Frequently asked questions

Why is it so important not to create inflammation in our bodies?

Chronic diseases, which are the main cause of death today (arteriosclerosis, heart disease, arthritis, some types of cancer, Crohn’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, autism, type 2 diabetes, and obesity), are essentially the result of chronic inflammation, and in most cases, it comes from our digestive system. This is good news, as it means we have control over it, we just have to consider our food choices. With its anti-inflammatory effect, Omega 3 contributes to preventing or eliminating many modern degenerative diseases. Fats, along with proteins, make up every one of our cells and also play a crucial role in hormone production, maintaining the health of our brain and heart, having glowing skin, regular elimination, etc. Hence, it is of utmost importance to consume healthy, organic, unprocessed fats.

Zivabowl contains a lot of Omega 3 fatty acids, but most importantly it contains very few Omega 6 fatty acids, which are prevalent in today’s diet. The ratio between Omega 3 and 6 is crucial because excess Omega 6 causes inflammation, while Omega 3 (regardless of the source – animal or plant-based) eliminates it.

Plant-based Omega 3 fatty acids do not play the same role as animal-based Omega 3 fatty acids!

All forms of Omega 3 (especially EPA) cleanse the bloodstream of cholesterol and fatty deposits, reduce blood viscosity, decrease blood clot formation, without causing bleeding, reduce blood pressure, and help prevent strokes. This not only reduces circulation problems but also promotes blood circulation to tissues that have been damaged by lack of circulation.

ALA is a plant-based Omega 3 fatty acid. The body slowly converts ALA into EPA (cleanses the bloodstream of cholesterol and fatty deposits, reduces blood viscosity, decreases blood clot formation, and reduces blood pressure) and DHA (rebuilds the brain/nervous system). ALA can be found in seeds (chia, hemp, flax, etc.), and all green leafy vegetables.

The advantage of ALA is that it doesn’t need the killing of animals and contains fewer toxins. The use of ALA is very sensible as a preventive measure because many people have a pronounced deficiency (even if they don’t have circulation problems…). Today, we consume on average only one-fifth of the Omega 3 fatty acids compared to traditional diets. Max Gerson in his research finds that Omega 3 fatty acids of plant origin are as effective in eliminating degenerative diseases as Omega 3 of animal origin. Omega 3 fatty acids also strengthen the immune system and help with arthritis because of PROSTAGLANDINS.

Why is it important that MCT is of organic origin?

MCTs (medium chain triglycerides) are a type of saturated fat that has been shown to offer a number of health benefits.
The shorter chain length of MCTs allows them to be rapidly absorbed and metabolized in the liver, providing a quick source of energy. On the other hand, LCTs (long-chain triglycerides) require more time to be broken down and absorbed, and they are primarily stored as fat in the body. While MCTs are less likely to be stored as fat in the body can be a helpful tool for weight management.
MCTs can also boost brain function and decrease symptoms of neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s and epilepsy.

They improve gut health by reducing inflammation and promoting the growth of healthy gut bacteria.

But that’s not all – MCTs have been shown to help improve cholesterol levels, reducing your risk of heart disease.

But if MCTs are accompanied by a lot of toxins, remnants of chemicals used to isolate MCT, the question is whether the positive effects outweigh the negative effects of the consumed toxins. MCT with an organic certificate is obtained without aggressive chemicals and additives. From cold-pressed organic coconut oil, the hard fats (lauric acids) are gently removed using a patented cooling process, to leave an oil with a high content of capric acid MCT (Capric acid is a saturated medium-chain fatty acid found in coconut oil and is one of the rare substances that simultaneously promotes the growth of friendly microorganisms in the intestine and inhibits excessive growth of candida fungus.).

Why Does Zivabowl Contain MCT - a Processed Food?

MCT, or medium-chain triglycerides, are separated from other fats in coconut oil but because the MCT in the Zivabowl snack is organic, the separation process does not change the MCT (more aggressive chemical processes leave traces of chemicals) and is comparable to preparing ghee, where the proteins are naturally removed without damaging the fat, resulting in a more stable and very healthy product.

Why is Zivabowl priced at 3.69 €?

The main reason Zivabowl super meal is priced at 3.69 € is that, unlike other similar products, Zivabowl is not based on grain flakes and refined flours, but on seeds and nuts, which are on average 5 times more expensive raw materials than flakes or grains. In addition, Zivabowl contains selected and particularly valued seeds and nuts that are rich in nutrients (abundant minerals and healthy Omega 3 fatty acids). Erythritol, which is much more expensive compared to other commonly used sweeteners such as white sugar, agave syrup, fructose syrup, and dried fruit, is also used. And finally, the berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackcurrants) are more expensive compared to dried fruit and are also lyophilized to retain all nutrients and flavor.

Zivabowl contains, compared to other similar products, organic MCT, an expensive raw material, which I included in Zivabowl because of the multitude of benefits that medium-chain triglycerides offer:

MCT is fully utilized for energy and is not stored by the liver. Various studies have shown that MCT (especially C8 and C10) enhances the body’s ability to burn fat and energy.

Increased production of ketones that are formed during the metabolism of MCT.

MCT has antiviral and antibacterial properties and contributes to a healthy immune system and gut.

MCT oil quickly raises energy levels after consumption.

Improves cognitive abilities.

Zivabowl contains, compared to other similar products, a much larger amount of quickly frozen fruit full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and cocoa, and less flavor.

Zivabowl contains proteins that are not isolated using questionable processes (as in similar products) but are in their natural form and highly digestible.

In addition to everything listed, Zivabowl, unlike similar products, has an organic certificate.

So you can be assured that buying Zivabowl, in terms of what we receive and its actual value for our health, is a very good purchase.

What is erythritol?

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol (a type of polyol) and a 100% natural sweetener found in fruits, vegetables, seeds, and mushrooms. It’s made through a natural fermentation process of glucose from non-genetically modified corn starch. Eritritol is an excellent sweetener for those who avoid sugar or follow a low-carbohydrate diet (such as Keto, paleo, or LCHF). Studies have shown that erythritol does not affect blood sugar or insulin levels in the body, making it safe for diabetics to use. In general, erythritol has no side effects with regular use.

 

Compared to regular sugar, erythritol has several advantages:

  • It has no calories – it has zero energy value
  • It has a glycemic index of 0
  • It is suitable for diabetics
  • It does not contribute to the formation of cavities
  • It is suitable for individuals with a candida overgrowth

 

The disadvantages of sugar alcohols, including erythritol:

Most sugar alcohols are not fully absorbed in the small intestine, so they continue their journey to the large intestine. There, polyols can cause digestive problems such as diarrhea and bloat. Unlike other sugar alcohols, erythritol is a very small sugar alcohol that is almost completely (about 90%) absorbed in the small intestine, and only a small amount reaches the large intestine. Any digestive problems occur only with extremely high doses, meaning if you overdo it with it. The dose at which no digestive problems are observed is 0.5-1 g/kg body weight/day. A person weighing 70 kg can safely consume up to 70 g of erythritol daily. For children, their body weight should be taken into account and the dose adjusted accordingly. As an average, where there are no adverse effects for 4-6-year-old children, the dose is set at 0.71 g erythritol/kg body weight/day.

  • Excessive consumption has a laxative effect and can cause diarrhea (However, it usually does not cause a laxative effect, which is a common side effect of consuming other sugar alcohols such as xylitol and maltitol)
  • Doses over 50 g can cause nausea
  • Sugar alcohols can cause water retention
  • Sugar alcohols can cause bloating and flatulence (Compared to other sugar alcohols, gut bacteria find erythritol easier to digest, making it less likely to cause gas or bloating than other polyols such as maltitol, sorbitol, or lactitol.)

Are all the nutrients in Zivabowl's super meal available, given that phytic acid found in seeds and nuts not only inhibits the availability of phosphorus but also binds to other minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, preventing their absorption?

Facts about phytic acid:

The well-known advice of soaking, sprouting, or roasting nuts and seeds to remove phytic acid because it prevents the absorption of minerals is well-known. In this way, we improve the digestion of nuts and seeds. Therefore, phytic acid has been labeled as an “antinutrient” in recent decades.

First of all, it is important to know that phytic acid is concentrated in the shells of nuts and seeds, so most of it is removed when the shells are removed. A little phytic acid that remains after removing the seed shells, prevents the absorption of iron, zinc, and calcium, as well as magnesium and copper. However, it only affects the meal that contains it (phytates bind with these minerals and pass through the digestive tract undigested). However, since seeds and nuts contain a lot of these minerals, and if we consume other foods in addition to nuts (which contain a lot of vitamins and minerals – such as berries and cocoa, or act as mineral absorptive enhancers – such as berries), their absorption is not excessively reduced.

Caution is advised for certain groups of people who consume large amounts of phytic acids, such as children, vegans, and people from developing countries who are at risk of mineral deficiency. In a balanced diet, phytic acid should not be a problem.

Even if you have a leaky gut syndrome, autoimmune disease, or any digestive or mental issue, we recommend that you start using methods that partially process/digest foods before consuming them or make them easier to digest.

(The highest levels of phytic acid can be found in Brazil nuts, raw almonds, walnuts, peanuts, hazelnuts (in Zivabowl they are roasted), raw sesame (in Zivabowl it is peeled), and flax)

In addition, research shows that people with a healthy gut microbiome can break down phytic acid with the help of the enzyme phytase. For a healthy gut microbiome, it is recommended to include fermented foods or probiotics and prebiotics or fiber-rich foods and to eat a balanced diet.

Some studies suggest a link between phytic acid and digestive problems (due to inhibiting enzyme activity), but this link has not yet been fully proven. Meanwhile, it is well-documented that phytic acid has many positive effects on our bodies.

Research shows that phytic acid affects cancer cells in various ways, such as as an antioxidant, with its anti-inflammatory action, and by boosting the immune system. Additionally, it has a positive effect on diabetes, heart diseases, prevention of kidney stones, and removal of heavy metals from the body (references below).

Undernourishment due to excessive phytic acid is mainly a problem in developing countries where the diet is inadequate. In the context of a balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamins D, A, and C, and healthy fats, phytic acid, nuts and seeds, grains, and legumes rarely cause mineral deficiencies, and the benefits of these foods outweigh any potential negative effects.

Improving mineral absorption and reducing negative effects of phytic acid:

If you want to maximize mineral absorption in foods containing phytic acid, combine these foods with so-called “enhancers” of mineral absorption to neutralize the effect of phytic acid and potential mineral loss.

Foods that act as enhancers of mineral absorption:

Allium family (garlic, onions, leeks, chives…) – increases utilization of iron and zinc by up to 50%

Vitamin C (raspberries and blackberries contain a lot of it)

Vitamin A (blackberries)

Foods rich in calcium (dairy products, kale, broccoli, cabbage…) High calcium content and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) in raw milk prevent the “harmful” effects of phytic acid.

Proteins and/or foods containing vitamin D – fatty fish, egg yolks…

Other factors that influence good absorption are:

Balanced diet

Consuming fermented dishes to strengthen gut flora

Soaking, sprouting, or roasting (which are always an option, but not necessarily always necessary, as we must not forget that phytic acid also has positive effects on our health).

Neutralize phytic acid by:

Soaking/sprouting (the enzyme phytase degrades phytic acid and improves nutritional value) – soaking is only relevant for seeds and nuts that have not been roasted and are raw, as phytase is degraded at temperatures above 52°C. Soaked nuts and seeds are easier to digest.

Seeds and nuts in the Zivabowl snack:

Hemp seeds are peeled and raw (there is no outer layer containing phytic acid, and they can be soaked/sprouted because they are raw)

Walnuts are peeled and roasted (there is no outer layer containing phytic acid, and any remaining phytic acid is destroyed by roasting)

Sesame seeds are peeled and raw (there is no outer layer containing phytic acid, and they can be soaked/sprouted because they are raw)