Thoughts from the Natural Product Expo, Part II

by kiwilog

I recently visited the Natural Products Expo, a trade show for natural and organic products, and discovered a slew of cool products that should help you in that ongoing struggle. Many of these or similar products can be found in your local health food store; others can be special ordered or should be coming soon.

Kelley’s Top Ingredient Picks

Raw Honey. I didn’t realize honey was such a processed food until I kept seeing so much raw honey. Apparently, the sweet stuff is usually heated to ensure that it flows easily into those little containers we buy at the store. Pasteurization destroys almost all of the enzymes, antibiotics, and vitamins that are naturally present in honey. Raw honey comes straight from the hive, with bits of honeycomb, pollen, and propolis. The health benefits range from lowering cholesterol to fighting colds to aiding digestion, among many others. It is even recommended for topical use for wounds and burns! I liked Wee Bee Honey, Honey Bunny, and Really Raw Honey.
Coconut water. I was familiar with coconut milk (and ice cream) for those avoiding dairy and soy, but I had never heard of coconut water, which only comes from green coconuts. Coconut water is a healthy, natural alternative to sports drinks. It’s completely free of additives—coconut water is naturally a little sweet, rich in electrolytes, and has more potassium than a banana. My faves were Zico, O.N.E., Amy & Brian, and Vitacoco .
Agave. It’s everywhere! This all-natural, low glycemic index sweetener, is not only available in maple, amaretto, and hazelnut flavorings, but can also be found in these yummy products: Pamela’s Products gluten-free cheesecake, Flavrz drink mixes, and Organic Valley’s new low fat yogurt. What’s more, did you know that raw agave is also available? To be converted into an edible nectar, agave is heated to a high temperature for a short time, producing a light colored liquid ideal as a multi-purpose sweetener. Raw agave is either treated with enzymes or gently warmed over a period of time. Raw agave is darker in color and has a richer flavor similar to molasses or maple, and is available from Wholesome Sweeteners.
Teas. I couldn’t believe how far teas have come since Celestial Seasonings’ “SleepyTime” tea. It seemed as though every tea vendor offered not only black, green, white and herbal teas, but also promised everything from antioxidants to probiotics, detox, superfruits, heartburn relief, and even superior performance in the bedroom. My favorites included GoodEarth’s Yumberry Superfruit Tea, Bigelow’s Pomegranate Pizzazz Herb Tea, and Stash Tea’s line of Iced Green Tea powders- just add to a glass of cold water and stir!