. Choosing organic is an excellent choice both for your health and the health of farmers and communities where your food is grown. Pesticides can contaminate ground water, negatively impact soil health and often impact the health of the farmers and workers growing your food. So, when you choose organic, you’re not only thinking about your health, you’re thinking about the health of communities and people you may never meet.

3. Opt For B-Corporations
B-Corporations are an incredible network of socially responsible and sustainability minded companies of which Navitas Organics is proud to be a part. In order to be certified as a B-Corp, companies must go through a rigorous multi-step process and meet a set of social, environmental and economic standards that prove the company is balancing profit with purpose. So, if you’re looking for companies to trust when making your purchases, then B-Corps are a great place to start.

4. Know Your Foods Carbon Footprint
Our agricultural industry has a significant impact on our climate, but it can also be a large part of the solution to stop and reverse climate change. Sustainable food systems using traditional and regenerative growing practices can actually sequester carbon from the atmosphere into the soil, which is an incredible means of combating climate change. When it comes to your food choices, look for companies that choose to support traditional farming practices and that make a commitment to further reduce their carbon footprint with carbon neutral-focused programs and policies.

With these few things in mind, you’re well on your way to supporting a more sustainable food system and can be a part of changing the way your food impacts not only your health, but the world around you.

In our steadfast commitment to supporting a healthy lifestyle, Navitas is excited to announce the addition of CBD-infused Superfood Wellness Shots. Navitas has been providing Hemp products for over a decade because of its exceptional nutrition profile. We are excited to extend our Hemp offerings to include all parts of the Hemp plant, including CBD. The new Wellness Shots are the next generation of nutritional support to help you feel great and live each day to the fullest.

We asked Meghan Adelman, RN, BSN, MPH, about her take on CBD and here’s what she shared:

What you need to know about the latest buzz coming from the Hemp plant: CBD.

The Whole is Greater Than the Sum of its Parts: Hemp
CBD is a Cannabinoid, or nutrient, that comes from the Hemp plant. Both marijuana and Hemp are a part of the larger family of the Cannabis plant and both have active compounds called Cannabinoids. It has been reported that there are at least 85 different Cannabinoids in the Cannabis plant working together to produce distinct therapeutic effects, whether excitatory or inhibitory, depending on the location in the body. The two most commonly known and routinely studied are THC and CBD. The main attraction to the marijuana plant is THC, the Cannabinoid associated with sedation and psychoactive properties. As a basis of comparison, marijuana flowers range from 3 to 15 percent THC content where agricultural Hemp must have less than 0.3 percent, and in many cases is non-detectable. CBD is distinct from THC and does not induce psychoactive effects.

What it Supports: The Endocannabinoid System
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) was discovered in the mid 1990s. ECS receptors were found in abundance throughout the human body on virtually every organ system. Cannabinoids, including CBD, bind with the receptors and support the ECS. Since that discovery, we’ve learned that the ECS is responsible for maintaining homeostasis in the body by communicating with the nervous and immune systems to regulate important vital functions like sleep, pain, digestion, inflammation, brain function and more. While there is more to learn about the exact mechanism of action of the ECS, it has been reported that the quantity of these receptors has a strong correlation to healthy or disease states.

Your Wellness Plan: Plant-Based Tools
Understanding the distinct components of the plant and how they affect the human body is primary to overcoming misconceptions. Generalized anxiety and chronic pain are widespread, afflicting 18 to 20 percent of the population respectively and costing millions of dollars in lost wages and healthcare costs on an annual basis. Moreover, inflammatory-mediated chronic disease is undoubtedly the biggest threat to public health with more than 60 percent of the population dealing with one or more chronic diagnoses. Perhaps the most compelling argument in favor of the use of CBD is that it shows promise in regulating generalized anxiety, chronic pain, muscle spasms and inflammatory disorders, all conditions for which we currently don’t have good therapeutic options. Whether CBD will prove to offer widespread neuroprotection for complex diseases like multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease remains to be seen, but there is enough evidence to suggest routine use can be a great complement to living a healthy, plant-based lifestyle. The World Health Organization reports that there is no evidence to suggest that there is any public health concern over the use of pure CBD. Provided that you buy the products from a trusted source, you can be assured that quality and dose will be sufficient to obtain a positive result. Moreover, CBD is a safe, plant-based alternative that has the potential to enhance well-being like eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly also will.

It’s time we think differently about the importance of healthy lifestyle behaviors and plant-based remedies that can effectively improve these conditions without the risk of undesirable side effects.

Navitas Wellness Shots
Our full spectrum Hemp oil is pressed directly from the Hemp plant, offering the full range of naturally occurring Cannabinoids designed to synergistically work together in the way that nature intended. With the addition of our classic functional ingredients like Acai, Matcha, Turmeric, and Goji combined with herbal giants like chamomile, rosemary, ginger and magnesium – these Wellness Shots offer an array of health benefits to handle many of life’s challenges.