The Power of Healthy Fats
The brain is nearly 60% fat. Fat supports memory, mood, nutrient absorption, and cell signaling amongst other critical functions. At Manuka Mana we utilize healthy fats in our blends to enhance bioavailability, promote sustained energy, and harness their many brain-boosting benefits.
Why do we use healthy fats in our honeyblends?
Enhances bioavailability: To be absorbed and ultimately of benefit to the body, fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, E, and K need to be consumed with fat. Adding fat to our honeyblends enhances bioavailability and absorption so you get the most out of every ingredient.
Promotes sustained energy: Fat slows down the digestive process, smoothing out blood sugar spikes for a steady supply of energy without the crash. Pair our honeyblends with a source of protein (perhaps atop Greek yogurt, or blended into a protein shake) to maximize this blood sugar stabilizing effect and enhance satiety.
Excellent for brain health: Fat is excellent for the brain. It supports mood and memory and has numerous neuroprotective benefits.
The types of healthy fats we use in our blends: All of our honeyblends include a combination of coconut oil and cacao butter, and our CBD tincture contains organic coconut MCT oil and organic hemp seed oil.
Benefits of Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is the dense, fatty oil sourced from the meat of coconuts. It provides energy for neurons, boosts memory and cognitive function, and fights inflammation and oxidative stress.
Coconut oil is packed with antioxidants like tocopherols, tocotrienols, phytosterols, flavonoids, and polyphenols. These provide anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and brain-protective effects, which in turn, help ward off chronic and degenerative diseases associated with oxidative stress.
Coconut oil also provides an alternative source of fuel for brain cells. The brain relies primarily on glucose for energy. Alzheimer’s disease, however, reduces the brain’s ability to use glucose for energy. The MCTs in coconut oil get transported to the liver and turned into ketones that can be used as an alternative source of energy for the brain. This can reduce symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.
Benefits of Cacao Butter
Cacao butter is the edible fat derived from cocoa beans. It differs from cocoa butter in that it’s pure and cold-pressed while cocoa butter is processed under high heat.
Cacao butter is rich in vitamin E, which helps protect the brain from oxidative damage and serves as a powerful mood booster. It contains a compound called phenylethylamine which acts as a stimulant and mood enhancer. Furthermore, it contains tryptophan and PEA which spur the production of serotonin and dopamine in the brain.
Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp seed oil is an oil extracted from hemp seeds. The omega 3-fatty acids in hemp seed oil improve memory and help prevent age-related cognitive decline. Additionally, compounds in hemp seed oil protect the brain and nervous system and provide relief from Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, MS, and childhood seizure disorders.
Hemp seed oil may also provide relief from PMS symptoms. Low levels of PGEI increase sensitivity to the hormone prolactin, associated with the physical and emotional symptoms of PMS. The gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in hemp seed oil supports the production of PGE1 and can reduce PMS symptoms.
