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Health experts share their favorite under-the-radar product or ingredient
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Gomashio
"So few people know about gomashio, a Japanese macrobiotic condiment made of sesame seeds and salt, but it adds a salty, nutty flavor to any foods. Gomashio is very mineral rich, provides B vitamins and iron, helps aid in digestion and packs many other benefits." -Allison Evans, co-founder of Branch Basics
Image: Getty
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Sunchokes
"Sunchokes are one of my favorite under-the-radar healthy foods. The most valuable attribute is that they’re a rich source of prebiotic, which is a nondigestible fiber that helps feed the friendly bacteria in your gut. Prebiotics are essentially food for your gut flora and encourage the growth of beneficial microbes in the intestinal tract. [A total of] 70 percent of your immune system is in your gut so feeding your friendly flora is key for strong immunity and overall good health. They are a great substitute for potatoes and can be roasted, mashed, pickled or made into chips." -Dr. Frank Lipman, creator of Be Well and founder of Eleven Eleven Wellness Center
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Canned Chickpeas
"Many people see a can of chickpeas and just think hummus, but you can roast chickpeas in the oven for 25 minutes and toss in any number of toppings (savory like rosemary and Parmesan or sweet like cinnamon). Then you can eat them as a snack or use them to top soups, salads, etc. So easy and versatile and they’re full of protein and fiber, which keep you full and satisfied without impacting your waistline. Just make sure to pick a canned variety without additives or salt." -Kristin Kirkpatrick, MS, RDN
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Chlorophyll
"If I have a client who doesn’t eat salad or drink green juices, I tell them to buy liquid chlorophyll. It tastes like mint, it oxygenates the skin and works from the inside out to keep the skin healthy and glowing. You will see a huge difference in your skin in a matter of days!" -Joanna Vargas, celebrity facialist and founder of Joanna Vargas Salon and Skincare Collection
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Turmeric
"I love spicy food. Turmeric is one of my absolute favorite spices to cook with. I use it daily from seasoning dishes to my green juice smoothies! It’s an anti-inflammatory, cognitive-enhancing, free radical- and cancer-fighting, mood-boosting powerhouse of an herb!" -Kim Glass, Olympic silver medalist and founder of Glass House Fitness
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Collagen Powder
"My favorite under-the-radar product is collagen powder. I add two scoops to my coffee in the morning and it helps me to maintain energy a bit longer and is fantastic post-baby for the nails and skin!" -Andrea Speir, founder of Speir Pilates
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Reishi Mushrooms
"One of my favorite under-the-radar ingredients is reishi mushrooms, which are nutritional powerhouses. Often called 'the mushroom of immortality,' the reishi mushroom has been used in Eastern medicine for years to promote longevity and support overall health. In fact, in 2005 the Journal of Pharmacological Sciences suggested that reishi mushrooms may boost immune functioning and a 2016 review from the Cochrane Gynaecological Cancer Group indicates the mushroom’s potential anti-cancer properties. Reishi mushrooms also contain antioxidants and are adaptogenic, which means they help your body normalize under stress. To reap these health benefits, I’ll use the reishi mushroom powder from BareOrganics and add it to my smoothies or matcha lattes!" -Kerri Axelrod, certified integrative nutrition health coach and yoga instructor
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Apple Cider Vinegar
"Apple cider vinegar is a must-have ingredient for your household! Taking a tablespoon a day helps lower blood sugar levels and helps fight type 2 diabetes. It can fight acne when applied directly (50-50 mixture) to the face with a dab on a cotton ball. It can also act as an antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral." -Danny Blanco, owner and president of Top Notch Training
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Moringa Tree
"The moringa tree is very rich in macronutrients and micronutrients, well-known and used in traditional medicine. It contains more vitamin A than carrots, three times the calcium of milk, more potassium than bananas and more iron than spinach, is rich in antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory properties and works to help keep cholesterol level. Moringa has a bitter flavor similar to the radish and can be used in several ways (think as salad leaves, sauteed, scalded, boiled, etc.)." -Lola García, nutritional expert at SHA Wellness Clinic
Image: Getty
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Green Bananas and Tribali Foods
"Nothing exotic, just a raw green banana either frozen, boiled or fried. Why consume them? They contain lower amounts of sugar than ripe bananas and are a great prebiotic for good bacteria that keep our stomach and digestive tract healthy. Plus, they are a resistant starch so they pass through the small intestine and are absorbed in the large intestine, meaning reduced fat storage and improved insulin sensitivity. Tribali Foods is a product favorite. It makes 100 percent grass-fed and finished, pasture-raised beef and free-range, air-chilled chicken that contain no binders, fillers or preservatives. Everything is raised, grown or gathered as humanely and as sustainably as possible. They are prepared simply and deliciously cook up in minutes!" -Ali Bourgerie, certified holistic nutritionist and founder of Shifting Nutrition
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Banza
"I often recommend Banza, a protein-rich pasta made from chickpeas, as an easy way for my clients to get plenty of protein and fiber, all while feeling full and satisfied. It’s hard to cook an adventurous meal in a tiny kitchen without getting overwhelmed and Banza is so easy and quick to make that it won’t feel like a hassle. It’s satisfying and gives bodies the carb fix they desire." -Tracy Lockwood Beckerman, MS, RD
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Mushroom Coffee
"All my patients know how much I love coffee, I mean love! But sometimes having another traditional cup of coffee in my day can be a bit too much for my system. Too much caffeine, too much acidity, too many side effects. That’s why I turned to my beloved mushroom coffee. I know it sounds weird, mushrooms in coffee???? But mushroom coffee has a tremendous amount of health benefits, way fewer side effects and tastes very much like regular coffee — the difference is it is brewed with coffee beans infused with different kinds of mushrooms." -Janine Whiteson, RD
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Vega Protein & Greens
"Vega Protein & Greens is one of the few reliably clean protein powders. Each serving has 20 grams of protein and less than 1 gram of sugar, but what's especially unique about it is that it's also formulated with greens like organic alfalfa powder, spinach powder and broccoli powder." -Courtney Paul, celebrity trainer and creative director at Liftonic
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Montmorency Tart Cherries
"Montmorency tart cherries are a great healthy snack to enjoy on the go. Not only are they tasty on their own, but they can be incorporated into snack recipes, such as energy bites or trail mixes that you can throw right in your bag. They can also pack a nutritional punch — research indicates that U.S.-grown Montmorency tart cherries can help fight inflammation and promote better sleep." -Michelle Babb, MS, RD, CD and author of Anti-Inflammatory Eating Made Easy
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Magic Mix Edibles by Sweat With Bec
"My current favorite wellness ingredient is CBD and my favorite food is Magic Mix Edibles by Sweat With Bec. I started experimenting with CBD (non-psychoactive cannabis) in my diet about a year ago to help with sleep, stress and overall wellness. I treat it like any other adaptogen I use in my diet (ashwagandha, reishi, etc.). Bec created these and they are the perfect combination of a sweet treat without the guilt. Besides the extremely cute packaging, they are Paleo and vegan-friendly AND taste like my favorite super dark chocolates. CBD has helped with stress reduction, aches and pains from workouts and tight muscles and most of all, it's a great wind down treat!" -Melissa Rosenfield, director of Vibe
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Cece's Veggie Co.
"A trend I am seeing across the board is that people want to eat healthier, but have less time for prep. A new brand that I have been loving is Cece's Veggie Co. organic spiralized and riced veggies. They're like my personal sous chef because I can just grab a pack and a quick low-carb dinner that still feels like an indulgent bowl of pasta. What I'm loving right now when it’s hot outside are the Beet Spirals variety. I top them with a Dijon vinaigrette, add some arugula and goat cheese and you have a restaurant-worthy side dish perfect for a BBQ or summer soiree." -Carissa Bealert, RDN
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Enduro Bites Beta Red Powder
"I love Enduro Bites Beta Red powder for my intense workouts! Formulated to help optimize performance and decrease fatigue, Beta Red combines the nitrate power of beets with key performance-boosting amino acids for a potent synergistic effect to supercharge your workout or race. This product is all-natural and does not make me feel jittery. I can take it an hour before my workout and find that it gives me more endurance both in strength training and cardio." -Astrid Swan, NASM certified celebrity trainer and Barry’s Bootcamp instructor
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CALM Powder
"I do magnesium in two forms: epsom salts and CALM powder before I go to bed because it aids in deeper sleep." -Sophie Chiche, founder of Shape House
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Alter Eco Clusters
"I’m currently loving these Dark Chocolate Coconut Clusters from Alter Eco because not only are they delicious, but they combine the superfood power of 70 percent dark chocolate and coconut into one and only contain a mere 5 to 6 grams of sugar per serving. It’s an enlightened snack that’s perfect whether you’re searching for a sweet afternoon bite or after-dinner treat." -Kelly Springer, RD and founder of Kelly’s Choice Nutritional Company
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Om and Amazing Grass
"Anytime I can find whole-food sources of micronutrients that are organic and grown in the USA, I know that I can safely recommend a new product to my clients. Mushrooms are a functional superfood powerhouse — they can provide everything from immune support to antioxidants to memory, focus, endurance and so much more. Om has been able to harness all the health benefits of mushrooms in a vegan, gluten-free mega dose that is so easy to use anytime! I also love Amazing Grass Greens Powder smoothie boosters. Getting my kids to try new foods or to even eat enough veggies to make an impact is challenging and this powder has been the answer to my kitchen struggles." -Brooke Alpert, RD and founder of B Nutritious
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Onnit Alpha Brain
"It's like drinking a cup of coffee without the caffeine or crash. Onnit Alpha Brain helps me think and create better and it's filled with healthy extracts and amino acids that fuel brain and body health." -Stephen Pasterino, founder of P.volve
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Munk Pack Oatmeal Fruit Squeeze
"One of my favorite healthy products is Munk Pack Oatmeal Fruit Squeeze. I love these because they are a portable, healthy snack that are easy to bring on the go and will refuel you when you need energy. Also, when it comes to snacks, the fewer ingredients, the better. Many processed foods have lots of ingredients, often many of which are fillers or flavor enhancers (like excess sugars and salt)." -Dr. Nicole Avena, assistant professor of neuroscience at Mount Sinai Medical School and visiting professor of health psychology at Princeton University
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Detox Water With Chlorophyll
"My favorite wellness ingredient would be chlorophyll in Sakara Life’s Detox Water Concentrate. Chlorophyll is packed with super powerful vitamins and minerals and has so many healing benefits that help strengthen the immune system and promote blood building. The way I use it is by a few liquid drops into Detox Water Concentrate and drink before bed." -Erika Bloom, Pilates instructor and founder of Erika Bloom Pilates
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Motive Pure
"My favorite healthy product is Motive Pure for electrolyte hydration. It comes in a cute little bottle that you can pour into your water, but I prefer to take it as a shot before and after my hot yoga and hot HIIT classes at Bodē NYC. It gets into the body more quickly and effectively when not diluted. I only forgot to take it once before class in the past three years and ended up with a dehydration headache! It contains sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium and is gluten-free. I also travel with it (airplanes and AC dehydrate) and Motive Pure is great for my three active boys as well. And of course, for those fun nights out on the town, I take a shot before bed!" -Jen Lobo, co-founder of Bodē NYC
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F-Factor 20/20 Fiber/ Protein Powder
"This is the only protein powder with such a high combination of both fiber and protein (20 grams of fiber with 20 grams of protein) with only 3 grams net carbs. It’s made with whey protein, which is the most bioavailable form of protein (bioavailability indicates how well your body can absorb and utilize a protein). It’s also gluten-free, no sugar added, soy-free, all-natural, non-GMO, kosher and so versatile. More than just smoothies and shakes, it can be used to make waffles, pancakes, cakes, cookies, ice cream and more." -Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD and founder of the F-Factor Diet
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Dr. Barbara Sturm Skin Food
"Devoted to the art of aging gracefully, I’m always on the lookout for holistic products and treatments that support anti-aging in a natural and healthy way. Recently I discovered Dr. Barbara Sturm Skin Food supplements and after taking them for just over six months now, I can say with certainty I see some positive changes in my skin and as a plus, an energy increase. All of our cells, including skin cells, deplete and mutate as we grow older. The herb purslane, one of the key ingredients in this product, activates the enzyme telomerase that keeps cells alive and strong. The combination of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and nutritive properties not only fortify internally, but enhance my overall appearance making for a youthful look and boosted physical vitality. My skin looks tighter, smoother and has a bit of a glow. I’m a believer 'beauty comes from within.'" -Karen Mehiel, co-founder of Five Pillars Yoga
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The Synergy Company Pure Radiance C
"I love drinking a quarter teaspoon of Pure Radiance C by The Synergy Company. It is a 100 percent natural vitamin C powder and contains many phytonutrients and cofactors that synthetic vitamin C powders do not contain. Vitamin C is an important building block for all tissues in your body. It is used for growth and repair, especially to make connective tissue like skin. It is also a good nutritional marker for overall health, so the higher your vitamin C levels, you are usually a healthier person! It's very diverse in protecting our health from things like cardiovascular disease to cancer, eye health, immunity and more. However, it is highly unstable and oxidizes quickly so I prefer a powdered version that I mix and consume fresh." -Dr. Lamees Hamdan, founder and CEO of Shiffa
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OPC 3
"I'm often asked about nutritional products to reverse health issues, recover from disease and reduce premature aging. Though countless health products are available, there is no better nutraceutical to improve your health than OPC-3. It contains the powerful plant-based compound Pycnogenol, which has been clinically proven to alleviate allergies and reduce systemic inflammation linked to heart disease, diabetes, cognitive decline and arthritis. Pycnogenol also has been shown to reduce aging of the skin, prevent abnormal pigment deposits (discoloration) and prevent skin wrinkling. OPC-3 is a must for anyone looking to rebuild from chronic health issues or disease and to prevent premature aging." -Dr. Robert Zembroski, specialist in functional medicine, clinical nutritionist and author of Rebuild
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Lumity Life
"I’ve been on a real supplement mission recently, ever since I found out that the soil is up to 80 percent less nutrient-rich than it was 10 years ago. After experimenting, I discovered Lumity Life about six months ago and have noticed real benefits to my skin, hair and energy. It’s made up of two sets of tablets: morning supplements (which contain a mix of vitamins A, B, E and C, selenium, turmeric root extract and flaxseed oil for healthy cell membranes) and evening ones, which with their mix of potent amino acids are supposed to help you sleep better and for longer as well as provide your skin with all the nutrients it needs to heal over and renew overnight. You take three of each, twice a day. Not only has my skin developed an amazing glow, my sleep is so much better, meaning despite being a non-morning person, getting up and out in my Zero Gravity leggings to cycle to work is so much easier." -Tamara Hill-Norton, founder and creative director of Sweaty Betty
