Ingredients – Gist

Ingredients

The ingredients in Gist’s herbal blends have been deliberately chosen for optimum flavor, and to support your microbiome and overall well-being. We thought you may be interested in learning more about the health benefits of our ingredients.


Jerusalem artichoke inulin 

Jerusalem artichokes contain high amounts of inulin, a prebiotic that supports digestive health, as well as a variety of insoluble fibers and caffeoylquinic acid. There are nearly 40 trillion bacteria residing in the human intestines, which comprise the microbiota. Dysbiosis, or imbalance between good and bad bacterial populations in the gut, has been reported to be involved in the development of various diseases [1]. Incorporating Jerusalem artichokes into your daily routine supports the good bacteria in the microbiome.

Source: NCBI


Organic lime juice 

While lime juice brightens all of our flavor combinations, limes are also conveniently high in vitamin C and antioxidants — both of which may offer health benefits. Lime juice may improve immunity, reduce heart disease risk factors, prevent kidney stones, aid iron absorption, and promote healthy skin.

Source: Healthline


Organic Hibiscus flowers 

A tropical flowering plant, hibiscus sabdariffa is rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene, vitamin C, and anthocyanin. Hibiscus is high in polyphenols, which are compounds that have been shown to possess powerful anticancer properties (14). In addition, in one study 65 people with high blood pressure were given hibiscus tea or a placebo. After six weeks, those who drank hibiscus tea had a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure compared to the placebo (4). Similarly, a 2015 review of five studies found that hibiscus tea decreased both systolic and diastolic blood pressure by an average of 7.58 mmHg and 3.53 mmHg respectively (5). In flavor, hibiscus is potent and tart. When brewed, hibiscus tea is a rich, dark red.

Source: Cleveland Clinic and Healthline


Organic lemon balm 

Lemon balm, Melissa officinalis, a member of the mint family, is considered a calming herb. It was used as far back as the Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, promote sleep, improve appetite, and ease pain and discomfort from indigestion. Essential oils made from lemon balm leaves contain plant chemicals called terpenes, which play at least some role in the herb’s relaxing and antiviral effects. Lemon balm contains substances called tannins, which may be responsible for many of the herb’s antiviral effects. Lemon balm also contains eugenol, which calms muscle spasms, numbs tissues, and kills bacteria.

Source: Mount Sinai 


Organic peppermint 

Peppermint tea and the natural compounds found in peppermint leaves may benefit health in several ways. While research on peppermint tea is limited, several studies outline the benefits of peppermint oil and peppermint extracts.

Peppermint may help improve digestion and improve concentration. Additionally, this mint has antibacterial properties and may improve allergy symptoms, headaches, and clogged airways. In flavor, brewed peppermint leaves are refreshing and stimulating, and pair well with the subtle bitter and sweetness of orange peel. 

Source: Healthline


Organic orange peel 

Orange peels are rich in several nutrients, including fiber, vitamin C, and plant compounds like polyphenols. Orange peel also contains good amounts of provitamin A, folate, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamin B6, and calcium (1). One test-tube study found that the total polyphenol content and activity in orange peels was significantly higher than in the actual fruit (8, 9). Specifically, orange peels are a good source of the polyphenols hesperidin and polymethoxyflavones (PMFs), both of which are being studied for their potential anticancer effects (9, 10, 11).

Source: Healthline


Organic ginger root 

Ginger is a member of a plant family that includes cardamom and turmeric. Its spicy flavor and aroma are mainly due to the presence of ketones, especially the gingerols. The health benefits of ginger is associated with its antioxidant properties (Ahmad, Katiyar, and Mukhtar 2001). Ginger was reported to decrease age-related oxidative stress markers (Topic et al. 2002) as it contains a very high level (3.85 mmol/100g) of total antioxidants, surpassed only by pomegranate and some types of berries (Halvorsen et al. 2002). The most common and well-established use of ginger throughout history is probably its utilization in alleviating symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Interest in ginger as an anticancer agent has markedly increased over the last few years, and a direct protein target has been identified in colon cancer. Ginger also appears to reduce cholesterol and improve lipid metabolism, thereby helping to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Lastly, components of ginger rhizomes are reported to contain potent compounds capable of suppressing allergic reactions and might be useful for the treatment and prevention of allergic diseases (Chen et al. 2009).

Source: NCBI


Organic rooibos tea 

Rooibos tea is also known as red tea or red bush tea. It is made using leaves from a shrub called Aspalathus linearis, usually grown on the western coast of South Africa.

It is caffeine free, low in tannins, and rich in antioxidants — which may offer a variety of health benefits due to its high levels of health-promoting antioxidants, including aspalathin and quercetin (7, 8). Its smooth and nutty flavor balances the spice of ginger.

Source: Healthline


Organic oolong tea 

Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, the same plant used to make green tea and black tea. The difference is in how the tea is processed; oolong is created when leaves are wilted in the sun and slightly bruised to create partial oxidation. A cup of brewed oolong tea contains small amounts of calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Gist’s oolong beverage contains 23mg of caffeine. Oolong tea also contains L-theanine, an amino acid shown to have positive effects on relaxation and cognitive performance (6). One study of more than 76,000 Japanese adults observed that men who drank 8 ounces (240 mL) or more of oolong tea per day had a 61% lower heart disease risk (17). What’s more, a study done in China reports that adults who drank one to two cups per day of either green or oolong tea “significantly” lowered their risk for a stroke (18). While it was long believed that the antioxidant activity from tea was solely responsible for its capabilities to decrease body fat, researchers are beginning to suggest that tea’s ability to enhance enzyme inhibition, and antioxidant interactions with gut microbiota specifically, may actually be what is driving the weight loss capability (23). Few studies have looked specifically at oolong tea, but a study from 2008 found that a “high level” of tea consumption was associated with a lower risk of cognitive impairment and cognitive decline. This effect was particularly strong for regular black and oolong tea drinkers (34). 

Source: Healthline


Organic calendula petals 

Calendula, a flowering plant also known as pot marigold, can be brewed as a tea. Calendula extract possesses several potent antioxidants, including triterpenes, flavonoids, polyphenols, and carotenoids (1, 3, 4, 5, 6). Additionally, it boasts anti-inflammatory compounds such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα). 

Source: Healthline


Organic chamomile

Chamomile is one of the most ancient medicinal herbs known to humankind. The dried flowers of chamomile contain many terpenoids and flavonoids contributing to its medicinal properties. Chamomile preparations are commonly used for many human ailments such as hay fever, inflammation, muscle spasms, menstrual disorders, insomnia, ulcers, and gastrointestinal disorders. Chamomile is used traditionally for numerous gastrointestinal conditions, including digestive disorders, “spasm” or colic, upset stomach, flatulence (gas), ulcers,, and gastrointestinal irritation (53). Chamomile is especially helpful in dispelling gas, soothing the stomach, and relaxing the muscles that move food through the intestines.

Source: NCBI


Organic rosemary

Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis L., is an evergreen bushy shrub that grows along the Mediterranean Sea and Sub-Himalayan areas. A large number of studies either on animal models or cultured cells indicate the wide-range medicinal properties of rosemary and its compounds such as anti-inflammatory (8, 9), antioxidant (10), antinociceptive (11), neuroprotective (12), antidepressant, anti-hysteric, ameliorative of memory, and mental fatigue (13, 14, 15) (Figure 1). Additional research shows Rosmarinus officinalis contains polyphenols such as rosmarinic acid, luteolin, carnosic acid, and other components that possess several effects on psychiatric disorders or neurological functions such as anti-depressive and antianxiety properties, and neuroprotective and cognitive effects (15, 115, 116). It has also been reported that rosemary essential oil exhibited improved mood and cognition in healthy adults (43). 

Source: NCBI


WHAT IS NOT IN GIST

Gist contains no added sugar or artificial sweeteners of any kind. Studies show sugar alcohols and alternative sweeteners found in so many products claiming to be “clean label” can actually cause digestive issues. And, if you ask us, they taste weird. We have kept it as simple as it can beso Gist can be enjoyed with zero worry and lots of peace of mind.