Açai is a fruit hailing from Brazil. Its ORAC score (a measure of its antioxidant capacity) is among the highest of any foods. Açai gets its antioxidants from the anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins that also give it its purple color. Studies have shown that consuming açai may increase the levels of antioxidants in the blood, help raise good HDL cholesterol, and improve vascular function.

Amaranth is a pseudograin that was widely used by Aztec and Mayan cultures. This tiny seed is high in protein and has all of the essential amino acids, so it can help you make all of the muscles, hormones, and neurotransmitters your body needs. It also contains magnesium, calcium, folate, and phosphorus, micronutrients that help support an optimally functioning body and mind.

Amylase is an enzyme that is naturally present in the mouth and the instestines. Amylase begins the breakdown of starch to smaller molecules called oligosaccharides. This is an important first step to facilitating the breakdown and absorption of carbohydrates - your body's main energy source. Amylase has been studied for its potential to alter the texture of starches and improve their digestibility. Interestingly, research also suggests that having a genetic predisposition to generate more amylase enzyme might be associated with lower obesity risk.

Blackberries get their beautiful color from anthocyanins, molecules that also give blackberries their antioxidant activity. Thanks to these anthocyanins - and other flavonoid and flavonol molecules - blackberries are being researched for their potential neuroprotective effects. Blackberries are also rich in fiber and potassium.

Blueberries get their beautiful blue hue from the anthocyanins that are present. These anthocyanins have anti-inflammatory effects that research suggests is mediated through the NF-kB pathway. Blueberries are also high in Vitamins C and K, as well as antioxidant carotenoids like beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. Blueberries have been studied for their potential to reduce blood pressure and arterial stiffness.

As a cruciferous vegetable, broccoli has high amounts of sulfur-containing glucosinolates. These glucosinolates are converted in the body to isothiocyanates (like sulforaphane), which are being studied for their antioxidant and health-promoting potential. Studies have shown that eating fresh broccoli instead of cooked may result in a higher level of these isothiocyanates in the body, which is why we include raw broccoli greens in our protein powder. Broccoli is also high in Vitamin K and carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin.

We add a pinch of sweetness to our protein powder so it's delicious enough to incorporate into your daily routine. To do so, we use brown rice syrup solids, a sweetener made from cooked rice. Brown rice syrup contains essentially no fructose, a sugar molecule that is processed by the liver and may be related to higher triglyceride levels in the blood.

You might love cocoa for the taste, but you can also love how it may reduce oxidative stress after exercise and improve vascular function. Cocoa has also been studied for its potential blood pressure-lowering effects.

Coconut milk provides the rich and creamy texture of So Lean and So Clean. We love it as an ingredient because coconut milk contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs are special fats that are immediately absorbed and metabolized (unlike other fat sources which travel through the lymphatic system before being metabolized). Research has found that consuming MCTs may cause your body to expend more energy and help you feel fuller and consume less food at later meals.

Wonderful, tart cranberries are particularly rich in Vitamin C and various polyphenols, including proanthocyanins, terpenes, and more. These compounds act as antioxidants in the body and may be why one study found that drinking cranberry juice was associated with lower levels of oxidated LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Neither an artichoke nor from Jerusalem, the Jerusalem Artichoke is actually sunflower root. This root is a natural prebiotic, high in fiber–stimulating and feeding the Bifidobacteria (the good guys!) in the gut.[1]

Kale is everyone's favorite superfood, and for good reason. Kale is rich in antioxidants like beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Kale is also a source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and potassium. One study found that people who drank kale juice daily reported higher HDL (good) cholesterol, lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, and higher selenium levels after 3 months. Kale (and all cruciferous vegetables) contains glucosinolates, which are sulfur-containing molecules that have been researched for their potential to support healthy cell growth.

Lactose is the sugar found in milk and dairy products. It's estimated that 68% of adults worldwide have lactose intolerance, which means that they don't produce enough lactase enzyme to break down lactose. Lactose intolerance can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea after consuming dairy products. Lactase supplementation may improve the digestibility of lactose and help reduce the symptoms of lactose intolerance.

Lipase is a digestive enzyme that helps to break down fat. Traditionally, lipases and other digestive enzymes have been derived from animal sources. But research suggests that vegetarian-based enzymes (which is what you find in our products) may be more stable over a range of acidity levels and ultimately more active than animal-based enzymes.

Monk fruit has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine both for its sweet taste and its potential benefits. Mogroside V, the active ingredient in monk fruit, is 100-250 times sweeter than sucrose and provides a sweet taste without having any calories or impacts on blood sugar levels. Mogroside extracts are also being studied for their potential antioxidant activity.

Get your protein and a delicious cup of chai at the same time! Our natural flavors are organic-compliant, which means we ensure our flavor sources, and the means to extract them, meet the criteria for organic and non-GMO certification.

Chocolate adds a delicious flavor to So Lean and So Clean. Our natural flavors are organic-compliant, which means we ensure our flavor sources, and the means to extract them, meet the criteria for organic and non-GMO certification.

Vanilla adds a delicious flavor to So Lean and So Clean. Our natural flavors are organic-compliant, which means we ensure our flavor sources, and the means to extract them, meet the criteria for organic and non-GMO certification.

Protease is a digestive enzyme that helps break down protein. In your body, proteins are digested to their component amino acids, which are then absorbed in the intestines and used by the body to rebuild your body's proteins, hormones, and neurotransmitters. We want to make sure that you get all the goodness our protein powder blend includes, so we include protease enzymes to help make that happen.

Peas are a great source of plant-based protein. Our pea protein powder is an 80% protein isolate that has all 9 essential amino acids present. We include pea protein alongside rice protein thanks to their complementary amino acid profiles. In addition to being a rich source of protein, pea protein is hypoallergenic and has a low environmental impact.

Ever noticed how after you eat a pomegranate your mouth feels a little dry? That sensation comes from phenolic compounds in pomegranates called ellagitannins. These ellagitannins (and other anthocyanins and flavonoids) are antioxidants and may be why pomegranates have been shown to have 3x more antioxidant activity than green tea. Studies suggest that consuming pomegranate may increase endurance during exercise. Pomegranates have also been researched for their potential to help lower blood pressure and reduce swelling and pain in the joints.

Naturally gluten-free, quinoa contains essential fiber and vitamins and has a complete amino acid profile.

Sacha Inchi is a large seed that's found in Peru. These seeds have a balance of protein, fiber, and essential fatty acids like alpha-linoleic acid. Sacha Inchi also includes high levels of tryptophan and lysine, two essential amino acids.

Stevia leaves have been traditionally used in South American cultures for their sweet taste. That sweet flavor comes from steviol glycosides that are 50-400 times sweeter than sucrose and provide sweetness without the calories associated with sugar. Another benefit over sugar: it's estimated that stevia's carbon footprint is 64% lower than cane sugar's. We only use trace amounts in our products to brighten the flavor of other ingredients.

Strawberries are high in antioxidants and other phytochemicals that may benefit the body. A meta-analysis of clinical trials has shown that eating strawberries may help reduce C-reactive protein levels, a marker of inflammation in the body.

Turmeric is a beautiful golden spice used medicinally in India for over 4,000 years. Curcumin, the main active ingredient in turmeric, has been extensively studied for its potential to reduce oxidative stress and support a healthy inflammatory response. Studies suggest that curcumin may be particularly beneficial for people dealing with arthritic conditions and joint issues. Curcumin also may have cardioprotective effects: studies have examined how curcumin may be associated with reduced triglycerides and LDL cholesterol.