Ingredients
Each sugarplum is hand made with a combination
of several of the following ingredients.
These are all Organic or Natural:
Almonds, Walnuts, Hazelnuts, Honey, Powdered Sugar, Marshmallows, Dried
Fruits
(Apples,
Apricots, Dates,
Pineapple, Papaya, Raspberries, Cranberries, Blueberries, Cherries,
Raisins, Bananas, Currants, Peaches), White Chocolate, Dark Chocolate,
Butterscotch, Peanut Butter Nuggets, Lemon Extract, Cinnamon,
Nutmeg, Anise, Ginger, Cloves, Allspice, Oat Flour, Organic Peppermint
Powder (Organic evaporated cane juice, organic rice syrup, natural
flavors:
peppermint oils), Plant & Vegetable Extract Powders.
Soft Licorice from New Zealand (Wheat flour, sugar, molasses, glucose,
syrup, water, licorice extract, treacle, humectant (glycerin), salt,
flavor (aniseed oil), rice bran oil)
Stems: Hand made using
almonds, white chocolate, oat flour, sugar, and honey.
Allergy
Warning: These sugarplums contains
nuts. Some ingredients obtained for the sugarplums were packaged on
machinery that
was used to pack tree nuts,
peanuts, soy, milk products and wheat.
Sugarplum colors change (lighter or darker)
based on the recipe.
Nuts
“Eating about one ounce of nuts a day has been shown to reduce
your bad cholesterol by 8 percent to 20 percent” says Ximena
Jimenez, R.D., a spokesperson for the ADA.
Almonds
1. Almonds are a healthy snack. A one-ounce, 160-calorie
serving of almonds, or about a handful, is an excellent source of vitamin
E and magnesium, and a good source of fiber.
2. Almonds are good sources of monounsaturated fatty acids. The heart-healthy
monounsaturated fat are very satiating, resulting in a feeling of fullness
and thus preventing individuals from overeating.
3. Eating a daily handful of almonds a day may lower LDL, or “bad” cholesterol.
4. These are naturally cholesterol free.
5. They have high protein content, 10% of RDA is met by one ounce of
almonds.
6. Eating almonds may help maintain or even lose weight. According
to a study, adding a daily ration of almonds to a low-calorie diet
enhanced weight loss, as well as significantly improved risk factors
associated with heart disease, when compared to a low-fat, low-calorie
diet.
7. Like all nuts, they are rich in dietary fiber, helps satisfy hunger
for longer.
8. Good source of potassium, which is important for active muscles
and nerves.
9. Good source of calcium and phosphorus, which help build strong bones
and teeth.
10. Good source of riboflavin for growth and healthy red blood cells.
11. Good source of magnesium, which is very important for enzyme function
and metabolism.
12. Almonds are natural sources of Vitamin E. Vitamin E is a powerful
antioxidant. It protects our cells from damage by preserving the integrity
of cell membrane, helping to maintain a healthy heart and blood vessels.
One serving provides over half of the daily requirement.
13. Almonds are a natural source of phytosterols, which are plant compounds
that help to keep a healthy heart.
14. The sweet almond itself contains practically no carbohydrates,
and may therefore be made into flour (almond meal) for cakes and biscuits
for low carbohydrate diets or for patients suffering from diabetes
mellitus or any other form of glycosuria.
Walnuts
Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower cardiovascular
disease risks.
Pecans
A conducted at the Center for Cellular Neurobiology at the University
of Massachusetts Lowell, suggests adding pecans to your diet may delay
the progression of age-related motor neuron degeneration. This may
include diseases like amyotropic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known
as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Researchers suggest vitamin E, a natural antioxidant found in pecans,
may provide a key element to neurological protection shown in the study.
Antioxidants are nutrients found in foods that help protect against
cell damage, and studies have shown, can help fight diseases like Alzheimer’s,
Parkinson’s, cancer and heart disease.
Honey
Honey has a healthy Glycemic Index (GI), meaning that its sugars can
be gradually absorbed into the bloodstream to result in better digestion.
We should try to avoid eating excessive high-glycemic foods, which
would prompt an elevated insulin release in our body as a result of
the pancreas being stimulated to metabolize the sudden surge of glucose
into the blood.
Honey contains natural minerals and vitamins which help the metabolizing
of undesirable cholesterol and fatty acid on the organs and tissues
into the system, hence preventing obesity and promoting better health
for us.
Honey contains Vitamin B6, thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic
acid and certain amino acids. The minerals found in honey include calcium,
copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and
zinc.
Anise
Anise seeds are used to treat a variety of common illnesses
like digestion, insomnia, minor aches and pain, common colds and flu,
skin irritations, etc.
Cinnamon
1. Cinnamon has an essential oil with active components
like cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate and cinnamy alcohol and toehr
compounds that have medicinal properties.
2. The compound cinnamaldehyde present in cinnamon prevents the unnecessary
aggregation of platelets in blood, thus preventing clot formation and
in turn stroke.
3. Cinnamon has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, which prevent
the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi.
4. Adding cinnamon to the food slows down the digestion process, thus
regulation blood sugar levels in diabetics.
5. It also improves the ability to respond to insulin in people suffering
with Type II diabetes.
Dried Apples
1. Dried apples are healthy snacks with good sources
of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, very low in fats and absolutely no
cholesterol.
2. Good source of both insoluble and soluble dietary fiber. It adds
roughage to the contents of the intestines, promotes satiety, promotes
the health of the colon, and also helps in relieving constipation,
hemorrhoids, diverticular disorders, etc. It also reduces the risk
for colon cancer.
3. The insoluble fiber works like bran, latching on to and removing
the LDL cholesterol from the digestive tract, while the soluble fiber,
pectin, reduces the amount of LDL cholesterol produced in the liver.
Thus apples lower the cholesterol in the blood.
4. Unsweetened dried apples have fructose, a simple sugar, instead
of glucose. So the blood glucose does not shoot up suddenly after eating
a fruit.
5. Low sodium and high potassium help maintain normal blood pressure
and reduces the risk of hypertension.
Dried Apricots
1. Dried apricots are low in calories,
fat and sodium and high in carbohydrates, dietary fiber and minerals.
2. Moderate source of magnesium. It helps in relieving fatigue, relaxing
the muscles, nerves and blood vessels, thus relieving the symptoms
of asthma, migraine headaches, tension and soreness in muscles etc.
3. Low sodium and high potassium help maintain normal blood pressure
and reduces the risk of hypertension.
4. Moderate source of copper, which reduces the risk of inflammatory
diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, enhances the activity of enzymes
that are needed to maintain the elasticity of blood vessels, ligaments
and joints.
5. Moderate source of manganese, which is an essential cofactor in
many enzymatic reactions in the body, especially in the production
of energy and antioxidants defenses.
6. Moderate source of minerals like calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc
and selenium, which play a very important role in maintaining proper
metabolic activities of the body.
7. Moderate but significant amounts of B-group vitamins like thiamine,
riboflavin, niacin, Vitamin B6 and folic acid that are essential for
the body.
8. Good source of dietary fiber. It adds roughage to the contents of
the intestines, promotes satiety, promotes the health of the colon,
and also helps in relieving constipation, hemorrhoids, diverticular
disorders, etc.
9. Apricots have a mild laxative property and so are also used to relieve
constipation.
Dried Bananas
1. Dried bananas are good source of carbohydrates, low
in fats and no cholesterol.
2. Low in sodium and high in potassium,
bananas are good to maintain blood pressure and reduce the risk of
hypertension, heart diseases
and atherosclerosis.
3. Good source of magnesium. It helps in relieving
fatigue, relaxing the muscles, nerves and blood vessels, thus relieving
the symptoms
of asthma, migraine headaches, tension and soreness in muscles etc.
4.
Good source of copper, which reduces the risk of inflammatory diseases
like rheumatoid arthritis, enhances the activity of enzymes that are
needed to maintain the elasticity of blood vessels, ligaments and joints.
5.
Good source of manganese, which is an essential cofactor in many enzymatic
reactions in the body, especially in the production of energy
and antioxidants defenses.
6. Moderate sources of Vitamin C, a natural
water soluble antioxidant. It enhances the body's immune system, increases
the elasticity of skin
and blood vessels, increases absorption of iron from the intestines,
and prevents bruising of the skin.
7. Good source of Vitamin B6, which
helps in the synthesis of antibodies in the immune system apart from
red blood formation, protein metabolism
and functioning of the central nervous system.
8. Good source of B-group
vitamins like thiamine, riboflavin and niacin that are essential to
enhance the energy production from the foods
and for various enzymatic reactions in the body.
9. Good source of dietary
fiber. It adds roughage to the contents of the intestines, promotes
satiety, promotes the health of the colon,
and also helps in relieving constipation, hemorrhoids, diverticular
disorders, etc.
Dried Blueberries
Blueberries are also low in sodium, saturated fat and cholesterol
(zero cholesterol). Dried blueberries are high in vitamin C, dietary
fiber, zinc and manganese. Compared to other dark-skinned berries like
blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, etc. blueberries contain high
levels of bioflavonoids that counter the damage caused by overindulgence
in processed alcohol and food.
Dried Cranberries
1. Fresh and dried cranberries are rich in polyphenols,
the phytonutrients that have beneficial effects on our health.
2. The tannins present in cranberries have anti-bacterial properties.
They are effective in reducing the risk of bacterial infections, because
they reduce the ability of various bacteria to adhere to the walls
of the GI tract, urinary tract, etc.
3. The phytonutrient, proanthocyanidins, present in cranberries have
ant-viral properties. They act in a similar way to the tannins by reducing
the ability of various viruses to adhere to the walls of the cells.
Cranberries are especially effective in combating the herpes simplex
virus.
4. Prevents the formation of kidney stones. Quinic acid present in
these berries slightly acidifies the urine, which is enough to prevent
the formation of stones in the kidneys.
5. The polyphenols also reduce the risk of oxidation of LDL cholesterol,
increase the levels of HDL cholesterol and prevents the build up of
plaque in the blood vessels, thus preventing the risk of heart diseases.
6. The polyphenols improve the function of the blood vessels, thus
again reducing the risk of heart disease, heart attack and atherosclerosis.
7. The phytonutrients actually act as natural probiotics, supporting
the growth of healthy intestinal bacteria.
8. Cranberries contain the highest amount of polyphenols, which also
act as natural antioxidants and are effective in scavenging the free
radicals from the body.
Dried Currants
Dried currants are rich in
fiber, potassium, biotin, pantothenic acid, niacin, vitamin C, vitamin
A and vitamin B6. They are very similar to raisins, but they have a
more sour taste.
Dried Dates
1. Dried dates are a healthy snack low in fats and cholesterol
and and high in carbohydrates, dietary fiber and minerals.
2. They are low in sodium and have good amounts of potassium. This
helps to maintain the blood pressure and reduces water retention. Potassium
is also important for active muscles and nerves.
3. Very good source of iron, which helps in respiration at the cellular
level by synthesizing hemoglobin that helps to carry oxygen to cells.
4. Good source of magnesium. It helps in relieving fatigue, relaxing
the muscles, nerves and blood vessels, thus relieving the symptoms
of asthma, migraine headaches, tension and soreness in muscles etc.
5. Good source of copper, which reduces the risk of inflammatory diseases
like rheumatoid arthritis, enhances the activity of enzymes that are
needed to maintain the elasticity of blood vessels, ligaments and joints.
6. Good source of manganese, which is an essential cofactor in many
enzymatic reactions in the body, especially in the production of energy
and antioxidants defenses.
7. Good source of B-group vitamins like riboflavin and niacin that
are essential to enhance the energy production from the foods and for
various enzymatic reactions in the body.
8. Very good source of soluble dietary fiber. It adds roughage to the
contents of the intestines, promotes satiety, maintains the blood glucose
and also helps in relieving constipation, hemorrhoids, diverticular
disorders, etc.
9. High dietary fiber creates a sense of fullness in the stomach, thus
it also aids weight loss.
10. Fiber rich dates also help lower cholesterol levels in the blood,
thus promoting cardiovascular health.
Dried Papaya
Dried papayas are a rich source of nutrients. They have fiber, which
promotes digestive health. Papaya has antioxidants such as vitamin
C, potassium, magnesium, fiber, B vitamins, folate and pantothenic
acids, and carotenes. Our bodies use these antioxidants to fight certain
types of cancer and prevent heart attacks and strokes. Papaya contains
papain, an enzyme that has anti-inflammatory effects. This enzyme paired
with other nutrients found in papaya can reduce the severity of asthma
and rheumatoid arthritis.
Vitamins A and C found in dried papaya gives our immune system a boost
and can help prevent illnesses such as the common cold and flu. The
rich amount of vitamin A found in papaya also promotes healthy lungs.
Dried Peaches
Dried peaches are low in carbohydrates, saturated fat, cholesterol
and sodium, making them a much smarter choice as a snack. Dried peaches
are rich with potassium, iron, calcium, vitamin A, fiber, magnesium
and vitamin C. They are helpful for clearing your digestive system
and keeping you regular.
Your immune system gets a nice boost from the vitamin C in dried peaches.
Peaches contain carotenoids, which slow down the progression of cataracts
and protect your eyes from the harmful effects of the sun. Nutrients
in dried peaches help to prevent heart disease, reduce the risk of
cataracts, and decrease the severity of asthma symptoms. Peaches are
a great source of antioxidants, which protect your body from cancer.
Dried Pineapple
Dried pineapples are loaded with vitamins and minerals
your body needs. They are filled will calcium, fiber, potassium, folate,
vitamin C and A. Dried pineapple is also a great source of manganese,
which is essential for building healthy bones. Vitamin C is wonderful
for our immune system and can be the solution to your common cold or
cough. The potassium found in dried pineapple makes it a great snack
for boosting your energy after exercising.
Ginger
1. Ginger is used as a very handy medicine for all minor
illnesses in the Asian countries.
2. It is used as a stimulant. It cures dyspepsia, improves appetite
and aids digestion.
3. Used to cure and relieve colic, diarrhea, abdominal pain, stomach
cramps, and flatulence.
4. Very effective against sea sickness, morning sickness, and other
kinds of nausea.
5. It is also attributed with analgesic, sedative, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory,
and antipyretic properties.
6. Relieves symptoms of cold and flu.
Hazelnuts
1. Hazelnuts contain a high concentration of vitamin
E, which prevents oxidation of the polyunsaturated fatty acids.
2. Also has minor quantities of vitamin A, which is a natural antioxidant
and has cancer preventing properties.
3. Excellent source of minerals like manganese, selenium and zinc that
play a vital role in metabolism.
4. Like all nuts, they are rich in dietary fiber.
5. Good source of protein.
6. Good source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids,
which are anti inflammatory in nature.
7. Naturally cholesterol free and free of trans fatty acids.
8. Good source of B-group vitamins, which are essential for release
of energy from food we eat.
9. Raw or dry roasted hazelnuts have no sodium at all, so very good
for people on sodium restricted diets.
Milk Chocolate
1. Dental Protection: Milk chocolate contains phosphate,
which protects teeth from decay.
2. Antidepressant: Serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of
well-being, is in milk chocolate.
3.
Stimulation: Phenylethylamine and theobromine are chemicals found in milk chocolate
that act as a mild stimulant.
4: Vitamins and Minerals: Milk chocolate is high in vitamins B1,
B2, D and E. It also contains potassium and magnesium.
5. Low Blood Pressure:Flavonoids in chocolate cause the body to produce
nitric oxide, which lowers blood pressure.
6. Antioxidants: Milk chocolate contains antioxidants that boost
the immune system.
7. Low Cholesterol: Eating milk chocolate can lower levels of LDL
cholesterol--known as the unhealthy kind--and raise HDL cholesterol
levels.
White Chocolate
1. White chocolate has very less amounts of antioxidants
and flavonoids.
2. Antioxidants scavenge the free radicals, preserve the integrity
of cell membranes and reduce the risk of heart diseases, inflammatory
and degenerative diseases.
3. The beneficial cardiovascular effects are lowering the LDL cholesterol
level in the blood, reducing the risk of heart attack and atherosclerosis,
and promoting a healthy heart.
4. It can also lower and maintain the blood pressure, thus reducing
the risk of hypertension, due to the flavonoids in chocolate having
a vasodilating effect.
5. The flavonoids, epicatechin and gallic acid, have anti-carcinogenic
properties, which are still being studied.
6. Research indicated that theobromine, the alkaloid present in chocolate,
may be effective in preventing persistent coughing, soothing and moistening
the throat. It is shown to be more effective than codeine, the component
in many cough medicines.
7. Good source of Tryptophan, an essential amino acid present, which
is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays an important
role in the modulation of anger, mood, sleep, sexuality, appetite,
etc. This amino acid, relaxes the mood, improves the quality of sleep
and appetite.
8. Good source of Phenethylamine, an alkaloid, which acts as a stimulant
and is sometimes described as a ‘love chemical’.
Nutmeg
1. Nutmeg spice contains many plant derived chemical
compounds that are known to have anti-oxidant, disease preventing and
health
promoting properties.
2. The spicy nut contains fixed oil trimyristin and many essential
volatile oils such as which gives sweet aromatic flavor to nutmeg like
myristicin,
elemicin, eugenol and safrole. The other volatile oils are pinene,
camphene, dipentene, cineole, linalool, sabinene, safrole, terpeniol.
3. The active principles in nutmeg have many therapeutic applications
in many traditional medicines as anti-fungal, anti-depressant, aphrodisiac,
digestive and carminative functions.
4. This prized spice is a good source of minerals like copper, potassium,
calcium, manganese, iron, zinc and magnesium. Potassium in an important
component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and
blood pressure. Manganese and copper are used by the body as co-factors
for the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase. Iron is essential
for red blood cell production and as a co-factor for cytochrome oxidases
enzymes.
5. It is also rich in many vital B-complex vitamins including vitamin
C, folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin A and many flavonoid anti-oxidants
like beta carotene and cryptoxanthins that are essential for optimum
health.
Peppermint
Peppermint contains a great number of minerals and vitamins such as
magnesium, calcium, folate, potassium, copper, vitamin A, and vitamin
C. The medicinal value of peppermint is due to the presence of menthol,
menthone and menthyl esters.
Raisins
1. Raisins are a good source of polyphenols, the phytochemicals
that are beneficial for our health.
2. Flavonols are a type of these phytochemicals present in raisins
(and grapes) that have antioxidant activity. They are effective in
scavenging the free radicals and preserve the integrity of cell membranes.
3. They are low in sodium and have good amounts of potassium. This
helps to maintain the blood pressure and reduces water retention. Potassium
is also important for active muscles and nerves.
4. Good source of copper, which reduces the risk of inflammatory diseases
like rheumatoid arthritis, enhances the activity of enzymes that are
needed to maintain the elasticity of blood vessels, ligaments and joints.
5. Good source of manganese, which is an essential cofactor in many
enzymatic reactions in the body, especially in the production of energy
and antioxidants defenses.
6. Moderate source of iron, which helps in respiration at the cellular
level by synthesizing hemoglobin that helps to carry oxygen to cells.
7. Good source of boron, the mineral that provides protection against
osteoporosis.
8. Moderate source of magnesium. It helps in relieving fatigue, relaxing
the muscles, nerves and blood vessels, thus relieving the symptoms
of asthma, migraine headaches, tension and soreness in muscles etc.
9. Good source of dietary fiber. It adds roughage to the contents of
the intestines, promotes satiety, promotes the health of the colon,
and also helps in relieving constipation, hemorrhoids, diverticular
disorders, etc.
10. High dietary fiber creates a sense of fullness in the stomach,
thus it also aids weight loss.
Ingredient
benefits gathered from BotanicalCuisine.com, GourmetNut.com, LiveStrong.com,
and HealthGuidance.org
