ingredients

almonds

What we generally consider an almond is actually the seed of the fruit which grows on an almond tree. As the fruit dries it splits open and exposes the almond. The health benefits of almonds are numerous. They contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, and are a good source of protein, fiber and healthy monounsaturated fat. Want to learn more about almonds? Check out the following links:
Wikipedia – Almonds
food-facts.suite101.com

amaranth organic

(The smallest round seeds that you can see in your Journey Bar) Although generally considered a grain, amaranth is technically a seed which has been harvested as an important food crop in South and Central America for thousands of years. It has just recently been gaining popularity in the US due to its exceptional nutritional content. Amaranth is an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, iron, zinc, and a variety of other vitamins and minerals. It’s no wonder the Aztecs called Amaranth a SUPER FOOD! Want to learn more about amaranth?
Check out the following links:
Wikipedia – Amaranth
www.brighthub.com

all natural baking soda

Baking soda (aka sodium bicarbonate) has long been used in baking because when it reacts with other ingredients in the dough, it releases carbon dioxide which causes the dough to rise. The majority of baking soda is produced commercially through chemical reaction, however the baking soda we use in our bars occurs naturally and is mined in Colorado. Want to learn more about baking soda? Check out the following link:
Wikipedia Baking Soda

buckwheat (organic)

Of no relation to the common cereal grain bearing part of its name (wheat), buckwheat is not a cereal at all. It grows as a seed inside an outer hull, much like a sunflower seed. Increased research into the health benefits of buckwheat show that it may help to control blood sugar levels and lower the risk of diabetes. It also has been shown to reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure. Want to learn more about buckwheat?
Check out the following links:
Wikipedia – Buckwheat
whfoods.com

coconut (unsweetened)

Coconut is an important source of food to people around the world and has long been revered for its variety of health benefits. Modern medicine continues to confirm many of the health claims which have been made about coconut for hundreds and even thousands of years. Coconut is rather high in saturated fat, but it is not the typical saturated fat found in animal products. The saturated fat in coconut is of the Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) variety and is easily metabolized by the body, so it is primarily used for energy, rather than stored as fat. Want to learn more about coconut? Check out the following links:
Wikipedia Coconut
coconutresearchcenter.org
food-facts.suite101.com

flaxseed (organic)

Flaxseed has been harvested and used as food for thousands of years. It is high in soluble fiber and Omega-3 fatty acids and enjoys a growing reputation as an extremely healthy food. Studies have shown that flaxseed is effective at lowering bad cholesterol, preventing certain types of cancer, promoting bone health, and more! Want to learn more about flaxseed?
Check out the following links:
Wikipedia– Flaxseed
webmd.com

garlic

Garlic’s distinct flavor can be detected in foods in every corner of the world in everything from breads and pasta dishes to curries and even beverages. This versatile spice, in addition to flavoring food and keeping vampires away, is believed to provide many health benefits as well. It has been used as a medicine for thousands of years, and modern science continues to study its antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties, as well as its ability to prevent heart disease and certain types of cancer. Want to learn more about garlic? Check out the following links:
Wikipedia – Garlic
nytimes.com

raw honey

Honey is a great natural alternative to refined sugars and artificial sweeteners. The term “raw honey” is used to describe pure honey straight from the beehive that has not been pasteurized, which can destroy many of the health benefits of the honey. Did you know that bees actually produce honey and store it in honeycomb cells as a source of food for themselves for times when food is scarce? Today, beekeepers take great care to ensure that enough honey is left in the honeycomb to maintain the health of the bee colony. Want to learn more about honey? Check out the following links:
Wikipedia – Honey
food-facts.suite101.com

millet (organic)

Millet is a group of cereal grains which produce small round seeds that are harvested for food. Millet has served as a staple food for people in parts of Asia and Africa for thousands of years, but it has only recently been gaining popularity in the diets of Westerners due to its many nutritional properties and ease of digestion. Millet is nearly 15% protein and is a good source of fiber and a variety of minerals as well. Want to learn more about millet?
Check out the following links:
Wikipedia – Millet
whfoods.com

oats (organic)

Over the past several decades, countless studies have shown the many health benefits of adding oats to one’s diet. In addition to being a great source of protein and antioxidants, oats contain high amounts of soluble fiber, which has been shown to lower bad cholesterol and promote heart health. Want to learn more about oats?
Check out the following links:
Wikipedia – Oats
whfoods.com

onion

Onion Powder is made by taking dehydrated onions and grinding them into a fine powder. It makes a great seasoning for a wide variety of foods and is used throughout the world. Onions have many well-known health benefits, and while eating onions raw is the best way to get the nutrients from them, raw onions in our Journey Bars did not seem like a good idea. Want to learn more about onions? Check out the following links:
Wikipedia Onion

parmesan and romano cheese

Parmesan cheese has been produced in the region surrounding the Italian city whose name it has taken, Parma, for hundreds of years. This hard cheese is made from cow’s milk and is aged anywhere from several months to several years to obtain its distinct, somewhat sharp flavor. Did you know that Parmesan has been used as a method of payment since the Middle Ages and is stilled accepted as loan collateral by banks in Italy today? Want to learn more about Parmesan?
Check out the following link:
Wikipedia– Parmesan

Romano is one of the oldest Italian cheeses and has been made in Rome (from where it gets its name) for over 2000 years. Romano has a sharp, salty flavor and is most commonly eaten grated over other dishes.
Check out the following link:
Wikipedia Romano Cheese

sea salt

Sea salt is produced by evaporating sea water and harvesting the remaining salt, which in addition to sodium chloride also contains several other minerals. Table salt, on the other hand, is processed salt and contains primarily sodium chloride (with a few other ingredients added to prevent caking.) The additional minerals found in sea salt are what give it a slightly different taste than that of regular table salt. Want to learn more about sea salt? Check out the following link:
Wikipedia Sea Salt

tapioca syrup (organic)

Tapioca is made from the root of a plant most commonly known as cassava (also manioc, yuca, and several others) which is grown primarily in South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia and serves as an important source of starch in the diets of these regions. Tapioca comes in many forms (beads, powder, sticks, etc.) and there are even many varieties of tapioca syrup, ranging from bland-tasting to rather sweet. But since there is no such thing as a genetically-modified variety of cassava, tapioca syrup is always 100% natural. Want to learn more about tapioca? Check out the following link:
Wikipedia Tapioca

tomato paste

Tomato paste is made by cooking tomatoes, removing the skin and seeds, and then boiling the remaining tomato liquid until it is a thick paste. It has a wide variety of uses, including barbecue sauce! Tomatoes are full of nutrients, including a powerful antioxidant called lycopene. Research has shown that tomatoes have numerous health benefits including fighting many types of cancer, improving heart health, and lowering cholesterol. Want to learn more about tomatoes or tomato paste?
Check out the following links:
Wikipedia Tomato Paste
Healthfood-guide.com