The Forager's Journal

If you have been trying to follow a gluten-free diet, you may need to learn more about food ingredients and reading labels than you originally anticipated. Unfortunately, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not make it easy, as it doesn’t require that gluten-free be identified on food labels. This means you will need to become a gluten detective.  How do you spot gluten on a food label and what are some other ways you can avoid it in your food and supplements?    What is gluten?    Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It needs to be avoided by people with Celiac disease, an autoimmune disease that affects the digestive system and is triggered by the consumption of gluten. Those with non-Celiac gluten sensitivity also need to avoid gluten as it can trigger a variety of other digestive and non-digestive symptoms.   Following a gluten-free diet can be more challenging than it sounds. Many food additives are made from wheat. Wheat by-products are frequently used as thickeners or fillers in supplements, medication, sauces, seasonings, and more. If you need to eat a completely gluten-free diet, you will need to learn to be a gluten detective by learning what to look for on a food label.    Identifying gluten on a food label    Gluten is found under several different names. Always start by looking for the most obvious terms that indicate the product is not gluten-free. These include:  Wheat (protein, starch, flour)  Bulgur  Malt  Farina  Soy sauce  Couscous  Matza  Seitan  Barley grass  Wheat germ oil    Some brands choose to use Latin words for wheat, barley, or rye. These terms include:  Triticum vulgare  Hordeum vulgare  Triticale  Secal cereale  Triticum spelta    Other ingredients are even more vague and may or may not contain gluten. If you are not sure, the best thing to do is call the manufacturer to ask if the product is safe. Ingredients to watch out for may include:  Modified starch  Hydrolyzed vegetable/plant protein   Natural or artificial flavorings  Modified food starch  Vegetable starch  Dextrin or maltodextrin    This is not a comprehensive list. You can find more foods and ingredients on the Celiac Foundation website. But if you are ever in doubt, it is best to avoid the food.    Certified gluten-free    One thing to understand about food labels is that even if it says “gluten-free” it may not mean 100% gluten-free. The FDA allows a bit of flexibility in how it defines the word “free”. Food can be labeled gluten-free if it has less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, which is not the same as zero.  Additionally, a company may label something gluten-free, but the product can still be cross-contaminated with gluten during production.  If you want to be sure the food or supplement contains no gluten, look for products that are certified gluten-free. There are a few different organizations that offer this type of service to brands.   Start by looking for products that are certified by either NSF International or the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). Products that are labeled with either of these certifications have been independently tested to meet specific standards.   GFCO requires that all products contain less than 10 ppm of gluten, lower than what the FDA requires. These organizations also ensure that the brands meet very specific standards during processing and production to help prevent cross-contamination. Brands must also undergo annual inspections to maintain these certifications.   Garden of Life has worked hard to create an extensive line of certified gluten-free products.. Our goal is to provide products that meet standards above and beyond what is required by the FDA.    

Vitamins for energyYou’ve been feeling the mid-afternoon slump deeply lately. Perhaps you can barely keep your eyes open at your desk. Or maybe you are having a hard time just getting out of bed in the morning, even with a good night of rest. You probably want to feel more energetic so you can be more productive or at least not wake yourself up snoring at work. If you’re looking for a more natural way to boost your energy, without excessively relying on caffeine, you might be wondering “What can I take that will give me energy to get through my day?” Let’s talk about how to find a good multivitamin for energy and how to know if you need one or if something else might be going on. Why Am I Tired?There are lots of reasons why someone might be tired, and they’re not always related to nutrition or diet. The underlying causes of fatigue typically fall within two main categories: lifestyle or a medical condition. A few lifestyle choices that may be leading to you feeling tired include: Alcohol or drug use Too much or too little exercise Dehydration Lack of sleep Certain medications Nutritional deficiencies or imbalances Excessive stress Medical conditions that can cause fatigue include: Anemia Autoimmune conditions Diabetes or blood sugar imbalance Heart problems Cancer If you’re feeling overly tired and think there is an underlying cause beyond your lifestyle, it's always best to speak to your healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation. If you prefer to start with lifestyle changes to boost your energy, improving the quality of your diet is a great place to start. Adding a high-quality vitamin to your routine can help as well. One thing to understand is that multivitamins do not directly give you energy in the same way caffeine does. Let’s discuss how they can help improve your energy levels. Do Multivitamins Give You Energy? Vitamins and minerals found in multivitamin supplements are not stimulants, therefore, they do not have the immediate effect on your energy like caffeine or energy drinks. Instead, the nutrients found in multivitamins help the body effectively use the energy in food to support daily functions. For example, many of the B vitamins play a role in helping the body use the energy that comes from carbs, fats, and proteins. This is why you see B complex products touted as energy vitamin supplements. If you are not getting enough of the B vitamins from your diet, this may impact your body’s ability to efficiently use the energy from your food. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can also impact energy. A multivitamin can provide nutrients that help prevent common deficiencies if you’re not getting enough in your diet. If you’re not sure if your diet meets your nutritional needs, ask your healthcare provider or dietitian. Vitamins for Energy If you’re looking for the best multivitamin for energy, here are a few nutrients you want to be sure are included: B VitaminsThe B vitamins are essential for energy production. There are eight vitamins that are classified as B vitamins. Look for all eight in any multivitamin supplement. These include:Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Vitamin B6 Vitamin B12 Folate Pantothenic acid Biotin All of these vitamins play a direct or indirect role in helping the body use energy from food. Any good multivitamin for energy should include at least 100% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for all of the B vitamins. IronWomen of childbearing age and children have higher iron needs than men or post-menopausal women. Children are particularly vulnerable to iron deficiency, as growing requires a lot of iron. Women may also be vulnerable to a deficiency, particularly if they experience heavy periods or do not get enough iron from their diets. Men and post-menopausal women do not need as much iron. This is why you may see multivitamins formulated for men or women over 50 have minimal or no iron included. If you think your fatigue is caused by an iron deficiency, speak to your healthcare provider before taking additional iron beyond what is found in a typical multivitamin. MagnesiumMagnesium has over 300 functions in the body. One of these functions is to support muscle relaxation. While magnesium won’t directly give you energy, it can help you get a better night’s rest due to its relaxation effect, so you feel more energetic the next day. One thing to note: taking supplemental magnesium in doses beyond what is found in a typical multivitamin may cause digestive discomfort. If you experience digestive troubles, reduce the dose or try a different type of magnesium. Additional Tips to Increase EnergyWhile a multivitamin for energy can be one factor in improving energy levels, a supplement can never override the energy-zapping effects of an unhealthy lifestyle. Start by taking a look at some other habits that could be impacting your energy levels. Here are a few things to consider: Are you drinking enough water, at least 8 glasses per day? Are you starting your day with a balanced breakfast that includes carbohydrates, protein, and fat? Do your meals include a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fats? Are you skipping breakfast or other meals? Are you eating at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day? Are you eating enough protein-rich foods? Are you overconsuming caffeine? Are you sleeping enough? At least 7-9 hours? Are you exercising enough? Too much? Are you drinking alcohol at night to relax? Are you not managing your stress well? Are you taking on too much and never resting? In conjunction with addressing the lifestyle factors that may be influencing your energy levels, considering a high-quality multivitamin supplement can be beneficial. While multivitamins don't directly provide an instant energy boost, they play a crucial role in supporting the body's energy utilization processes. A multivitamin should complement a healthy lifestyle rather than replace it. If persistent fatigue persists or you suspect an underlying medical condition, an evaluation by a healthcare professional is always a great place to start. By taking a holistic approach and incorporating the right multivitamin along with positive lifestyle changes, you can improve your energy levels so you can power through your afternoon.

The right combination of herbs can enhance the flavor, fragrance, and even the appearance of any meal. While fresh herbs add a pop of color to your food, is it necessary to always use fresh?   It can be a challenge to keep fresh herbs around all the time, so when should you insist on fresh and when are dried herbs an adequate substitute?    What are Herbs?    An herb is any leafy plant with aromatic properties that can be used to flavor or season food, perfume, or medicine. Herbs are typically not used as a main ingredient of a meal, but instead are a way to enhance the flavor.   Some common herbs you might be familiar with include oregano, parsley, dill, or basil. The leaves of these plants typically have a distinct fragrance or flavor that helps enhance or modify the taste of your food. Herbs are different from spices, although they are used in a similar way. Spices come from other parts of the plant that are not leaves, such as the bark, seeds, roots, or berries.     Benefits of Dried vs. Fresh Herbs    While you might be tempted to believe that fresh is always best when it comes to herbs, this isn’t always the case, as each has its own benefits. Dried herbs are convenient and last for several years when stored properly away from heat or light. Since dried herbs are dehydrated, a small amount can add a lot of flavor. Dried herbs are also typically more cost-effective because you can use less of them.  Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a pop of color and flavor to meals but tend to go bad within 1-3 weeks even when stored properly. You also have to use more of the herb to achieve the same effect, making fresh herbs more costly.     Health Benefits of Herbs   Herbs, dried or fresh, are a source of many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Flavonoids, polyphenols, and other bioactive nutrients in herbs have been found to have a myriad of health benefits.   When it comes to dried herbs, some of the nutrients may be lost during the drying process. Water soluble vitamins, like vitamin C, are particularly vulnerable to loss when food is dried. Minerals or fat-soluble vitamins become more concentrated when the water is removed, therefore you get more of those nutrients for a smaller amount.  Another thing to consider, as herbs sit on the shelf, over time they will lose some of their nutritional value due to exposure to heat or light.  If you want to use herbs for their health benefits, consider a combination of fresh and dried herbs in recipes. Also, be sure to store your dried herbs in a cool, dark place and toss them periodically to ensure freshness.    Tips for Adding Herbs to Your Meals    If you want to add herbs to a recipe, how do you decide which to use? Fresh herbs are typically best for cold foods like salads, pesto, or guacamole. But dried herbs work well for cooked meals, such as sauces or soups. While you can substitute dried herbs for fresh herbs in most recipes, the swap is not one-to-one. Dried herbs are about three times more concentrated than fresh herbs, therefore you will need to reduce the amount by ⅔. For example, if a recipe calls for 3 teaspoons of fresh parsley, you will use just 1 teaspoon.  Herbs, whether fresh or dried, play a significant role in enhancing the flavor and appeal of meals. Their health benefits are substantial, contributing valuable nutrients. While fresh herbs offer vibrant colors and flavors, dried herbs offer a convenient option. The choice between fresh and dried herbs largely depends on the recipe, your personal preference, and what you have on hand.   

What Sets Them Apart   Empowering Extraordinary Health® is not just a mission statement to be used on their website or advertisements. The sole purpose of Garden of Life is and always will be to empower you, our consumers, with the tools necessary to achieve extraordinary health. And, at the same time, ensure that we are offering clean, traceable, clinically studied ingredients in the most sustainable way possible. Their process is not the same as many nutritional supplement companies out there. They believe in whole food ingredients, in traceability, in third-party certifications, and in accountability. As fanatical as they are over what goes into their products, they are even more obsessed about the things they keep out of them. You won’t find synthetic ingredients, artificial flavors or colorings, binders or fillers. They're uncompromising about your health. That’s what they are all about.   Four Principles That Guide Their Process at Garden of Life®   The Science of Whole Food   Your body was created to eat, process, and derive its nutrition from food—real, healthy food.  So, when they create their products, they start by looking at food. What is the “good stuff” in the highest quality food that we are missing in our diets? Which of those foods have the greatest potential to impact—and empower—extraordinary health?   Traceability   Traceability is key to what makes Garden of Life’s® products so special. Traceability starts with knowing where each and every ingredient in our products comes from and getting to know each and every source: where it’s grown; the farming practices; how they pay and treat the farm workers—everything. Just look at their formulas. Their mykind Organics line, co-founded with Alicia Silverstone, is made with Organic fruit and herbs—every single product in this line is Certified USDA Organic and Non-GMO Verified by the Non-GMO Project. It’s so important to start with fruits and vegetables that are grown without harmful chemicals. They want to get the good stuff from foods that are grown without any of the bad stuff. They do it because it’s the only way they know to deliver on their promise of Empowering Extraordinary Health®.   Clean is Healthy   They start with what goes IN their products—true, whole food ingredients. But they don’t stop there. They also pay very close attention to what they keep OUT of them. And once again, they look at food—real nutrition food. When was the last time you picked up an apple, turned to read the ingredients, and saw a list of chemicals? If it’s not in your food, then they don’t want it in their supplements.  Carbon Neutrality They are extremely proud to have reached Carbon Neutrality in June of 2021—the first vitamin and supplement brand to be Certified Carbon Neutral. Certified Carbonfree® by CarbonFund.org, Garden of Life has been committed to sustainability since its inception.   Making a Difference   With your help, we’re both making a difference. Every time you, our valued customer, purchase certain Garden of Life products, you not only are supporting your health, you are also supporting various charities specially chosen for their outstanding work.   Garden of Life are proud to partner with the following organizations and foundations who are devoted to improving people’s lives through their efforts: Special Olympics - Palm Beach County Special Olympics Florida  provides year-round sports training and competition to children and adults eight years of age and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They serve over 1,600 athletes and offer 15 different sports throughout Palm Beach County. This program would not be possible without help from the community, and Garden of Life is extremely proud to support this organization.   Women Heart Garden of Life donates a percentage of sales of its Oceans 3™ Healthy Hormones® dietary supplement to WomenHeart, the National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease, to improve the health and quality of life of women living with or at risk of heart disease.   1% Ocean Fund There is possibly no greater threat to the future of our planet, than the health and preservation of our oceans and its inhabitants. We must protect and help clean up these vital resources. Garden of Life are proud to do their part in this cause by donating 1% of all Dr. Formulated Omega-3 purchases to these fine non-profit organizations.   National Parkinson Foundation A donation is made to the National Parkinson Foundation for every bottle of Oceans 3™ Better Brain sold. Through the NPF Center of Excellence network, NPF creates a community of health care professionals dedicated to improving clinical care in Parkinson’s disease.

Men and women have unique nutritional needs which change with age. While nutritional gaps can be common among both genders, research suggests that men may be particularly vulnerable to shortcomings in their diet, placing them at risk for nutritional inadequacies. To support optimal health, men should focus on specific key nutrients during the aging process.  Having a varied diet that includes plenty of whole foods can help men maintain healthy levels of essential nutrients to stay strong and fit as they age. In this article, we will explore the key nutrients to help support men’s health through every season of life.     Vitamin D  Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is responsible for maintaining the health of your bones, teeth, and muscles. For men, vitamin D also appears to play an important role in testosterone production. Having enough vitamin D also supports a healthy immune system by helping to regulate your body’s immune response. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin D ranges from 15mg (600 IU) for men ages 19 to 70 and 20mcg (800 IU) for men 71 and older. Some men may require higher levels of vitamin D to meet their needs. It is always best to speak with your healthcare provider about how much vitamin D is right for you  There are several ways you can get vitamin D. Also known as the “sunshine vitamin”, vitamin D is produced by your body when exposed to sunlight. The amount your body is able to produce will depend on many factors, including your geographic location, age, sunscreen use, time spent outside, and skin pigmentation. Therefore, sunlight may not always be the most dependable source of this nutrient.    Vitamin D can also be obtained through dietary sources such as fatty fish, egg yolks, fortified dairy and non-dairy milk products and orange juice. You can also meet your vitamin D needs through dietary supplements if you’re not getting enough through sunlight and food.   Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw D3 is whole food nutrition that also delivers 23 powdered organically grown fruits and nutrient cofactors to support absorption.    Vitamin B12  Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in many aspects of your health. From helping your body produce red blood cells to supporting a healthy mood, having adequate amounts of vitamin B12 can have far-reaching health benefits.†   Vitamin B12 plays a key role in energy production within your body. For men that aren’t getting adequate amounts, taking a vitamin B12 supplement may help support healthy energy levels.† Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw B12 is a whole food, vegan nutritional supplement that delivers an array of powdered fruits and vegetables along with live probiotics and enzymes.  The average daily recommended amount of vitamin B12 for men is 2.4 micrograms (mcg). However, you may need more if you’re older than 60, have certain intestinal health conditions, or are following a vegetarian or vegan diet.  Vitamin B12 can be found in a wide variety of animal foods, including fish, meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products, and also in certain fortified breakfast cereals.     Magnesium  Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a critical role in facilitating the function of over 300 enzymatic reactions within your body. These enzymes are responsible for enabling your day-to-day metabolic functions and for converting the foods you eat into energy. Therefore, it may come as no surprise that having less-than-ideal magnesium levels can lead to fatigue, sleep issues, or stress.  The Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for magnesium are 400 mg for men under the age of 30 and 420 mg for men over the age of 30. Dietary surveys continually show that most people are not meeting their recommended dietary intakes for magnesium. In fact, research shows that 53% of men ages 19 to 50 and 59% of men over 50 aren’t getting adequate amounts of magnesium in their diet.  Magnesium can be found in a wide variety of food sources, including green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains. In addition to adding magnesium-rich foods to your diet, you may consider adding a magnesium supplement to ensure you’re meeting your recommended amounts. Garden of Life’s Dr. Formulated Magnesium Gummies offer stress and sleep support so you can get a better night’s sleep while restoring your body’s optimal magnesium levels.   Vitamin C Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that acts as a powerful antioxidant in your body. Additionally, vitamin C helps your body make collagen, aids in absorbing iron, and supports your immune system. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for men is 90mg of vitamin C daily.   Fruits and vegetables remain the best sources of vitamin C. These include citrus fruits, berries, red and green peppers, tomatoes, and broccoli. However, according to the research, only 9% of men are meeting the recommended intake for fruit, and only 7% of men are meeting the recommended intake for vegetables.  Besides increasing your fruit and vegetable intake, you may consider adding a vitamin C supplement into your routine to fill in any nutritional gaps. Vitamin Code Raw Vitamin C is whole food nutrition that provides 500mg of vitamin C along with naturally occurring bioflavonoids, organically grown fruits and vegetables, and nutrient cofactors.     Omega-3 Fatty Acids  The omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA are excellent sources of heart-healthy unsaturated fats. Generally found in fatty fish, nuts, and seeds, omega-3s can help support the health of your heart, brain, eyes, and immune system.†  While DHA and EPA don’t have an official recommended dietary allowance, the American Heart Association recommends eating two or more servings of fatty fish or seafood each week to ensure you’re reaping all the health benefits of omega-3s.  If you’re not eating fatty fish regularly, you may consider adding a high-quality fish oil supplement to your day to secure this key nutrient.    Nutritional Needs Change with Age Your nutritional needs will change as you age. You may be wondering which nutrients to focus on as you enter your 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. The following are general guidelines to help you maintain optimal health through the years:     Nutrients to focus on in your 20s and 30s    In your 20s, it’s important to focus on bone health as your body will be continuously building bone density during this decade. Make sure you’re getting plenty of calcium and vitamin D from food sources like dairy or from supplementation. Since magnesium also plays a role in bone health, you’ll want to ensure you’re meeting your recommended amounts. Getting adequate magnesium will also help support muscle functioning and healthy energy levels while working out.   Nutrients to focus on in your 40s and 50s    Both vitamin C and vitamin D are important nutrients that can support a healthy immune system as you age. Additionally, it’s important to ensure you’re eating a wide variety of foods that contain plenty of B vitamins. B vitamins are required for your body to convert food into energy and also to support a healthy nervous system and brain.    Nutrients to focus on in your 60s and beyond    Now is a time to focus on getting plenty of antioxidants to support your health and well-being. Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta carotene are needed to help minimize the harmful effects that oxidative stress places on the body as you age.  Getting plenty of fruits and vegetables will help boost your antioxidant intake to help support a healthy brain, immune system, and vision.   Additionally, during this stage in life, you may experience reduced vitamin B12 absorption. Therefore, you should consider talking with your healthcare provider about adding a vitamin B12 supplement to your routine.     The Takeaway    Nutrition plays an important role in men's health throughout every season of life, and it is essential to consume a well-balanced diet to ensure optimal health and well-being. Key nutrients for men include vitamin D, vitamin B12, magnesium, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids. It’s also important to recognize that your nutritional needs will change as you age, so you’ll want to focus on specific key nutrients through the years to support your health.  While a balanced diet is the best way to obtain key nutrients, supplementation may be necessary to help fill in any nutritional gaps. It is always best to consult your healthcare provider before starting any new nutritional supplement regimen. 

Garden of Life's Raw Organic Protein is used by Olympians and is the official protein for the US Track and Field.Protein is an essential macronutrient that helps build muscle, repair tissue, and make enzymes and hormones. Using protein powder may also aid weight loss and help people tone their muscles.   Raw Organic Protein is a Certified Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified RAW Vegan Protein powder made with 13 Raw sprouted proteins delivering 22 grams of protein that is dairy free with a complete profile of all the essential amino acids along with added whole food fat-soluble vitamins, probiotics and enzymes.Helps build and repair muscle You will find it here - https://foragestore.co.nz/search?type=product&q=raw%20organic%20protein*

If you’ve landed here, you probably already know the vital role that vitamin K plays in the body including supporting blood clotting, bone strength, and heart health. Vitamin Code Raw K-Complex is whole food nutrition, specifically formulated to deliver 230mcg of whole food K-Complex, featuring vitamin K2 as MK-7, along with vitamins K1 and K2 as MK-4. Fat-soluble vitamin K is delivered in a whole food base of cold-pressed omega-rich flaxseed oil, which works as a lipid delivery system to promote absorption. The 23 fruits and vegetables plus 75 alkalizing trace minerals add supporting antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrient cofactors. Vitamin Code Raw K-Complex capsules are Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Vegan, and Star K Kosher Certified.  What’s Inside:  120mcg vitamin K1  100mcg vitamin K2 as MK-7  10mcg vitamin K2 as MK-4  23 powdered fruits & veggies  75 alkalizing trace minerals  300mg cold-pressed flax seed oil The Vitamin Code Difference Vitamin Code supplements are delivered in a whole food base of fruits and vegetables. These supplements are raw, which not only means that they are produced without high heat, but also means that these nutrients come with their natural cofactors, along with live probiotics and enzymes, just like raw foods! It also means that Vitamin Code raw powders are delivered in capsules without any binders, fillers, artificial flavors, sweeteners, or additives—everything you want and nothing you don’t want. Lipid Delivery System 300mg cold-pressed omega-rich flaxseed oil works as a lipid delivery system of K vitamins to promote absorption Raw No high heat, retaining natural cofactors, just like raw foods  Raw Fruit & Vegetable Blend Over 20 organically grown fruits and vegetables provide antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrient co-factors

What Sets Them Apart Empowering Extraordinary Health® is not just a mission statement to be used on our website or advertisements. The sole purpose of Garden of Life is and always will be to empower you, our consumers, with the tools necessary to achieve extraordinary health. And, at the same time, ensure that we are offering clean, traceable, clinically studied ingredients in the most sustainable way possible. Our process is not the same as many nutritional supplement companies out there. We believe in whole food ingredients, in traceability, in third-party certifications, and in accountability. As fanatical as we are over what goes into our products, we are even more obsessed about the things we keep out of them. You won’t find synthetic ingredients, artificial flavors or colorings, binders or fillers. We’re uncompromising about your health. That’s what we are all about. Four Principles That Guide Our Process at Garden of Life® The Science of Whole Food Your body was created to eat, process, and derive its nutrition from food—real, healthy food.  So, when we create our products, we start by looking at food. What is the “good stuff” in the highest quality food that we are missing in our diets? Which of those foods have the greatest potential to impact—and empower—extraordinary health? Traceability Traceability is key to what makes Garden of Life’s® products so special. Traceability starts with knowing where each and every ingredient in our products comes from and getting to know each and every source: where it’s grown; the farming practices; how they pay and treat the farm workers—everything. Just look at our formulas. Our mykind Organics line, co-founded with Alicia Silverstone, is made with Organic fruit and herbs—every single product in this line is Certified USDA Organic and Non-GMO Verified by the Non-GMO Project. It’s so important to start with fruits and vegetables that are grown without harmful chemicals. We want to get the good stuff from foods that are grown without any of the bad stuff. We do it because it’s the only way we know to deliver on our promise of Empowering Extraordinary Health®. Clean is Healthy We start with what goes IN our products—true, whole food ingredients. But we don’t stop there. We also pay very close attention to what we keep OUT of them. And once again, we look at food—real nutrition food. When was the last time you picked up an apple, turned to read the ingredients, and saw a list of chemicals? If it’s not in your food, then we don’t want it in our supplements. We use the following third-party (never self-affirmed) certifications to prove we are clean! Carbon Neutrality We are extremely proud to have reached Carbon Neutrality in June of 2021—the first vitamin and supplement brand to be Certified Carbon Neutral. Certified Carbonfree® by CarbonFund.org, Garden of Life has been committed to sustainability since its inception. Making a Difference With your help, we’re both making a difference. Every time you, our valued customer, purchase certain Garden of Life products, you not only are supporting your health, you are also supporting various charities specially chosen for their outstanding work.