Nutrition

What's Inside Greenback Wellbeing Bites? A Look at Our Gut-Friendly Ingredients  At Greenback, we believe that true well-being starts from the inside out. That’s why we’ve carefully crafted our Wellbeing Bites, a delicious and convenient way to nourish your gut and support your overall health. We understand that you care about what you put into your body, so we’re here to provide a transparent look at the gut-friendly ingredients that make our bites so special.  Our Wellbeing Bites aren’t just a tasty snack; they’re a carefully formulated blend of prebiotics, probiotics & postbiotics designed to promote digestive harmony and contribute to your daily wellness routine.   Let's dive into the details and explore the powerful ingredients that make up our bites.  The Foundation: Prebiotic Power A healthy gut starts with a thriving population of beneficial bacteria. This is where prebiotics come in. These non-digestible fibres act as food for your good gut bacteria, helping them flourish. Oligofructose: This soluble fibre acts as a potent prebiotic. It stimulates the growth of beneficial bacteria in the colon. This contributes to improved digestion, enhanced nutrient absorption, and a stronger immune system. Bio-Az Prebiotic Blend: This proprietary blend is the foundation of our Wellbeing Bites. It combines several powerful prebiotic sources: Organic Pea Fibre: A gentle and effective source of fibre that supports regular bowel movements and feeds beneficial bacteria. Chicory Inulin: A natural prebiotic fibre extracted from chicory root, known for its ability to improve gut barrier function. Organic Green Banana Resistant Starch: This unique starch resists digestion in the small intestine, reaching the colon where it acts as a prebiotic, promoting the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are essential for gut health. Bacillus Subtilis: A spore-forming probiotic that also has prebiotic properties. It survives the harsh conditions of the stomach and reaches the intestines, where it supports a balanced gut microbiome.  Nourishing Ingredients for Sustained Energy Beyond prebiotics, our Wellbeing Bites are packed with wholesome ingredients that provide sustained energy and essential nutrients. Dates: A natural source of sweetness, dates are rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals. They provide a slow-release energy boost, preventing energy crashes and supporting digestive health. Date Syrup: This natural sweetener, derived from dates, adds sweetness while providing additional fibre and nutrients. Pea Protein Isolate & Rice Protein Isolate: These plant-based proteins are easily digestible and provide a complete amino acid profile, essential for muscle repair and growth. They contribute to feelings of fullness and satiety, helping you stay on track with your health goals. Soy Protein Crisps: These crisps add a satisfying crunch and an extra boost of protein. Sunflower Oil: A source of healthy fats, sunflower oil provides essential fatty acids that support cell function and overall health.   The Indulgent Touch: Dark Chocolate We believe that healthy eating should also be enjoyable. That’s why we’ve included a generous portion of dark chocolate in our Wellbeing Bites. Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate, with its high cocoa content, is rich in antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage. It also contains flavonoids, which have been shown to improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. The soy lecithin acts as an emulsifier, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture.   Enhancing Flavour and Stability To ensure our Wellbeing Bites are both delicious and shelf-stable, we’ve included a few additional ingredients: Cocoa Powder: This enhances the rich chocolate flavour and adds more antioxidants. Natural Flavour: We use natural flavours to enhance the taste of our bites without resorting to artificial additives. Emulsifier (Soy Lecithin): Helps bind the ingredients and create a smooth, consistent texture. Antioxidant (Vitamin E): Vitamin E acts as a natural antioxidant, protecting the fats in our bites from oxidation and ensuring their freshness.  The Greenback Difference: Transparency and Quality At Greenback, we’re committed to transparency and quality. We believe that you deserve to know exactly what you’re putting into your body. That’s why we’ve provided a detailed breakdown of the ingredients in our Wellbeing Bites.  We source our ingredients from trusted suppliers and prioritise natural, plant-based options whenever possible. Our goal is to create products that not only taste great but also support your overall health and well-being.  Experience the Gut-Loving Goodness Our Wellbeing Bites are more than just a snack; they're a convenient and delicious way to support your gut health and nourish your body. With a blend of prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, plant-based proteins, and indulgent dark chocolate, they provide a satisfying and nutritious boost to your day.  We encourage you to try Greenback Wellbeing Bites and experience the difference for yourself. Your gut will thank you!  

Ever wonder why your skin sometimes seems to have a mind of its own? Breakouts, dryness, irritation – it can be frustrating! But what if we told you the secret to glowing skin might lie within your gut?   It's true! The gut-skin axis is a real thing, and it's revolutionising how we approach skincare. This powerful connection means that the health of your gut directly impacts the health and appearance of your skin.   The Gut-Skin Connection: A Deep Dive Think of your gut as trillions of bacteria. These bacteria, collectively known as your gut microbiome, play a vital role in digestion, immunity, and even skin health. When your gut microbiome is balanced and thriving, your skin often reflects that inner harmony. But when things go off track in your gut – think poor diet, stress, or medication – it throws your microbiome off balance. This imbalance can trigger inflammation throughout your body, including your skin. The result? Skin issues like acne and eczema can flare up.   Leaky Gut: The Unwanted Guest One major culprit in this gut-skin drama is "leaky gut." Imagine your gut lining as a security guard, carefully controlling what enters your bloodstream. When this lining becomes compromised, it's like the security guard has gone AWOL. Toxins, bacteria, and undigested food particles can sneak through, triggering widespread inflammation that wreaks havoc on your skin.   Synbiotics to the Rescue! So, how can you restore balance and achieve that coveted glow? Enter synbiotics! Synbiotics are a powerful combination of prebiotics and probiotics that work synergistically to nourish and support your gut microbiome. Prebiotics: Think of these as the "food" for your good gut bacteria. They're found in fibre-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Probiotics: These are the live beneficial bacteria themselves, found in fermented foods like yoghurt, kefir, and sauerkraut. By incorporating synbiotics into your diet, you can: Strengthen your gut barrier: Reduce inflammation and keep those pesky toxins out. Boost beneficial bacteria: Crowd out the bad guys and restore balance to your gut. Improve nutrient absorption: Ensure your skin gets the vital vitamins and minerals it needs to thrive.   Greenback Wellbeing Bites: Your Skin's New Best Friend Want a delicious and convenient way to support your gut-skin axis? Look no further than Greenback Wellbeing Bites! Packed with prebiotics, probiotics, and other skin-loving nutrients, these bites are the perfect way to nourish your gut and achieve radiant skin from the inside out.   Key Takeaway Beautiful skin starts from within. By prioritising your gut health with synbiotics, you can unlock a radiant complexion and say goodbye to those frustrating skin woes. So, take care of your gut, and your skin will thank you!

I am sure you can relate; when Winter hits, hydration is your last health focus. In Winter, health and wellness priorities increase, as we all want to protect our bodies from illness. This can seen as eating healthy, warming foods or reaching for immune-boosting supplements to ward off colds and flus. However, a crucial step is often overlooked - staying hydrated. While we naturally sweat less than in Summer, staying hydrated in Winter is just as vital to keep your body healthy and thriving! So why stay hydrated? Improve your immune function - Staying hydrated is a critical step to boosting your immune system. Water encourages the circulation of nutrients in the body and how these nutrients enter your immune cells to boost their function. Hydrated cells are healthy cells and have increased permeability for nutrients to enter the cell.  This means water has a collective effect on immune function (1). So remember, a well-hydrated body is a well-equipped, infection-fighting body. Regulating your body temperature - When Winter sets in, regulating your body temperature to cope with the cold is influenced by hydration. Water increases cellular hydration, allowing cells the ability to carry out their life-benefitting functions. This includes your brain cells where your core temperature is controlled. Drinking water allows your brain to function optimally to manage heat distribution and keep you warm in the chilly weather (2).  Preventing dry skin, leading to skin conditions - With Winter comes the cold and wind that causes dry and irritated skin. Drinking water regulates the normal life cycle of your skin cells from their creation to their replacement. This cycle helps avoid dry skin, as unhealthy and dry cells slough off, leaving new healthy skin cells for plump and hydrated skin (3).  Prevent dry air from affecting your respiratory system - Dry air outside and inside in Winter, especially with the use of heaters causes dehydration. This includes dehydration of your internal organs, especially the respiratory system. Dehydration reduces blood flow to the lungs which changes its structure, including the lung wall/surface which can lead to contraction (4). As the lungs are greatly affected by Winter illnesses, keeping their health intact is paramount.  Reduce joint pain and stiffness associated with the cold - To reduce painful joint symptoms in Winter, staying hydrated is key. Water nourishes the cartilage and membranes between your joints and decreases inflammation, allowing your body to have smooth movements and reduced pain (5).    How to maintain water intake in winter?  Flavour your water for a pleasurable taste and increased health benefits. The Greenback Protein Water is ideal for this, as it is packed with vitamins, minerals and protein whilst simultaneously hydrating your body.  Enjoy a smoothie with added Greenback protein powder. Using water or milk, you are nourishing your body and hydrating at the same time. In Winter it is great to use fresh fruits or vegetables rather than frozen to enjoy a mild or room-temperature smoothie. Herbal teas are not only great for warming your body, they are packed with antioxidants to help your immune system thrive. You may be surprised to learn that every fruit and vegetable contains water. So increasing your daily fresh fruit and vegetable consumption is an easy and simple way to hydrate. For example; celery, spinach, cucumber, tomatoes, apples and melons. Enjoy hearty vegetable soups, broths and stews to hydrate and nourish your body.   Key takeaway: Hydration is vital all year round and understanding the positive impact it has on your health is necessary. I encourage you to incorporate the above tips to increase your daily intake. Don't overwhelm yourself and try to do it all. Choose a few manageable ideas from above and before you know it, hydration has become an important part of your health regime, especially in Winter!   References Moeller KT, Butler MW, Denardo DF. The effect of hydration state and energy balance on innate immunity of a desert reptile. Front Zool. 2013 May 4;10(1):23. doi: 10.1186/1742-9994-10-23. PMID: 23642164; PMCID: PMC3660207. InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. In brief: How is body temperature regulated and what is fever? [Updated 2022 Dec 6]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279457/ Verdier-Sévrain S, Bonté F. Skin hydration: a review on its molecular mechanisms. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2007 Jun;6(2):75-82. doi: 10.1111/j.1473-2165.2007.00300.x. PMID: 17524122. Pigakis KM, Stavrou VT, Pantazopoulos I, Daniil Z, Kontopodi-Pigaki AK, Gourgoulianis K. Effect of Hydration on Pulmonary Function and Development of Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction among Professional Male Cyclists. Adv Respir Med. 2023 Jun 7;91(3):239-253. doi: 10.3390/arm91030019. PMID: 37366805; PMCID: PMC10295158. Gul R, Nazir I, Imran Amirzada M, Jahan F, Naseer F, Ahmad Baig T. Aging and Synovial Joint Function: Changes in Structure and Implications for Mobility [Internet]. Advancements in Synovial Joint Science - Structure, Function, and Beyond. IntechOpen; 2024. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.1003866

Nuts are loved by many for their moreish taste, snacking convenience, and their added crunch at mealtimes. As fads come and go in the health and wellness world, nuts have unfortunately become the "bad guys", with some people aligning nuts with weight gain. I am here to debunk this misconception.  Yes, eating salted or roasted nuts can be higher in calories (added oils), add unnecessary sodium to your diet and speed up the loss of their nutrient value via processing (1). The solution to this is to simply opt for the raw form, nut butter or nuts in food such as Greenback's protein bars. As most nutritionists will agree - enjoy in moderation.  Note: Moderation is not counting or weighing (unless you are on a specific professionally guided plan). It means on every other day, stick to a handful, and don't eat the whole bag in one sitting. It is okay to have leftovers for the next day!  Here is a list of reasons why nuts can be beneficial for weight loss: Satiety: This refers to feeling full enough to end your meal or the influence on the size of a meal. Nuts are high in protein, fibre and healthy fats which means satiety can be reached quickly, allowing you to enjoy smaller meals and not overeat (appetite control). You now have the power to say no to less healthy foods and feed your body with enough energy to power you through the day (1)! Nutrient Dense: Nuts are full of essential nutrients including protein, healthy unsaturated fats, fibres, vitamins E & K, and the minerals magnesium and zinc. This nutrient density means that even small portions can provide significant nutritional benefits (especially in calorie-restrictive diets) and increase satiety (2).  Healthy Fats: Nuts contain unsaturated fats, which studies show can improve heart health, reduce cholesterol, improve gut health, and improve brain cell function and are neuroprotective (2). These fats are more satisfying than carbohydrates, helping you feel full for longer (1).  Thermogenic Effect: Studies suggest the body uses more energy to digest nuts as their shell and protein content is less biodegradable in the gut. This effect means your body burns more calories digesting nuts and as this process is lengthy the longer satiety lasts (3).  Portion Control: Studies show diets considered for weight loss such as energy-restrictive diets benefit from nut incorporation as small portions are considered more satisfying to avoid overconsumption (3).  Low Glycemic Index: This means nuts cause a slower and gradual rise in blood sugar levels. This helps maintain steady energy levels, improves insulin sensitivity, and can reduce cravings for sugary or high-carbohydrate foods (supporting weight loss) (3).  Equipped with this knowledge of the nutritional value of nuts and their assistance with weight loss/management, how will you incorporate them into your daily food intake? My go-to is the Greenback plant-based protein bar range and my favourite flavour is the Layered Choc Raspberry Protein Bar.   References (1). Jackson CL, Hu FB. Long-term associations of nut consumption with body weight and obesity. Am J Clin Nutr. 2014 Jul;100 Suppl 1(1):408S-11S. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.113.071332. Epub 2014 Jun 4. PMID: 24898229; PMCID: PMC4144111. (2). Gonçalves B, Pinto T, Aires A, Morais MC, Bacelar E, Anjos R, Ferreira-Cardoso J, Oliveira I, Vilela A, Cosme F. Composition of Nuts and Their Potential Health Benefits-An Overview. Foods. 2023 Feb 23;12(5):942. doi: 10.3390/foods12050942. PMID: 36900459; PMCID: PMC10000569. (3). Mattes RD, Dreher ML. Nuts and healthy body weight maintenance mechanisms. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2010;19(1):137-41. PMID: 20199999.

  What if I told you by increasing your protein intake this Winter, you may have a better chance to prevent colds and flus? It's true! It would assist in building your immune system to be strong enough to fight them off quicker than you would expect! Why Protein? Studies show that protein malnutrition can impair your immune function. Specifically, this affects your T cells (immune cells which prevent infections) which means you are more susceptible to infections. The good news is arginine a specific amino acid found in high amounts in pea protein is most beneficial to help repair and increase the function of your immune cells to aid in fighting off colds and flus (1).  Immunity, Gut Health & Protein Once entering your body, protein is broken down by enzymes and your gut lining utilises these amino acids to rebuild its cells. This increases the gut barrier strength to reduce pathogens entering your system. Improving your gut health is also associated with less inflammation in the body which reduces immune system impairment. Fun fact...70% of your immune cells are produced and live in your gut (2).  Now, to the How! - Add protein powder to your overnight oats, smoothies, chia puddings and cereals. - Carry snacks in your bag such as natural nuts and protein bars. - When unwell and eating is difficult, protein shakes are easily digested and are absorbed quickly for your body to use. Use a protein with water to increase your hydration levels at the same time to flush your system. - Have a protein shake/meal before bed as this will allow the protein to be utilised by your body effectively while your body is at rest.  The Key Take-Away  Protein is more than a macronutrient for fitness. Think bigger! Protein is needed for everyday essential health and wellness!     References 1. Daly JM, Reynolds J, Sigal RK, Shou J, Liberman MD. Effect of dietary protein and amino acids on immune function. Crit Care Med. 1990 Feb;18(2 Suppl):S86-93. PMID: 2105184. 2. Childs, C.E.; Calder, P.C.; Miles, E.A. Diet and Immune Function. Nutrients 2019, 11, 1933. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11081933

Natural, plant-based, gluten and dairy-free...can't believe it? Then hear it from Jacinta Radziejewski, our Greenback Nutritionist.  After graduating with a Bachelor of Health Science in Nutritional Medicine, Jacinta pursued her passion to educate and encourage people to love food and its positive health abilities. Utilising her expertise in patient nutrition consulting, Jacinta focuses on issues relating to the gut, hormones, and mental health. Jacinta has now broadened her scope to work with health food and wellness businesses to spread the word that what we put in our bodies can positively change our lives! We just need to be informed about making the right choices. We are excited to welcome Jacinta to our team to inform Greenback customers about the nutritional values our products offer and how you can make active changes for a healthier lifestyle. Jacinta is collaborating with us to bring you the latest in health and wellness information. You can get in touch via info@wearegreenback.com or flick us a DM on Instagram @wearegreenback to ask Jacinta questions you have about living a healthy life. Jacinta will be posting content to educate via our website blog and Instagram, sharing health-focused recipes, raising awareness on beneficial ingredients and hosting live Q&As. So, keep your eyes peeled!

SKIN HEALTH I think you will agree when I say there is an overload of accessible information on nuts and their health benefits and a ‘not-so-healthy’ association. So, as a Nutritionist, I have compiled a series of ‘bite-sized’ blog posts highlighting NUTS and their nutritional value to affect your body positively! Healthy Skin is trending. Anti-aging and skin conditions are increasingly topics of conversation with friends, colleagues or specialists. Maybe you search the internet, listen to podcasts and follow socials for healthy skin information.  I am thankful the world lens has evolved from solely looking at what you put on your skin to what you put in your body for healthy, glowing skin. Skin aging, skin conditions and lack of hydration are the result of your environment. It is the combination of pollution, toxins, and chemicals from the air and what we eat (1). It is known as the imbalance of environmental influences and consumed nutrients (2). What you eat matters Your body needs nutrients to support your skin’s health by increasing the production, growth, and integrity of skin cells. Skincare is undoubtedly beneficial and works in partnership with the nutrients consumed. However, my expertise encourages you to nourish from within with specific nutrients for healing and prevention. There are many beneficial nutrients with new research on the rise; however, let’s stick to proven and food-accessible nutrients (avoiding supplement overload).  Food nutrients produce results:  Increase your skin hydration (3). Increase your skin structure (3) and slow the aging signs (4). Combat toxins inflaming your skin, such as rashes, acne and eczema (5). Reduce the oxidation of cells, which can cause premature aging (1). Nuts contain vital nutrients to support skin health. Vitamin E – This potent antioxidant is stored in high amounts in your skin cell outer layer with Omegas to tighten this layer. This protects your skin from toxins and oxidating pollution, causing signs of skin aging (6). Omegas – The outer layer of your skin cells comprises Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids. A healthy outer layer means nutrients can enter your skin cells and hydrate your skin cells for nourished skin. These healthy fats are anti-inflammatory to reduce skin conditions and improve the health of your skin for that hydrated skin glow (7). Zinc - Your skin cells thrive off zinc, helping them increase in number and to function as a barrier to the outside environment. Mostly zinc is found in your outer skin layer, meaning you may have more visible signs of healthier-looking and feeling skin! Also, zinc acts to heal wounds and is anti-inflammatory for your skin (8). Selenium—This valuable antioxidant protects the powerhouse of your skin cells. These powerhouses create energy for your skin cells to function and reproduce. Selenium is essential to reduce inflammation and immune skin conditions, such as dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis (2). Take action to improve your glow. Ways you can incorporate nuts into your daily diet: If you love them on their own, a handful a day will do the trick (raw and unsalted advised). Try foods with nuts, such as Greenbacks Peanut Butter Protein Bar, nut cheeses, healthy raw slices, and sauces such as satay and pesto. Add nuts to salads, stir fry, cooked vegetable dishes and ‘healthy’ desserts, and sprinkle on top of yoghurt, berries, and cereals. Try nut butter. This is a great alternative to butter on bread and crackers, and it can also be used to spread/dip fruit and celery. Nut butter can also be used as a binding agent when baking.  Life is busy, so simplify and eat real food for healthy, glowing skin. Your future self will thank you!    Schagen SK, Zampeli VA, Makrantonaki E, Zouboulis CC. Discovering the link between nutrition and skin aging. Dermatoendocrinol. 2012 Jul 1;4(3):298-307. doi: 10.4161/derm.22876. PMID: 23467449; PMCID: PMC3583891. Bjørklund G, Shanaida M, Lysiuk R, Antonyak H, Klishch I, Shanaida V, Peana M. Selenium: An Antioxidant with a Critical Role in Anti-Aging. Molecules. 2022 Oct 5;27(19):6613. doi: 10.3390/molecules27196613. PMID: 36235150; PMCID: PMC9570904. Parke MA, Perez-Sanchez A, Zamil DH, Katta R. Diet and Skin Barrier: The Role of Dietary Interventions on Skin Barrier Function. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2021 Jan 29;11(1):e2021132. doi:10.5826/dpc.1101a132. PMID: 33614213; PMCID: PMC7875671. Cao C, Xiao Z, Wu Y, Ge C. Diet and Skin Aging-From the Perspective of Food Nutrition. Nutrients. 2020 Mar 24;12(3):870. doi: 10.3390/nu12030870. PMID: 32213934; PMCID: PMC7146365. Park KD, Pak SC, Park KK. The Pathogenetic Effect of Natural and Bacterial Toxins on Atopic Dermatitis. Toxins (Basel). 2016 Dec 23;9(1):3. doi: 10.3390/toxins9010003. PMID: 28025545; PMCID: PMC5299398. Bjørklund G, Shanaida M, Lysiuk R, Antonyak H, Klishch I, Shanaida V, Peana M. Selenium: An Antioxidant with a Critical Role in Anti-Aging. Molecules. 2022 Oct 5;27(19):6613. doi: 10.3390/molecules27196613. PMID: 36235150; PMCID: PMC9570904. Rizvi S, Raza ST, Ahmed F, Ahmad A, Abbas S, Mahdi F. The role of vitamin e in human health and some diseases. Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J. 2014 May;14(2):e157-65. Epub 2014 Apr 7. PMID: 24790736; PMCID: PMC3997530. Balić A, Vlašić D, Žužul K, Marinović B, Bukvić Mokos Z. Omega-3 versus omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the prevention and treatment of inflammatory skin diseases. International journal of molecular sciences. 2020 Jan 23;21(3):741. Ogawa Y, Kawamura T, Shimada S. Zinc and skin biology. Archives of biochemistry and biophysics. 2016 Dec 1;611:113-9.

What is this macronutrient protein all about? Protein is formed when a cluster of molecules science calls ‘amino acids’ bind together creating a long chain (1). When a protein is broken down via a process called hydrolysis, you are left with its individual amino acids. Further hydrolysis creates peptides that are dissolvable in water and are an ideal form of protein for your body to absorb. Therefore, Greenback’s Plant-based Protein water is undeniably an innovative product for protein consumption! What are these so-called amino acids? There are hundreds of amino acids found in nature, however, your body is comprised of 20 specific amino acids. The body is an incredible machine that can create amino acids independently. Of the 20, there are 9 amino acids your body cannot create on its own. Luckily, nature has provided food that possesses these 9 essential amino acids for you to consume. Namely, they are Valine, Phenylalanine, Tryptophan, Threonine, Methionine, Isoleucine, Histidine, Leucine and Lysine. You may have heard these amino acids used by fitness instructors and health experts; however, without understanding why they are important, why would you want to incorporate them into your diet? Consuming these 9 essential amino acids will ensure the formation of your skin, organs, muscles and hormones to name a few. Interestingly, a study in 1957 found that when individual amino acids were removed from the participants’ diets, their bodies profoundly lacked growth and health balance (1). It is also imperative to understand the concept of a complete protein. This is a food source that contains all 9 amino acids. Currently, research is predominantly linked to animal-based sources, however, emerging research states that plant-based foods are exceptional sources of complete protein containing all 9 essential amino acids. These are amaranth, quinoa, soy, and, you guessed it, pea! (2). This valuable amino acid profile is one reason Greenback favoured pea protein for its innovative plant-based protein water.  So why did Greenback select pea protein? Greenback’s products have not been created overnight. The extensive research carried out by Greenback to produce nutritionally comprehensive products is imperative to their values. Pea as a food source was chosen as it is functionally a complete protein, highly absorbable in your body, gluten-free with limited allergens, sustainable for our earth, and, unlike other proteins, is soluble in water (2). This pea protein is hydrolysed into amino acids and further into peptides, as smaller molecules are highly absorbable in your body, allowing increased digestion for usage by every part of your body (3). What are the positive effects protein has on your body? Protein has many functions in the body, and we would need hours on end to go through all of them. So, let’s speak about the effects that will be noticeable. As we have seen protein consumption has increased tenfold over the years and is mostly linked to building muscle for gymgoers. I am here to say this is not the limit of protein’s positive effects.  Would you like glowing skin, a healthy immune system, balanced hormones and great digestion? This is where pea protein becomes your greatest asset. It is important to grasp protein is vital for you to thrive! For example, consuming pea protein (hydrolysed in protein water) helps to improve your gut lining by creating junctions to keep these cells together. This ensures the foods you eat do not squeeze through any cracks into the blood, which can cause allergies, food intolerance and disease. Protein will also work with your good gut bugs to create enzymes that help to digest food into nutrients for your body to absorb. These nutrients positively affect skin cells, bettering their integrity and increasing your skin health! This can mean fewer allergies and rashes and help to slow skin aging (4). Pea protein’s excellent amino acid profile is not its only superpower! The high nutritional value of the simple pea ranges from a high fibre content to vitamins and minerals (2). I witness as a Nutritionist that fibre is a large component lacking in many people’s daily diet. The more plant-based sources you eat, the more fibre you will consume. Fibre is vital for moving food through the gut to avoid stagnation. This build-up can cause toxins in the body, increasing inflammation, which ultimately can lead to disease and illness. Fibre will help create a healthy environment in your gut, enabling good gut bugs to flourish and outnumber the bad gut bugs. This is very important because a healthy gut can mean better digestion, a healthy weight, a better immune system (70% of your immune system is created here) and better mental health. Speaking of better mental health, you may have heard of the gut-brain connection. This means your gut and brain are connected by nerves that send messages to each other. Therefore, if your gut is happy and healthy so will your mindset (5). Considering that vitamins and minerals are a smaller part to mention, they are vital in their own right. You can find an abundance of B vitamins for energy, magnesium to calm the nervous system and calcium for bone health (2).  Are you getting enough protein each day? Of course, food sources are a vital way to consume protein daily. However, when you realistically look at life and how busy you can be trying to create balance, supplemental food sources are exemplary! Firstly, understanding how much you need as an adult is important. For Men, it is 64g or 0.84 x body weight (Kg) a day, For Women, it is 46g or 0.74g x body weight (Kg) a day (6). You will need to note there are many factors to consider with this equation and this is only a guide. So, when we are speaking of supplemental food, Greenback’s Plant-based Protein Water will provide 15g of protein in one serving, which for an adult woman means they have consumed 32% of their daily needs met with one drink.  What to take away from this post? Amino acids are the molecules that combine, creating a long chain to form protein. There are 9 essential amino acids that need to be consumed by eating a well-balanced diet consisting of plant-based protein sources of quinoa, amaranth, soy and pea. Amino acids can be hydrolysed into peptides, as seen in Greenbacks Plant-based Protein Water, which is a highly digestible version of protein your body will absorb optimally - Which is what your body wants! Pea protein is a great source of bioavailable protein however, it importantly contains fibre and nutrients for your body to thrive. Protein is not just for muscle building, so don't let this cloud your judgment about protein. Protein will encourage a healthy gut, increase your immune system and help your skin glow! Do the math and ensure you are getting enough protein every day! Any questions? Reach out to me via info@wearegreenback.com  Jacinta   References: Lopez MJ, Mohiuddin SS. Biochemistry, Essential Amino Acids. [Updated 2023 Mar 13]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557845/ Shanthakumar P, Klepacka J, Bains A, Chawla P, Dhull SB, Najda A. The Current Situation of Pea Protein and Its Application in the Food Industry. Molecules. 2022 Aug 22;27(16):5354. doi: 10.3390/molecules27165354. PMID: 36014591; PMCID: PMC9412838. https://www.echemi.com/cms/710376.html Mahmud MR, Akter S, Tamanna SK, Mazumder L, Esti IZ, Banerjee S, Akter S, Hasan MR, Acharjee M, Hossain MS, Pirttilä AM. Impact of gut microbiome on skin health: gut-skin axis observed through the lenses of therapeutics and skin diseases. Gut Microbes. 2022 Jan-Dec;14(1):2096995. doi: 10.1080/19490976.2022.2096995. PMID: 35866234; PMCID: PMC9311318. Barber TM, Kabisch S, Pfeiffer AFH, Weickert MO. The Health Benefits of Dietary Fibre. Nutrients. 2020 Oct 21;12(10):3209. doi: 10.3390/nu12103209. PMID: 33096647; PMCID: PMC7589116. https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/nutrient-reference-values/nutrients/protein