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Do you have questions about our Cacao? With all of the different types and forms of cacao (bean, nibs, butter, powder, and ceremonial, we understand it can be a bit confusing. We can also answer any questions you might have about things like heavy metals and ethical concerns such as slavery. We are happy to help you sort it all out! Please note we cannot offer medical advice.

Rooted Nutrition is always looking for new, ethically produced, whole food, herbal, and digestive health supplements from independently owned companies. Products that can be traced directly from the farm will be given priority. If you feel your products meet these criteria, then you should definitely book a meeting with us. If your supplements or products do not meet our criteria, you will be notified by email that we will be passing on the opportunity, and the meeting will be canceled. Please note we are not accepting new products that are sold on Amazon, Walmart, or Target.

If you want to speak with our herbalist and founder, Josh, about supplement quality control, products, ingredients, testing, etc., you've come to the right place. He will call you at the time of the scheduled call and at the number you provided. Please note that we cannot offer medical advice.

It’s time for a deep dive into the world of chlorella supplements. This little green fella packs a whole lot into a small package. What is Chlorella? Chlorella is a single-cell freshwater algae. It has been around for billions of years, making it one of the oldest organisms on earth. It has a spherical shape and a deep green color due to its high levels of chlorophyll. Nutrition in Chlorella Chlorella is bursting with nutrition. These little green guys pack a huge nutritional punch. They contain many essential nutrients, such as carotenoids like beta carotene (a precursor to Vitamin A), vitamin K, iron, magnesium, and an important fatty acid called GLA (gamma-linoleic acid). It is also one of the richest food sources of real chlorophyll, unlike most "chlorophyll supplements," which are not actually chlorophyll but a semi-synthetic compound called sodium copper chlorophyllin . B12 in chlorella Chlorella, unlike spirulina, contains usable b-12 as well. In tests on the chlorella we recommend, using the LC-MS/MS method, which detects only usable b-12 (not the analogs that the body cannot use); a three-gram serving contains three mcg of usable b-12, which is slightly above the recommended daily amount of 2.4 mcg. This is an excellent way for vegans to get their b-12 from a whole food source.   Chlorella Broken Cell Wall We’re not entirely sure who started the nonsense that Chlorella's cell wall needs to be broken, but we wish it would just go away because it is simply not true. Unfortunately, with enough money spent on advertising, many Chlorella companies have made people accept this myth, and no one really looks into it because it is repeated so often. The digestibility of Chlorella is not significantly increased by breaking up its cell walls. Factors such as the drying process or the species (strain) of Chlorella used have a greater impact. This is summarized as follows in a publication by T. Kanno (2005) , stating that “The original characteristics and the physiological effects of Chlorella are not changed by breaking up the cell wall” and “It is more to be feared that the process of breaking up the cell wall may degrade proteins, destroy vitamins, and fatty acids, thereby resulting in oxidation effects.” If you look at “studies” that show that broken cell wall chlorella is better, they are almost entirely funded by companies that happen to sell broken cell wall chlorella. Shocking right? The pH of stomach acid is 1.5 to 3.5, and the small intestine produces lysozyme. The combination of stomach acid and lysozyme is plenty for chlorella's cell wall to be broken without having to risk damaging the proteins, vitamins, and fatty acids and exposing them to oxidation that the methods of cracking the cell wall cause. The cell wall helps to protect the beneficial nutrients and compounds found in chlorella. It keeps all of the compounds intact until digestion. You do not need to buy cracked cell chlorella; it is just a marketing scheme. What does chlorella do? While people take chlorella for various reasons, the biggest one is that it adds a rich source of green vegetable nutrition to your diet. Most people are not eating enough vegetables, so it’s an easy way to get more in. How to take chlorella Chlorella is very potent, so starting slowly and gradually increasing the dosage to your desired amount is important. If you take too much at once initially, you may get loose stools or upset stomachs. Chlorella powder can be mixed with cold food and beverages. It should be taken with a full glass of water. Due to chlorella’s binding ability, taking it at least two hours apart from medications and supplements is important because it can reduce their absorption. You should not take chlorella if you take warfarin or aspirin due to its high vitamin K1 content. How much chlorella should you take per day? We recommend slowly working up to three grams (3,000 mg) daily. What to look for in a Chlorella supplement Where does chlorella come from? As with everything, how and where it is grown is incredibly important from both quality control and ethical standpoints. Most chlorella is grown in outdoor, uncovered ponds in China, India, Taiwan, Japan, and the United States. A few other countries also produce small amounts, but not close to the amounts that have grown in China and India. You will see claims such as "only grown in pristine spring water" or "fed by mountain streams" and other wonderful things. Well, that may be true, but guess what? It rains everywhere. The rain in countries with very poor air quality, like India and China, brings down large amounts of pollutants. The water from that mountain spring may be pure, but the rain will not. Chlorella is a great bio accumulator (absorbing lots of stuff from its environment, including contaminants like pesticides and heavy metals); this is why you see reports of contamination  in chlorella supplements. You also get things like birds going to the bathroom while flying over. This is an issue because you cannot wash algae off like some lettuce or berries because many contaminants will be absorbed into the algae. Some people might say we can test for possible contamination. In theory, this is great. However, environmental contaminants are often not part of the standard testing panel. In addition, there may be contaminants in the air that are being released that we are not even aware of. In China especially, there are a whole host of new pollution issues because many compounds are reacting together in poorly studied ways. The compounds created by this will not be on a normal chlorella testing panel, so you won’t know if they are in the chlorella. While good testing is extremely important, it is not enough, especially with chlorella. It’s essential to know precisely where and how your chlorella is grown, not just the country of origin. Otherwise, you have no way of knowing whether there are lots of pollutants coming down in the rain.  Many environmental problems exist in China, even in the countryside. This is a lesson on the consequences of a lack of well-enforced environmental regulations. How is chlorella grown? There are three main ways of growing chlorella. The first is the most common, open-air outdoor pond grown. This is where chlorella is grown in large ponds open to the environment. We have already gone over some of the problems related to this. The other issue with outdoor pond chlorella growing is that large amounts of nitrates are often used to feed the chlorella to make it grow faster. The issue is that the nitrate-rich water discharged when the chlorella is harvested runs off into the local environment, causing significant pollution and runoff. Nitrate runoff can cause huge problems, such as dead zones in waterways. As you can guess, we think it’s best to avoid outdoor open pond-grown chlorella for your health and the environment. The second method is vat or tank growing. This is where chlorella is grown in huge stainless steel tanks in a factory. This method avoids the pollutant problems with outdoor open-air pond-grown chlorella, but it has one big drawback. It is not exposed to sunlight. Sunlight is really important for chlorella’s nutrient content. Vat or tank-grown chlorella has lower levels of nutrients and other compounds than chlorella grown in sunlight. While it is a better choice than outdoor open-air pond-grown chlorella, it is certainly not ideal. Chlorella grown in glass tubes The third way to grow chlorella is in a closed-loop glass tube system. The chlorella grows in glass tubes, exposed to sunlight, and fed with mineral-rich spring water from deep underground. This provides the benefits of sunlight to the chlorella without the risks of pollutants from the environment. It does not create environmental pollution or problems like open pond cultivation, as the water is filtered before release. This is the best way to grow chlorella for your health and the environment.  How Should Chlorella Be Dried? The next thing to consider when choosing a chlorella product is ensuring it is properly dried. The drying process makes a big difference in the finished product. The vast majority of algae products are high heat-dried. These intense drying methods can cause a loss of nutritional value. When drying foods, we want to leave them as close to their original state as possible. Choose gently dried chlorella to preserve as much nutritional value as possible. Chlorella Ethics The next thing to consider is the ethics of who is producing the chlorella. Determining who grows most of the chlorella products on the market is often impossible. Most companies buy their raw materials from middlemen, who usually buy chlorella from various sources that are mixed together. In China, where most of the chlorella are grown, there are estimates of over 25 million people who are forced into modern slavery . It can be almost impossible to verify if chlorella (or other raw materials) production is free of forced labor because of the vast web of shell companies and middlemen. It’s best to avoid getting chlorella from there for this reason alone. One company told us their supplier did not use slave labor, but their only verification of that was the supplier writing a letter saying they did not use forced labor. All vendors will say that. A letter stating it does not prove they don’t use forced labor.  How to find the best chlorella supplements So, how do you find the best chlorella supplement? The first and most crucial step is knowing who grew it and made it. Only by having complete transparency about who, how, and where it was grown (not just the country) can you truly begin to investigate it. It is not enough to say it was grown in a pristine environment with mountain spring water. Buzzwords and marketing are not a substitute for actual information and data.  Then, you can find out what they are feeding the chlorella, drying, the growing method (glass tube, open pond, vat), testing, and how they mitigate environmental issues. You can also look into whether the company has problems with forced labor violations.  Our search for ethically produced, clean chlorella took us worldwide, from the US and India to Taiwan, Japan, Germany, Denmark, and Portugal.  We wanted to find chlorella that was traceable from farm to table, as we want our food to be. Algomed Chlorella Our search for the perfect chlorella ended in Klotze, Germany. Algomed Chlorella is grown in glass tubes in the bright sunshine, and mountain spring water from deep underground is used, not surface water, to avoid contamination. It is never exposed to the outside environment, allowing for the production of super pure and contaminant-free clean chlorella. Algomed Chlorella's Farm Here is how they grow their chlorella: “To start with, our tubular aquariums are filled with water. We source this from our own well, which is fed from an artesian aquifer more than forty-five meters down. This is very pure water that is nicely mineralized. Nutrients and an algae starter culture are then added, and the algae begin to grow. The advantages of our 500-kilometer system of glass tubing are obvious. The algae get an optimal supply of sunlight because there are no dark zones like you get in the lower layers of a pond, and no contaminants from the outside can get into the culture. When the algae are ready to be harvested, they are separated from the water by centrifuging and then gently dried. They can be consumed immediately or processed further.” The entire cultivation process, from the first algae from their collection to the finished product, takes place in Klötze. The production process is, therefore, entirely in their hands and is certified according to the international standards HACCP, GMP, ISO 9001, ISO 22000, ISO 50001, Kosher, and HALAL. They are vertically integrated. This is how all chlorella should be grown. Algen Markt Chlorella Algen Markt Glass Tube Chlorella Growing Facility Algen Markt Chlorella is grown in Germany using a closed glass tube system. It is cultivated in a closed system where it thrives and is protected from harmful environmental influences. No pesticides, herbicides, or other synthetic substances are used during processing. The result is a completely pure, natural Chlorella powder. Cultivation takes place in Saxony-Anhalt. Algen Markt Algae is cultivated using renewable energy to support its goals of protecting the environment and achieving carbon neutrality. Chlorella questions and support If you have questions about chlorella supplements, please email us at info@rooted-nutrition.com , and we will be happy to help!

When most people hear the word cannabinoid, they think of the devil's lettuce, but did you know that you have an endocannabinoid system, and your body produces endocannabinoids? What is the endocannabinoid system, and what does it do? The endocannabinoid system (hereafter referred to as the ECS) performs many essential functions and affects nearly every part of the body. Most people have never even heard of the ECS, which makes sense because endocannabinoids were only discovered in 1992 .  Your body makes several endocannabinoids, but “ There are two main types of endocannabinoids: anandamide, or AEA, and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol, known as 2-AG. Both of them can activate the body’s cannabinoid receptors, which receive and process chemical signals in cells. ” The cannabinoids found in plants are called phytocannabinoids. “ The ECS regulates and controls many of our most critical bodily functions such as learning and memory, emotional processing, sleep, temperature control, pain control, inflammatory and immune responses, and eating. ” “ The endocannabinoid  system (ECS) in the brain primarily influences neuronal synaptic communication, and affects biological functions—including eating, anxiety, learning and memory, reproduction, metabolism, growth and development—via an array of actions throughout the nervous system. ” One of the most critical aspects of the ECS system is its integral role in responding to and handling stress, which is more important than ever in today's insane society. If you ever feel that no matter what you do, how you eat, or the lifestyle changes you make, you cannot handle stress, your ECS probably needs some love and support. What causes problems with the endocannabinoid system? Chronically high stress levels, lack of sunshine, poor diet, sleep problems, nutritional deficiencies (omega-three, magnesium, etc.), and an out-of-whack omega 6/3 ratio  cause our ECS to break down. “ Across a wide array of stress paradigms, studies have generally shown that stress evokes bidirectional changes in the two eCB molecules, anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), with stress exposure reducing AEA levels and increasing 2-AG levels. Additionally, in almost every brain region examined, exposure to chronic stress reliably causes a downregulation or loss of cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors. ” This breakdown causes problems in many body systems. It creates a feedback loop where people are unable to respond well to stress because of the breakdown, which makes them feel more stressed, which becomes a vicious cycle, further speeding up the breakdown of the endocannabinoid system. That’s why so many people feel like no matter what, they constantly feel stressed. If the system is broken down, it’s not just about stress relief but nourishing the endocannabinoid system so it can attain homeostasis (nothing like finally getting to use those high school science terms). Thankfully, no matter how compromised your ECS is, you can do many things to support the ECS's plasticity (flexibility) and balance. Nearly everyone’s ECS is pretty beat up because of all of the stress we are under in today’s screwed-up world. It’s essential to do the things to nourish your ECS consistently. Doing something once in a while and inconsistently is not going to give the results you are looking for. It will take time to nourish your ECS fully. There is no ECS quick fix. What can you do to help your endocannabinoid system? Exercise has potent benefits for your ECS. One of the most important neurotransmitters involved in the ECS is called Anandamide (also known as N-arachidonoylethanolamine, an N-acylethanolamine), the “bliss molecule.” Moderate to high-intensity exercise is one of the best ways to get your levels up. If you have ever felt a   runner's high , this “bliss molecule” is responsible for that feeling. Regular exercise is one of the best ways to keep your ECS balanced. Sunlight helps activate the cb1 and cb2 receptors, as well as TRPV1 .  The best time to get your sunshine is first thing in the morning. Before looking at your phone or screens, go outside (even when it’s cloudy) and get some sun for fifteen minutes. For bonus points, walk around barefoot in the grass (grounding) while you do it. At sunset, go outside and take a walk for fifteen minutes. Not only will this nourish your ECS, but it will also help improve your sleep and mood. While a few minutes in the morning and at sunset of unfiltered sun on our skin and eyes are good, if you are going to be out in the sun a lot, make sure to use clean sunscreen , sit in the shade, or wear sun protective clothing, because getting sunburned is always a bad idea. Good stress management is a massive part of getting your ECS back in fighting shape. Reduce stress as much as possible to help prevent further breakdown. Reducing and managing all types of stressors helps support healthy cortisol levels, which is crucial for keeping your ECS healthy. Check out our blog, Stress 101 , to learn a variety of ways to help manage stress. Having an orgasm helps to increase the levels of an endocannabinoid called 2-AG. So tell your partner to get in the bedroom ASAP because you need to improve your ECS. If that kind of sexy talk doesn’t get things steamy, I don’t know what will. My wife is a lucky lady.  Mindfulness and meditation are great ways to support your ECS. This  book  makes it easy to get started. Improving the quality of and getting enough sleep helps improve the endocannabinoid system in many ways. Dysfunction of the ECS system can contribute to sleep issues , which creates another lousy feedback loop. Click the button below to download our free guide to healthy sleep. It’s important to reduce alcohol, weed, and recreational drug consumption. When these things are used frequently, they overstimulate the endocannabinoid receptors, leading to a tolerance effect that causes CB1 receptor issues in the brain. It takes about a month of not using them for the ECS to recover from their overuse. Never stop any drug or alcohol if you use them frequently without speaking with your doctor first, as withdrawal problems can be very dangerous in some cases. You want help from your doctor to help you gradually get off them . While they may make you feel good in the short term, they create many problems over time. I know that no one wants to hear this, but large amounts of coffee and caffeine reduce levels of beneficial neurotransmitters. Having a normal-sized cup with breakfast (but not before) is not a big deal, but having huge cups multiple times a day will give you problems.  Try starting your morning with a maca latte, which nourishes your ECS, instead of coffee, which depletes it. Drink plenty of water daily, but avoid drinking it from plastic bottles. Many plastics can disrupt the ECS . What foods And Nutrients are good for your endocannabinoid system? The food you eat has a powerful effect on your ECS. However, it’s not just what you eat but also when you eat. Strive to eat a balanced breakfast with at least 30 grams of high-quality protein and some fruit within an hour of waking up. In addition, never have caffeine or coffee before breakfast. Skipping breakfast or having caffeine before breakfast increases cortisol levels to a higher level, much faster than they usually would, especially in women . This creates lots of stress and problems for your ECS. NO SKIPPING BREAKFAST! Keeping your blood sugar stable is essential to helping keep your ECS balanced. This means eating throughout the day and not skipping meals. Try to have some good protein, fat, and carbs at each meal. One of the most important things to support your ECS is to increase your omega-three food consumption and decrease your omega-six food consumption. Nearly everyone gets too much omega-six and not enough omega-three in their diet. This leads to a whole host of health problems. The body uses omega-three fatty acids to produce endocannabinoids, which help promote homeostasis and reduce the burden of an overwhelmed ECS system . Without enough omega-three, you cannot produce enough endocannabinoids. Check out our blog, All About Omegas , to learn how to achieve a good omega 6:3 ratio. One big misconception about omega-three fatty acids is that hemp, flax, and chia are good sources. They are not. They contain a precursor, alpha-linoleic acid, of which only a tiny amount is turned into EPA and almost none into DHA. Do not rely on them as a source of omega-three.  Magnesium is another nutrient most people don’t get enough of and is essential for a healthy ECS. Without enough magnesium, your stress response is not going to be good. Magnesium deficiency can increase cortisol levels as well. Check out our blog, All About Magnesium , to learn how to get enough magnesium. One of our favorite foods for the ECS is cacao. Some ceremonial cacao pastes (not all of them) contain molecules   called N-acetyl-ethanolamines that help to keep healthy levels of endocannabinoids in the body . As these molecules are fat-soluble, finding a high-quality, full-fat cacao paste is important, as it contains the highest amounts. Not all cacao or chocolate has this or has high enough levels to obtain these beneficial effects, and cacao powder does not contain nearly enough because it is fully or partially defatted. Check out this page  to learn how to source the best cacao paste. Next up is eggs. Egg yolks are rich in phospholipids, nutrients, and fatty acids that provide robust support to the ECS. Eat those yolks, not just the whites. Use plenty of fruits, herbs, and spices in your cooking. Many of them contain beneficial terpenes. Terpenes are a large and diverse class of organic compounds various plants produce. Terpenes give each flower, herb, and fruit a unique scent and flavor. Every day, everywhere you go, you encounter terpenes. When you zest a lemon, you smell terpenes. Open a jar full of herbs; what you smell is the terpenes. Stop and smell the roses? It's more like stopping and smelling the terpenes. Terpenes are aromatic compounds that, when inhaled, applied to the skin, or consumed, enhance our sensory experience and greatly influence flavors and aromas. Terpenes help support the entourage effect, which supports the body's own endocannabinoids and makes dietary phytocannabinoids work better. Think of it like flying an airplane. Cannabinoids control the altitude and velocity, but the terpenes provide the direction like the rudder. Different terpenes are why some weed strains give the feeling of being in a chill or calm state, and others can cause a more focused or alert state. Terpenes and the endocannabinoid system Here are a few examples of foods and the terpenes they contain: Citrus fruits are rich in limonene , an uplifting terpene that helps put you in a good mood, and much more. Basil, dill, and rosemary are rich in pinene , a terpene with a wide range of benefits, including anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It also has significant lung benefits, many of which are because of how it interacts with the ECS. Lavender, coriander, basil, oregano, and marjoram are rich in linalool , a terpene that promotes relaxation.  Do not ingest essential oils. Apples, nutmeg, and parsley are rich in terpinolene , a potent antioxidant that helps with sleep and muscles. Mangos, lemongrass, thyme, and sweet basil are in   myrcene , a terpene that helps with sleep, muscles, and relaxation. Hops, sage, and cloves are rich in humulene , a terpene with anti-inflammatory and analgesic benefits. This next part will be a bit scientific, but I did my best to break it down as much as possible. If you have questions, please get in touch with us at info@rooted-nutrition.com , and we will happily answer them. Direct Versus Indirect Endocannabinoid system support There are two main ways to affect the ECS: direct and indirect. First up is direct. A lot of people take marijuana (and similar things) to activate their ECS directly. The benefits of using direct cannabinoids, like THC, are that they act rapidly and can be used at high potencies. However, this can come with some drawbacks and problems. The first is that it can be challenging to adjust the dose to ensure that desensitization of cannabinoid receptors does not occur. Using direct cannabinoids like THC regularly or excessively increases the risk of developing a dependency on it and can result in an inability to manufacture sufficient endocannabinoids like anandamide . People who develop a dependency on direct cannabinoids may find they suffer from withdrawal effects like brain fog, lethargy, and anxiety when it is withdrawn. In addition, some CB1 agonists like THC can be psychoactive, a property that is not ideal for everyone and often not wanted when consumed for medicinal benefits. Based on these risks, we feel it would be better to support the ECS in a different way. In going down the rabbit hole that was researching the ECS, we found supporting the ECS via indirect means would be far more beneficial and safer. Indirect support of the ECS means using nutrients and compounds that support healthy ECS function and sensitivity, as well as healthy production and levels of the body's own endocannabinoids, rather than taking various forms of direct phytocannabinoids. Compounds that indirectly support the ECS do not bind directly to the CB1 and CB2 receptors but support the cannabinoid entourage effect. The body's endocannabinoids have significant advantages over ingested phytocannabinoids. They are locally produced, so they act at the production site and are more specific. The amount the body produces is in proportion to the demand, and the dose is well known. Once they have performed their service, they are quickly broken down by the body and recycled back to the components of cellular membranes from which they originated. As a result, there are little to no issues with side effects or dependency, and different cannabinoid entourage plants or extracts can be combined for enhanced synergy. They can be used long-term and are well tolerated. The cannabinoid entourage effect may occur through different mechanisms, e.g., preventing the breakdown of the ECBs by enzymes that are responsible for their destruction, in which case the ECBs last longer in the body, giving a prolonged and enhanced action, or improving the binding of ECB’s on various receptors, or by activating other receptors, e.g., opening up ion channels that cause a synergistic effect of the significant molecule. The most commonly targeted ways to improve cannabinoid entourage are via inhibition of FAAH ( fatty-acid amide hydrolase) – the critical enzyme that breaks down our ECBs or through slowing re-uptake of ECBs.   Whole food supplements that support a healthy endocannabinoid system In addition to all of the lifestyle and dietary changes we talked about in this blog, which provide indirect support for the ECS, the right nourishing whole-food supplements can also help to provide indirect support for the ECS. However, if you want to benefit from them, taking them daily and consistently is essential. Taking too low of a dosage or skipping many days will cause them not to work. It will take time to bring an ECS that has been constantly overtaxed back to balance. If you have been highly stressed for a long time, you cannot expect a healthy ECS system after two weeks . The first is a whole-food omega-three supplement . Your body's endocannabinoids are made from omega-three fatty acids. So it’s vital that you get enough, but most people do not. Whole-food omega-three supplements  contain the beneficial fatty acids and nutrients in the forms and types naturally found in fish, as opposed to nearly all omega-three supplements, which are heavily refined, ultra-processed, stripped of essential nutrients, and have their fatty acid forms changed into types not found in nature. Next up is a whole-food magnesium supplement . Since most people are not getting enough of it in their diet, supplementing it can be a good idea. Choosing   a  whole-food magnesium   supplement will help your body get the most bioavailable form, and it’s easier on the stomach and digestive system than traditional forms like oxide and citrate. Getting enough magnesium is an integral part of having a healthy stress response. Uturunku Cacao   is an incredible ceremonial cacao paste  made from a unique, rare ancestral strain of cacao. It contains higher levels of N-acetyl-ethanolamines and other compounds than traditional cacao paste. Uturunku honors the Chavín de Huántar ceremonial temple, representing the jaguar and the world of the Kay Pacha - the here and now. It is a calming and embodied cacao that takes us inwards to connect deeply with our higher self and tunes us into the frequency of the natural world. It is a calming cacao that is great to use at night while journaling to help relax and unwind. I know I talk a lot about maca. The reason is that vast numbers of people have issues with their ECS and how they respond to stress. This affects many different body systems, and most people are unaware of how that relates to so many underlying issues. It is rare to find a plant or substance that supports all parts of a healthy ECS without causing the side effects and problems ( when properly made, improperly grown and processed maca can cause many issues) that others do. Maca is a traditional food used in Peru to support health and well-being and a healthy stress response. When   correctly prepared and grown   ( never consume raw maca ), maca produces molecules called macamides that support healthy levels and lifespan of our body's endocannabinoids like anandamide, as well as supporting healthy sensitivity of our cannabinoid receptors. Unfortunately, nearly all maca products are not grown and prepared correctly.  It is essential to use a traditionally prepared maca that has been tested and naturally standardized by macamide levels (not spiked or altered using questionable methods). Using poorly made maca will not provide the benefits this powerful plant offers. To give you an example of a problem, many maca products are spiked with caramelized sugar to give a specific look and taste rather than properly processing them. The right type of maca depends on what it is being used for. MCB Oil is a special super concentrated extract of maca. It is incredibly potent and quickly helps to support the endocannabinoid system. Using it along with the activated yellow maca is the perfect combination. Using properly made cacao paste , activated yellow maca , and MCB Oil t ogether creates a powerful entourage effect of support for your ECS. Our ECS Support Pack contains all of these, as well as whole-food magnesium capsules and whole-food omega-three softgels to help support every aspect of your ECS. Endocannabinoid system support I know this was a lot of information and a complicated topic. However, having a fully nourished ECS will have a profoundly positive impact on your life, so it was important to go through all of it. Start slowly and gradually add in changes to help support your ECS. Start with the area you feel will have the most positive impact on your life. We are here for you if you need support or don’t know where to start. Please email us at   info@rooted-nutrition.com , or schedule a free call , and our fantastic staff will be happy to help you!

Spirulina might be small, but these little green guys pack a hell of a nutritional punch. There's a lot to know about spirulina, and this guide will help you understand how to choose the best spirulina. While the labels may look the same, what's inside the bottle can vary significantly from brand to brand. Explore  our blog  to discover why labels don't tell the whole story. What is spirulina? Spirulina ( Arthrospira platensis) , commonly referred to as blue-green algae, is actually a type of cyanobacteria. While they are bacteria, they use photosynthesis, like plants and algae, to produce their own food. They are one of the oldest organisms on Earth. Aztec civilizations were some of the first to use it. In  1992, the World Health Organization declared spirulina as the “best food for the future,” and the most nutritionally complete source of food for the 21st Century.  Nutrients in Spirulina Spirulina is packed with nutrition. It’s rich in: B1 b2 B3 Copper Iron Potassium Magnesium Phosphorous Carotenoids Fatty acids Amino acids - It is a complete protein, containing over 50% protein per gram.  Per gram, it has more protein than almost any other food. Chlorophyll It is also one of the richest food sources of real chlorophyll, unlike most "chlorophyll supplements,"   which are not actually chlorophyll but a semi-synthetic compound called sodium copper chlorophyllin . Phycocyanin Phenolic compounds And a whole lot more! Does spirulina contain B12? While many people think spirulina contains B12, it actually does not. It contains a B12 analogue, which is not usable by the body.   Properly grown chlorella   is a good source of usable B12 for those looking to get a good vegan food source of vitamin B12. Benefits of spirulina People take spirulina for a variety of reasons, the two main ones being energy and adding green vegetable nutrition to their diet. It is also a potent antioxidant that supports a healthy heart, joints, and eyes. Basically, anything green vegetables are good for, spirulina is also good for. How to use spirulina Spirulina should be taken with food and a full glass of water.  The powder can be mixed with any food or beverage of your choice, whether hot or cold, including smoothies, applesauce, yogurt, and more. You can also bake with it and use it in recipes and cooking. We recommend taking it earlier in the day because lots of people get energy from spirulina, so it's not a good idea to take it at night. After opening, store spirulina in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Spirulina comes in many forms: pills, powder, flakes, sprinkles, etc, so choose the one that fits best in your lifestyle! This hummus recipe is one of our favorite ways to use it. Ingredients: 3 cups canned chickpeas 2 cloves of finely minced garlic (or however much the ancestors tell you to add). Tip: to tame its pungency, allow minced garlic to sit in a little bit of lemon juice for a few minutes. 1/3 cup tahini Fresh lemon juice from 1 lemon 1 teaspoon of spirulina sprinkles (let them soak in a tiny bit of water for 20 min or more) A pinch of salt to your liking A generous drizzle of quality extra virgin olive oil Directions: Dry the chickpeas well, then add them to the bowl of a food processor. Run the processor until the chickpeas turn into a smooth paste. While the food processor is running, add a couple of tablespoons of water, tahini, salt, lemon juice, and spirulina sprinkles. Blend for a few minutes. Check, and if the consistency is still too thick, run the processor and slowly add a little hot water. Blend until you reach the desired silky smooth consistency. Spread the hummus in a serving bowl and add a generous drizzle of olive oil. Add a few chickpeas to the middle if you like, and sprinkle spirulina sprinkles on top. Or garnish with pinon nuts and/or diced black olives or fresh parsley. Enjoy with your favorite veggies. How much spirulina should you take? Most people take between three and ten grams per day. It’s best to start spirulina very slowly and gradually increase to your desired dosage. If you start with too much, you can get loose stools, bloating, or an upset stomach. We recommend starting with just one tablet or a ¼ teaspoon of powder. Every few days, increase the dosage by a bit till you reach your goal dosage. As always, talk to your doctor or healthcare practitioner before starting any supplements. If you have an autoimmune condition, it is best to avoid using spirulina. Blue Spirulina Powder Because of its striking blue color and neutral taste, "blue spirulina" has become very popular on social media. T he thing is, though, there is no such thing as blue spirulina. It is incredibly misleading for companies to label products as such. What they are selling is a single compound extracted from spirulina, Phycocyanin, and labeling it as blue spirulina. This compound does not have any of the nutrients or other compounds found in spirulina. Companies like to market it as no fishy smell and pleasant taste, but it’s definitely not spirulina. If you extract just the vitamin C from an orange and sell the powder of that, you wouldn’t call it white orange powder. Don’t fall for marketing gimmicks; there is no such thing as blue spirulina.  What should you look for in a spirulina supplement? As with other supplements, where and how the spirulina is grown is very important, as spirulina will absorb contaminants from its environment, and unlike a piece of lettuce, you can’t just rinse off the bad stuff. Most spirulina is grown in outdoor ponds in China, India, Taiwan, and Japan. You will see marketing claims like grown far from civilization, fed by streams in the mountains, etc. The problem with these claims is that it rains everywhere. And many of the areas where spirulina is grown are heavily polluted. The pollution in the rain (and things like bird droppings) comes down into the spirulina ponds. It’s really not a good situation for an ingredient that readily takes up contaminants, which is why you see so many reports of contaminated spirulina. The water is also where the heavy metals come from in many spirulina products. If spirulina is grown in polluted water or if its cultivation is not carefully controlled, it can contain microcystins, which are a liver toxin. Even if companies claim to test for contaminants, there are so many pollutants that come down in the rain in many of these countries that many possible contaminants don’t get tested for. So while good testing is important, it is not enough with spirulina. It is so important to know exactly how and where your spirulina is grown, not just the country of origin. How is spirulina grown? There are three main ways that spirulina is grown.  The first and most common method is the industrial outdoor pond grown. The vast majority of spirulina is produced this way,  which has the problems outlined above.  The second is a closed bioreactor-grown system. This is where spirulina is cultivated in large tanks in a laboratory, under carefully controlled conditions. This is a cleaner method of growing spirulina, but it has the drawback of being expensive, and the spirulina is not exposed to natural sunlight.  The third way is greenhouse-grown spirulina, where the water used to grow the spirulina comes from deep underground aquifers, not surface water, which would have the same issues as pond-grown spirulina. This is called the French Artisan Method of spirulina cultivation. This method differs from the large-scale commercial spirulina farms from which most spirulina comes. First, the farms are smaller, and more attention and care are given to the spirulina by the artisans than in open pond cultivation. Think artisanal sourdough bread versus a big bakery for commercial white bread. Second, using a greenhouse rather than open ponds reduces water evaporation, which is better for the environment, as less water and energy are needed. Third, it will be free of the dust that comes onto outdoor pond-grown spirulina, which can often contain pesticides and herbicides from nearby ponds. Fourth, it will be much fresher as most greenhouse growers harvest daily during the growing season, then quickly dry and package it. This results in a much more nutritious spirulina. It gives the benefits of protection from environmental pollutants while allowing the spirulina to receive the full spectrum of natural sunlight. It is also less expensive to produce than the bioreactor spirulina. This is the ideal method for producing spirulina. While it is slower and more labor-intensive than industrial spirulina production, it's a better way of doing things. How is spirulina dried? Most spirulina is dried quickly using high heat, which can damage fragile compounds in the spirulina, but it allows for cheaper and faster production. Gentle drying, such as solar oven, sun drying, freeze-drying, and refractance window drying, are the best methods to help preserve and protect fragile compounds in spirulina. Third-Party Tested Spirulina While many companies claim to have third-party tested spirulina, it’s important to understand that there are a lot of issues with third-party testing. Often, the wrong testing methods are used, or the testing does not cover many of the things that spirulina should be tested for. Unfortunately, third-party testing has become more of a marketing gimmick than anything else. Check out  our blog  to learn more about the issues with third-party testing and what you should be looking for. The best brands of spirulina The best brands of spirulina will use spirulina that: Is grown in greenhouses according to the French Artisan Method of spirulina cultivation, which is what will help ensure your spirulina is free of harmful levels of contaminants like heavy metals and pesticides. Is grown with water coming from deep underground springs and aquifers. Is gently dried and packaged quickly after harvest Is traceable back to the farms it came from. Apogee Spirulina Finding spirulina that was made the right way was not an easy task. Nearly all of the spirulina we looked at in the US was grown in outdoor ponds, so they ruled out about 90% of them.  After a long search, we came upon an incredible spirulina farmer in New Mexico, Nic. He trained in France in the artisanal way of growing and making spirulina. Then he came back to the US and started a spirulina farm and company, Apogee Spirulina . One Of The Apogee Spirulina Greenhouses at sunset. The Apogee Spirulina  Farm is located near the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Because they get about 300 days of sunshine a year, they can tap into the abundant solar energy. It’s a perfect environment for growing spirulina in the French Tradition. While a lot of spirulina is grown with questionable ingredients, these are the only things added to the spirulina ponds as food, besides the water and sunshine: Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) – to keep the water alkaline and provide carbon. Salt & magnesium – for balance and cell function. Phosphate & nitrogen – to support strong, healthy growth. Potassium & iron – essential for nutrition and vitality. Trace minerals – to complete the balanced mix spirulina needs. They harvest five days a week during the growing season, and on weekends, they let the ponds rest to allow them to rejuvenate. This results in a fresher, more nutrient-rich spirulina. After harvesting, the spirulina is air-dried in the solar oven. No harsh drying or processing methods are used. Once it’s harvested, the spirulina is then pressed into sprinkles, which are coiled strings of spirulina (like little spirulina spaghetti) that give the algae a larger surface area. This larger surface area means that the spirulina has less nutritional loss than industrial spirulina powder production, making for a higher-quality product. To Apogee , spirulina is more than just a product; it’s a philosophy. As Nic says:  “Spirulina isn’t just a product. It’s a reflection of how we try to live our lives: healthily. Positively. Sharingly. Apogee: the highest point. It’s what we strive for. We want our spirulina to be the best there is, not just for our customers but also for ourselves. That’s because it’s kind of become a way of life. A way of living, and being. Spirulina wasn’t so much something we chose as a career, it’s a way of living that opened up to us, a way of living we hope others open up to as well. Sure, it’s become our trade. But because of what it is, and because of the folks who passed it on to us, who shared their way of harvesting spirulina with us, spirulina represents something far more. It represents possibilities. It points to something grander. And it’s low impact, it’s water-based, it’s billions of years old. And it comes from the sun. What could be more pure? More free? More universal? Besides, it’s fun. It’s clean and clear and it makes you feel good. Not just good in the way that eating your broccoli makes you feel like you’ve done your good-vegetable-deed for the day, but good in a deeper way. In an almost existential way.” We are proud to partner with Apogee to bring you the most incredible spirulina from a fantastic guy, thanks for all your hard work, Nic! Algen Markt Spirulina Algen Markt Spirulina  is produced in the French Artisanal manner in greenhouses in Germany and Greece. Unlike conventional spirulina manufacturing, which uses hot spray drying, Algen Markt's spirulina is dried slowly and gently in the air at temperatures below 42°C . This preserves its nutrients and the raw nature of the spirulina.  100% of the energy they use is renewable, and because of the greenhouses, they use far less water than traditional spirulina growing. This is a much more environmentally friendly way to grow spirulina. Their special greenhouse films allow the full spectrum of sunlight to get through to the algae, without worrying about contaminants from the outdoors. The water for their greenhouses comes from deep underground springs.  Due to their careful growing and processing techniques, their spirulina has a mild, crispy flavor – without the otherwise typical, strong fishy aftertaste present in industrially grown spirulina. There are no Chilean nitrates used in the growing of Algen Markt spirulina. They are banned from use in the EU for the growing of organic spirulina. Their spirulina is EU-certified organic, and each batch of spirulina is tested for a variety of contaminants, including heavy metals. All of their spirulina is free of additives, fillers, binders, flavorings, and sweeteners! Algen Markt makes a variety of forms of spirulina to suit every need. Tablets Easy to use and convenient. Powder Perfect for mixing into smoothies and foods. Flakes An excellent topping for salads, soups, vegetables, and muesli. They also add a nice umami flavor to pesto and guacamole.  Sprinkles  These come with a spice grinder, making it easy to add freshly ground spirulina to every meal. The adjustable grinder allows for coarse grinding, great for salads, etc, and smooth for dressings and smoothies.  Freshly ground spirulina has a more intense flavor and is more nutrient-rich than preground powder.' We are thrilled to introduce this incredible spirulina, in all its forms, to the US for you to enjoy! Spirulina Questions And Support If you have questions about our spirulina, email us at   info@rooted-nutrition.com , and we will be happy to answer them.

Rooted Nutrition: Specializing in ethical farm-to-table, whole-food supplements, maca, cacao, herbs, probiotics, beef organs, and more to make the world better! Welcome To Rooted Nutrition WHOLE FOOD SUPPLEMENTS Bringing the farm-to-table movement to supplements. We believe in the power of whole-food nutrition to transform lives. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality whole-food supplements, backed by our expertise and passion for helping people thrive. We believe that ethically produced farm-to-bottle whole food supplements are the best way to help people and the planet. Ethically Driven Ethics are infused into everything we do. Making the ethical choice will always come before profits, with no exceptions. Ethical Sourcing We focus on products that improve the lives of the people who produced them and help protect the planet. Expertise Our Founder and Herbalist has over twenty years experience in every aspect of the dietary supplement industry. Truth In Advertising We refuse to sell supplements labeled as whole food that are not actually whole food. This despicable practice is all too common. Just Say No To Nestle We are proud to not sell products from companies owned by massive corporations, like Nestle, which owns a lot of supplement companies. Traceability While most companies tell you very little about the true origins of their supplements, our Farm-To-Bottle Project provides an unmatched level of transparency. Regenerative Agriculture We partner with companies helping convert farmland to a regenerative model. This helps to sequester carbon, conserve water, restore grasslands, and improve animal welfare. Family Owned We are a 100% family-owned company. This means we do not have to please investors and can focus on more important things than just making larger profits. Fair Pay For Work We believe that farmers and laborers should be paid fairly for their labor and products they produce. We believe everyone deserves to live a life of dignity that fair pay provides. BEEF ORGAN SUPPLEMENTS Read More How To Spot Fake Whole Food Supplements Far too many supplements claim to be whole food when they are anything but. Learn how to tell the difference between real and fake whole food supplements. Learn More Farm To Bottle Project Learn why it's so important to know exactly where your supplements come from. Learn More Shop Shop finest whole food supplements, herbs, probiotics, beef organs, cacao, maca, and more! SHOP Blog Get the inside scoop on the supplement industry. BLOG Knowledge Gardens Take a deep dive into gut health, pregnancy, maca, cacao, collagen, beef organs, and more! KNOWLEDGE GARDENS

Many people think that vitamin companies are mom-and-pop businesses. The truth is most supplement companies are owned by awful giant corporations like Nestle. Who owns your vitamins? It's not who you think... David vs Goliath The supplement industry has worked incredibly hard to cultivate an image of being small mom-and-pop businesses fighting against big pharma for you. This image could not be further from the truth. Most supplement companies are actually owned by huge multinational corporations like Nestle, pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer, and massive investment firms. Definitely not the little guys they pretend to be. It's important to choose independently owned companies that are not subject to the whims of investment company quarterly profit margins. When people purchase products from companies like Nestle ( F**K Them ), they are saying that all of the horrible things Nestle does are okay. As long as people continue buying products from these companies, they will never change their behavior. Even the smallest choices, like what multivitamins we buy, can have a big impact. Click the big red button to find out who really owns your vitamins! We update this document often, because there are lots of companies changing hands. We do our best to keep it as accurate and up to date as possible. If you would like us to add a brand, let us know!

Rooted Nutrition ships supplements worldwide, so you can get the best supplements shipped to you no matter where you live. Getting healthy has never been easier Rooted Nutrition International Shipping Information and Policies Rooted Nutrition International Shipping Information Packages are shipped from our upstate New York warehouse. Rooted Nutrition International Shipping Policies PayPal Payments: Just a heads up that shipping costs will be added after you complete your PayPal payment. So, the initial total you see won't include shipping. International Shipping: We use reliable carriers like Global Post, UPS, or FedEx to get your order to you. Delivery Times: International deliveries typically take 7 to 30 days. If you'd like a more specific estimate for your country and order, just drop us an email at info@rooted-nutrition.com ! Shipping Issues If your package hasn't arrived within 30 days, let us know, and we'll start an investigation with the shipping carrier. If it's been 60 days and we haven't heard from you, we unfortunately won't be able to offer refunds, replacements, or further assistance with tracking. Please note that we need to wait 30 days before starting an investigation, as we don't have control over packages once they leave our facility. If your package is marked as delivered but you didn't receive it, you'll need to get a report from your local post office confirming this. We can't issue credits or refunds without that proof. Express Shipping or Specific Carriers: Need your order faster or prefer a particular carrier? Just email us before placing your order, and we'll let you know the cost. All international sales are final once shipped – no exceptions, and we can't accept returns. Every country has its own customs and import rules. It's your responsibility to make sure the products you order are allowed in your country. We can't be held responsible for refunds, replacements, or any costs related to customs issues or confiscation of your order. Any import duties or taxes are your responsibility. We can't offer refunds if you decide not to pay these fees. If you have questions, it's best to check with your local customs office. We also can't offer refunds for orders held or destroyed at customs. If your package can't be delivered and is returned to us, we unfortunately can't refund the original shipping cost, and there's a 10% restocking fee. In addition, any fees or shipping charged to us because of non-payment of customs and duties or refusal to accept shipment will be deducted from the refund. Refunds are not issued until we receive the package back. If your package is sent back, you will need to contact your customs office to get a refund for any customs, duties, or taxes paid. Have any other questions? We're here to help! Just email us at info@rooted-nutrition.com . We're excited to support you on your health journey! Return To Shop