Stoke is a multi nut & seed butter formulated to offer a wider variety & higher amount of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients than traditional single nut butters - with a special emphasis on the inclusion of certain nutrients that are beneficial to physical and mental performance. Stoke was created by two pro endurance athletes in search of a whole food based, anti-inflammatory, and nutrient dense fuel that would not only be optimal for training, but would also fuel the body and mind for daily life. 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
- 1000+mg DHA Omega 3 per jar to support Cardiac Output and Brain Health
- B Vitamins to support Energy Production & Blood Health
- 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
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.
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).
Algae Oil
High in DHA Omega 3 which is critical to cell membrane structure throughout the body, is linked to improved cardiac output, supports brain health, and has been shown to reduce inflammation. DHA Omega 3 is readily used by the body and is only found as a vegan source in algae. Plant based Omega 3 (ALA Omega 3) has to be converted into DHA and/or EPA Omega 3 before it can be used by the body. The conversion of ALA in to DHA and EPA Omega 3 is a very inefficient process.
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.
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