Sense* for busy lives — capsules and superfood supplement powders

Capsules vs Powders for busy lives

Just to be clear, our Product of the Month is the 30 capsules version of sense* for busy lives. But we are going to extol the benefits in this article of the superfood supplement powder too.

You then have all the information at your finger tips. And to be clear, what is in every serving of the sense* for busy lives superfood supplement powder?

You will find the same ingredients as one sense* for busy lives supplement capsule PLUS all the targeted superfood powders on top. This is the reason why our powders are called superfood supplements!

An easy way to see the difference is by looking at the nutritional table on the back of every pack of our superfood supplement powders.

The supplement capsule ingredients are in black and the superfood powders in orange. Put them together and you have yourself a superfood supplement.

Much better for absorption of all the nutrients into your blood stream by delivering them on a bed of superfoods. Remember…Total, Targeted, Absorption!

The Taste

One thing that may make you decide on capsules rather than powders for our other products is taste. The superfood supplement powder for busy lives though is delicious. This is because of all the great tasting superfoods included.

The taste is of acai berry, lucuma and beetroot, all of which are active ingredients in the formula. The berry flavour and beetroot colouring come to the fore front. However, we needed to make it a strong flavour because of the relatively large quantities of powerful minerals included that, frankly, taste awful.

sense* superfood supplement products are unique because we mix relevant, targeted, great tasting superfoods with (not so great tasting but highly effective) supplements. We do this so they taste great so that you can blend, sprinkle or stir these superfood supplement powders into your smoothies, yogurts or recipes.

https://senseproducts.co.uk/product/for-busy-lives-superfood-supplement-powder-150g/

Convenience

If you are not much of a smoothie maker or you prefer toast for breakfast instead of yogurt or kefir, capsules are probably your best choice. Also capsules are great if you are on the go a lot and don’t have a set routine.

There is nothing worse than forgetting to take your supplements. If your capsules are in your handbag or coat pocket then you are sorted. You need to prepare powders in the kitchen, preferably your own, right? So best to fit them into your own routine.

The sense* for busy lives ethos

How was sense* for busy formulated? What improvements are intended? These intentions came from the collaboration between our founder, Jonathan and our super expert nutritionist, Dimitra.

Our founder had played a lot of sport when younger, so has always been very active. From playing rugby for Northampton Saints, Rosslyn Park and London Welsh rugby teams to participating in about 10 triathlons and attempting to swim the English channel in a relay team of 5 others.

He also studied Law at Uni so used a lot of mental activity and focus. This was followed by a career as a corporate lawyer in central London and the City. Not only do you need energy for physical activity but a heck of a lot of energy for mental activity and focus.

So Jonathan knew what he wanted to achieve and some of the ingredients to do it. Dimitra added the finesse and expertise to know which ingredients went together the best. Also which formats of each ingredient to use is massively important so the body absorbs them better. See the article on Why is Using Quality Ingredients in the right Format Required.

Releasing energy, fighting tiredness and fatigue…for busy lives

Our product for busy lives was aimed at people who have, you’ve guessed …busy lives just like Jonathan. So getting more energy to power through the day was the first objective.

It needed to be powerful enough to give an immediate hit but sustain the energy boost throughout the day. So no highs and lows that you get from coffee or energy drinks.

To be clear this is no mass market, artificial stimulant. There is no processed or artificial sugar and no caffeine. Each serving has a tiny amount of stevia to taste good and 50mg of guarana which is a plant that has a natural stimulant effect.

The main energy releasing ingredients are a combination between tried and trusted vitamins/minerals and the superfoods in our superfood supplement powder.

Which ones?

Sense* B vitamin complex is the base layer for energy. You’ll get the most out of B vitamins if you take supplements or eat foods that contain all of them. sense* for busy lives contains B1(thiamin), B2(riboflavin), B3(niacin), B5(pantothenic acid), B6(prydoxine), B9(folic acid), B12(cobalamin) and bioton(also known as vitamin H). So it is good to get them all in one place.

The principal ones for releasing and converting food to energy are:

B1 – also known as thiamine

B1 is used by nearly all your cells and responsible for helping convert food into energy. It must be consumed through various thiamine-rich foods, such as meat, nuts and whole grains. Various factors may increase your risk of thiamine deficiency, including getting older.

B2 – also known as riboflavin

You get this added to cereals and the like since B2 can be destroyed by sunlight. B2 helps your body build red blood cells and support other cellular functions that give you energy.

B5 – also known as pantothenic acid

B5 is one of the most important vitamins for human life. It’s necessary for making blood cells, and it helps you convert the food you eat into energy.

B6 – also known as prydoxine

Your body cannot produce vitamin B6, so you must obtain it from foods or supplements. It has a significant role break down protein primarily but also fat and carbohydrate (food) thus creating energy. Also in the creation of red blood cells and neurotransmitters.

B12 – also known as cobalamin

B12 plays an essential role in the production of your red blood cells so is central to energy production. Animal foods contain B12 naturally so vegetarians or vegans may be deficient. Deficiency is also common in the elderly.

Biotin – even though known as vitamin H,

Biotin is one of the B complex vitamins that help the body convert food into energy. Most people get the biotin they need from eating a healthy diet. But getting more biotin, some claim, can regulate your blood sugar, make for healthy hair, skin, and nails, and help pregnant mothers have healthier babies.

Superfood energy providers

Ginseng – Peruvian or Siberian or both

You will find out in this article that we have both these energy providing and stamina inducing ginsengs in sense* for busy lives.

Beetroot

Beetroot is the new natural EPO that allows your body to process more oxygen into the bloodstream, improve blood flow and blood pressure. Athletes are using this as part of their regime every day. Drinking raw beetroot juice or including in their diet. Good source of vitamin B9 too.

Guarana

Guarana is a Brazilian plant native to the Amazon basin. Amazonian tribes have used guarana for centuries for its therapeutic properties. A mature guarana fruit is about the size of a coffee berry. It resembles the human eye, with a red shell encasing a black seed which is processed into powder or used in energy drinks.

It contains an impressive range of stimulants, such as caffeine, theophylline and theobromine. Guarana also boasts antioxidants, such as tannins, saponins and catechins (see below). This gives an immediate boost and mental focus by blocking brain relaxing receptors. But does not result in a corresponding low or dip.

Don’t forget the CoenzymeQ10

CoQ10 is made by your body and stored in the mitochondria of your cells. The mitochondria are in control of energy production.

They also protect cells from oxidative damage and disease-causing bacteria or viruses.

CoQ10 is present in every cell of your body. However, the highest concentrations are found in organs with the greatest energy demands, such as the heart, kidneys, lungs and liver

CoQ10 production decreases as you age. Thus, older people seem to be deficient in this compound.

Immunity and Immune system benefits

The top 3 immune system vitamins and minerals are found in sense* for busy lives:

Humble Vitamin C – read all about one of our Ingredients of the Week

Vitamin C is an essential part of the immune system. Why?

it encourages the production of white blood cells known as lymphocytes and phagocytes. Helping to protect the body against infection as seen this study. Infections such as pneumonia are more likely with low vitamin C levels. Vitamin C reduces the length of infections as Vitamin C levels increase.
also helps protect these white blood cells from damage by potentially harmful molecules, such as free radicals.
is an essential part of the skin’s defence system. Actively transported to the skin, where it can act as an antioxidant (attacks free radicals) and help strengthen the skin’s barriers see HERE.

Sunshine Vitamin D – read all about one of our ingredients of the week

We all produce vitamin D naturally when we are directly exposed to sunlight. It is vital to the proper performance of a balanced immune system.

You can also get it through certain foods and supplements to ensure adequate levels of the vitamin in your blood.

Some of us, however, struggle to produce enough due to malabsorption:

the elderly
dark skinned ethnic minority groups
over-weight or obese persons
those who don’t go out very often into sunlight.

It is not surprising that first 3 out of the 4 above groups have suffered disproportionately as a result of COVID-19. It is likely the 4th group will do likewise after lock down is released.

Zinc – read all about one of our ingredients of the week, supplement for COVID-19

The third of our top 3 immunity ingredients. A trace mineral that appears in small quantities in the body. However, it has a ubiquitous role, controlling many enzymes and other processes. It is another critical part of our immune system, helping to fight off disease and protect cell growth.

Luckily deficiencies in the developed world are rare because of the type of foods it is found in such as red meats, poultry, wild rice, seeds and wheat germ. However, the elderly, pregnant or breast-feeding mothers and vegetarians or vegans can be deficient as can substance abusers.

Selenium

Increased blood levels of selenium will enhance our immune system response as shown in studies. On the other hand, deficiency has been shown to harm immune cell function and may lead to a slower immune response, see HERE

Cancer, Covid-19 & Me – Repairing Immunity to Fight Off Invaders

Cancer, Covid-19 and me – Read all about Neil Ebsworth’s fight against cancer and his 3 immunity repairing recipes. Includes the science behind the ingredients.

Cognitive function and mental performance

Part of the whole ethos of sense* for busy lives was to ensure that you are on top of your game mentally. The brain (or nervous system) is our most important organ or system respectively. Although we would be hard pressed to thrive without a properly functioning respiratory system or digestive system, would we?

To ensure that sense* for busy lives delivers on the promise to help mental performance and focus, the following ingredients have been included:

Vitamin B5

Also known as pantothenic acid. In addition to the health benefits outlined above, this vitamin is all about the proper functioning of the nervous system/brain.

Iodine

Iodine is an essential mineral, so not produced in the body. But is commonly found in seafood. Your thyroid gland uses iodine to make thyroid hormones, which helps control growth, repair damaged cells and support a healthy metabolism.

This includes the brain so a deficiency can result in reduced learning and memory capability. In fact, studies have found that the hippocampus, the part of the brain that controls long-term memory, appears to be smaller in people with low thyroid hormone levels.

Iron

Every cell in the human body contains iron the depletion of iron causes anaemia. Anaemia is common among vegetarians, vegans, menstruating women particularly when exercising and various chronic illnesses. One of the symptoms is lack of concentration so having a steady flow of iron will help most of us focus better.

CoenzymeQ10(CoQ10)

The reduction of mitrochondria due to age and the oxidative damage caused to the brain, can lead to diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. CoQ10 combats both these things.

Siberian ginseng

May increase mental alertness, particularly in the early stages of the progressive disorder known as Alzheimer’s. The herb’s ability to boost the transmission of nerve impulses may also enhance memory.

Ginkgo biloba

Chinese medicine has been using the leaves of this ancient tree for centuries. Dementia and diseases such as Alzheimer’s have been studied with ginkgo biloba many times and some strong evidence is available that GB has assisted with preventing progression. In addition, there have been both good and not so good results in respect of improving brain function in healthy adults.

Turmeric

“Brain-derived neurotrophic factor” (BDNF) is one of the main drivers of a process to multiply cells in the brain. It is a type of growth hormone that functions in your brain.

Interestingly, curcumin can increase brain levels of BDNF which improves many common brain disorders including depression and Alzheimer’s disease.

Contains Tried and Tested Vitamins and Minerals

The following vitamins and minerals (supplements) are found in both sense* for busy lives capsules and powders. The European Food Safety Authority approves the following health claims based on these ingredients.

Assists the protection of cells from oxidative stress using vitamin B2, selenium, vitamin C and zinc & supports the normal function of your nervous system using biotin, copper, vitamins B2, B6, B12, thiamine and vitamin C..
Contributes to the reduction of tiredness & fatigue using iron, vitamins B6, B12 and vitamin C & to normal energy yielding metabolism using biotin, vitamins B2, B6 and thiamine.
Helps normal cognitive function using iodine, iron and zinc & supports mental performance using pantothenic acid.
Manganese – Manganese is a trace mineral, which your body needs in small amounts. Many of your body’s enzyme systems use manganese and it is also used for the normal functioning of your brain, nervous system.

While your body stores up to about 20 mg of manganese in your kidneys, liver, pancreas and bones, you also need to get it from your diet. Foods such as seeds and whole grains, as well as in smaller amounts in legumes, beans, nuts, leafy green vegetables and tea.

Zinc

is also a trace mineral and has control over 300+ enzymes so is always important in many processes. It has a role in the process of cell division. As a result, covering both renewal of cells as well as maintenance.

Contains Anti-oxidants, What are anti-oxidants?

Antioxidants are compounds that your body makes naturally. You can also get them from foods.

They protect your body from potentially harmful molecules known as free radicals, which can accumulate and promote oxidative stress. Unfortunately, persistent oxidative stress raises the potential risk of heart disease, cancers, type 2 diabetes and many other chronic diseases.

Fortunately, eating a diet or taking supplements rich in antioxidants can help defeat free radicals and reduce the risk of many chronic diseases.

The anti-oxidant ingredients found in the sense* for busy lives capsules and/or superfood supplement powders:

Turmeric
Beetroot
Organic baobab
Flaxseed
Selenium
Vitamin C
Beta carotenoids
Citrus bioflavonoids

Some of Our Top 20 Ingredients

Customers often ask us about the ingredients we use in our products. What are the reasons for their inclusion? To explain how some of the other individual ingredients contribute we have, in no particular order, listed the ones in our Top 20 Ingredients.

Turmeric

with its naturally active compound curcumin, turmeric is a potent polyphenol (containing curcuminoids) known for its antioxidant properties. Combined with black pepper naturally containing piperine.

Piperine improves the bio-availability of curcumin. As a result, curcumin is absorbed into your bloodstream better to be used by your body. Traditionally used in Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic medicine to treat arthritis turmeric/curcumin blocks inflammatory cytokines and enzymes.

Recent research out of Genoa University has shown that taking turmeric improved bone density by up to 7% over a 6 month period. Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric.

Cells that remove ageing parts of bone before it is replaced are balanced by curcumin. Several recent studies show that turmeric/curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties and modifies immune system responses. A 2006 study showed turmeric was more effective at preventing joint inflammation than reducing the amount of joint inflammation. Protection is better than cure!

Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin)

Of course, a naturally occurring, vegan form of vitamin B12. This ingredient is excellent for busy people who also follow a vegan diet.

However B12 is primarily found in foods of animal origin so vegans rely on supplementation to get enough. Vitamin B12 is important for healthy development, sustenance of our circulatory, immune and nervous systems. Fits into the sense* B vitamin complex in sense* for busy lives.

Ginkgo biloba

Used in the formula and traditionally used in Chinese medicine, improves blood flow to the brain and acts as an antioxidant.

Siberian Ginseng

The scientific world has researched Siberian Ginseng many times. It is used by millions every day as a result of becoming the World’s best known and highly researched ‘adaptogen’. As an adaptogen, it helps us tackle our daily workload.

In fact, it gives that ‘get up and go’ feeling similar to caffeine so it is best taken first thing in the morning. In his “Great Catalogue of Medicinal Herbs”, Li Shih Chen called Siberian Ginseng a superior herb, “Its action is to invigorate physical energy, regulate vigour, strengthen the skeleton and tendons, and increase one’s ambition”.

CoQ10

This compound is a potent adaptogen too. CoQ10 has potent antioxidant effects and is essential for the proper functioning of your cells. One of its main functions is to aid in the production of energy within your cells. CoQ10 also protects cells from damage and plays an important part in the metabolism.

Organic Baobab

This comes from a fruit generally fond in Africa and is a rich source of vitamin C, which contributes to normal: energy release, immune function, healthy, glowing skin , reduction of tiredness and fatigue. This superfruit has a delicious and sweet citrusy , sherbet-like favour which is full of nutrients. Great if you are feeling low or about to get ill.

Organic Maca

Maca is able to survive hardy conditions in its native Peru. We use the root primarily because it contains adaptogenic properties. But we also recognise Maca for its ability to increase energy, reduce stress, and even boost libido. Our high-quality maca powder provides a good source of naturally occurring fibre, calcium, iron, magnesium and amino acids.

Organic lucuma

Also grown in Peru, it is an excellent and natural way to get a boost of rich antioxidants and B vitamins. This natural organic sweet superfood powder has immune system boosting potential, as well as the ability to fight and prevent certain diseases. It is great in desserts since it has a caramel-like flavour that is one of the nicest of all the superfood powders.

Acai berry

These are superfoods/superfruits with tremendous health benefits. Acai berries have more antioxidants than almost any other fruit and contain high levels of essential fatty acids, amino acids, and dietary fibre. A bit like a blueberry but even better!