STOKE is a multi nut & seed butter formulated to support optimal physical and mental performance. STOKE was created by two pro endurance athletes with a goal to enhance the nutritional profile of their pre- and post-training nut butter. STOKE contains a wide variety of nuts, seeds, and other nutrient dense, anti-inflammatory whole foods that not only support cardiovascular, muscle, and brain function, but also make for a great clean, nutrient packed snack. Knowing that many nutrition products and nut butters on the market today are either loaded with synthetic vitamins & minerals (often artificially made & offering lower absorption), are limited to the nutrients of only one ingredient, and/or are packed with extra sugars and low quality oils, STOKE was made to provide a whole food based alternative for superior nutrient use by the body. STOKE is a low GI distress risk food (making it a great option for pre-workout fueling) and is made with only anti-inflammatory, vegan ingredients. STOKE does not contain any added sugar, artificial ingredients, preservatives, hydrogenated oils, palm oil, or coconut oil.
The idea behind STOKE originated in response to the need for a better performing peanut butter. Peanut butter has long been a popular pre-training/race food of athletes around the world; and while admittedly versatile and tasty, peanut butter does have qualities that make it less than ideal for optimal physical and mental performance. First, peanuts are grown underground where they are susceptible to colonization by Aspergillus mold - a mold that attaches itself to the peanut and contaminates the peanut with highly carcinogenic Aflatoxins. While Aflatoxin levels are typically low in peanut butter (and are regulated by the USDA), trace amounts can exist and be harmful. Second, peanut butter contains high levels of linoleic acid (an essential Omega-6 fatty acid) and little to no Omega-3 fatty acids, potentially increasing inflammation markers if not paired with an Omega-3 fatty acid containing food. Finally, peanut butter only contains nutrients from one source: peanuts. Since peanut butter is limited only to the ratio and type of nutrients in peanuts, it misses key micro- and phyto-nutrients beneficial to performance. Thus, through the need for a more performance oriented, nutrient dense, less inflammatory, and whole food based training fuel source, the concept of STOKE originated.
KEY NUTRIENTS
- B Vitamins To Support Energy Production & Blood Health.
- Curcumin To Support Cardiovascular Health, Increased Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor, and Muscle Recovery.
- Selenium To Support Proper Thyroid Function and Energy Metabolism.
- Copper & Iron To Support Blood Health.
- Zinc To Support Immune Function.
- Magnesium To Support Muscle Function and Recovery.
- Polyphenols To Support Anti-Inflammatory Effects.
STOKE INGREDIENTS
Nuts & Seeds
Almonds
High in vitamin E to help protect cells from oxidative damage, magnesium, polyphenols, iron, and protein. Almonds also contain quercetin which may help clear senescent cells and fight inflammation.
Cashews
High in copper and iron to support energy and blood health, magnesium to support muscle function and recovery, manganese to support bone health, polyphenols and carotenoids which serve as antioxidants and support anti-inflammatory effects, and protein.
Brazil Nuts
High in selenium to support proper thyroid function and energy metabolism, zinc to support immune function, magnesium, and copper. Brazil Nuts have also been shown to increase glutathione peroxidase which helps reduce inflammation.
Pumpkin Seeds
Contain Vitamin E, magnesium, zinc, copper, and iron. Pumpkin seeds also contain carotenoids that have antioxidant properties and may fight inflammation.
Chia Seeds
Contain Chlorogenic acid (an antioxidant that may lower blood pressure), Caffeic Acid to help reduce inflammation, Kaempferol (an antioxidant), Quercetin, ALA omega 3, magnesium, and protein. Chia Seeds may also help reduce inflammation marker hs-CRP.
Sunflower Seeds
High in vitamin E and selenium as well as phenolic acids and flavonoids which have antioxidant properties and may help fight inflammation.
Superfoods
Dates
Contain Flavonoids (antioxidants), Phenolic Acid (anti-inflammatory), carotenoids, calcium which supports bone and muscle health, phosphorus which supports bone health, potassium (an electrolyte), and magnesium. Dates have also been shown to reduce inflammation marker IL-6 in the brain and reduce the activity of amyloid beta proteins (proteins that can form plaque in the brain).
Turmeric
Contains a compound named curcumin which has been shown to have powerful anti-imflammatory effects, boost brain derived neurotropic factor (a protein shown to support attention, learning, and memory, and fight against depression and Alzheimer’s disease in the brain), support cardiovascular health, and increase the antioxidant capacity of the body. Turmeric comes in numerous varieties. Madras turmeric is the most widely distributed variety of turmeric and contains a curcumin percentage of roughly 3%. STOKE contains Alleppey turmeric, a less common variety of turmeric with a curcumin percentage of roughly 5%.
Nutritional Yeast
Contains B vitamins (including B12) which support energy production and blood health, molybdenum which supports the processing of waste products and toxins, manganese which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, zinc, and selenium. Nutritional yeast also contains two powerful antioxidants: glutathione and selenomethionine.
Vanilla
Contains B vitamins, manganese, magnesium, calcium, zinc, and potassium. Vanilla beans also contain phenolic compounds which work as anti-microbial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammation agents.
Cocoa
High in polyphenols (especially flavanols) which have been shown to influence the production of nitric oxide (a vasodilator), thus improving blood flow. Contains Potassium, Zinc, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Copper and Manganese. Cocoa also contains theobromine and theophylline, two compounds that have been shown to fight inflammation.
Cinnamon
Contains iron, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, and polyphenols. Cinnamon also contains E-cinnamaldehyde and o-methoxycinnamaldehyde which are compounds linked to reducing inflammation.
Flavor Specific Nuts
Pecans
Good source of copper, Thiamine (Vitamin B1), and zinc. Pecans are also high in monounsaturated fatty acids which have been linked to proper heart health.
Hazelnuts
Good source of zinc, potassium, phosphorus, vitamin B6, folate (vitamin B9), and vitamin E. Hazelnuts also contain phenolic compounds and proanthocyanidins which function as antioxidants