Refined sugar is produced through the use of chemical purification and bleaching of sugar cane which removes the mineral component of the sugar and is very hard on the environment. Evaporated unrefined cane juice eliminated the chemical purification steps of the process of turning cane juice into a crystalline substance, retaining its mineral content and creating less harmful byproducts to be released into the environment. It is composed mostly of sucrose and has the same sweetening properties as refined sugar

The sea salt ,that we market under the LifeStream label as well as the sea salt that we use as an ingredient in our cereals is obtained through vacuum evaporation of sea water from San Francisco Bay.

A natural flavour has not been submitted to processes that have significantly altered the original physical, chemical or biological state. It has no constituent or fraction thereof removed or significantly changed.

No artificial or chemical preservatives such as BHA or BHT have been added to the cereal. There should therefore be extra care taken to store the cereal in a cool dark place in order to preserve freshness.

Flax meal is composed of freshly ground whole flax seeds, which are the highest source of Omega 3 fatty acids derived from plant sources. Omega 3 fatty acids cannot be manufactured by the body, so they must be include in the diet. Unfortunately, today’s diets are composed largely of hydrogenated fats which do not provide the balance that the body needs for proper digestion and heart function.

Coeliac disease is a condition of the small intestine, by which a protein, called gluten, damages the small intestine, impairing the absorption of food. Gluten is found in the cereal grains wheat, barley, rye and oats. The small intestine recovers and returns to normal when gluten is withdrawn from the diet. The incidence of coeliac disease in the UK is now believed to be between 1 in 100 and 1 in 200, although it is thought that at least 60% are undiagnosed.

Symptoms vary between individuals. In infants coeliac disease typically presents as failure to thrive and in children it can present as loss of appetite, diarrhoea, constipation and anaemia. With the adult population it can present at any age and with a wide variety of symptoms including1: diarrhoea (50%), iron or folate deficiency anaemia (80%), chronic tiredness and lethargy (80%), other abdominal symptoms (bloating, flatulence, distension) (30%) and weight loss (50%). At one time, it was thought that coeliac disease only presented with serve symptoms, being exclusively diagnosed in those individuals who were acutely ill. However, it has become apparent over the past twenty years that some patients diagnosed with coeliac disease present initially with very mild symptoms. Some studies have suggested that up to 70% of patients diagnosed with coeliac disease initially have only abnormal blood test results, such as mild anaemia and/or vitamin deficiencies.

If coeliac disease is suspected a blood test is carried out. If this test is positive when you will be sent to your local hospital for an endoscopy. This usually takes place in an outpatient clinic and involves a small camera being placed into the upper small intestine to examine the lining. A small sample is also taken to be studied under the microscope, which will confirm the diagnosis of coeliac disease. As well as the endoscopy, a blood test is usually carried out to identify any mineral and vitamin deficiencies.

Treatment for coeliac disease is a life long gluten free diet. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and oats. The sources of gluten can be divided into two sections: 1. The obvious sources in the diet Ð wheat, barley, rye and oats. This is mainly in the form of wheat flour. Therefore food such as ordinary bread, pasta, cakes, biscuits, pastries, puddings and pies contains gluten. Oats can be included safely in the diet of some individuals with coeliac disease. It is important that advice regarding oats is obtained from your dietitian. 2. The hidden sources- ¥ Ingredients used in tins and packets of foods and drinks ¥ Manufactured and processed foods. These can be the most difficult part to avoid. Wheat flour is commonly used as a processing aid, a binder, a filler or as a carrier for flavourings and spices. Foods can also, during manufacturing or processing, become contaminated with wheat flour. Therefore patients with coeliac disease need to check food labels for hidden sources.

Yes. Actually our products are homogenized and sterilized which takes the product to a higher temperature than standard pasteurization. The product is brought to the temperature of approximately 292°, then sustained for a short time for ultra high temperature (UHT) treatment. This is a regulated temperature provided by the FDA for our aseptic sterilization requirements. The processing equipment allows the time and temperature to be tailored to place the least amount of thermal stress on the product, while ensuring safety. The flash-heating-and-cooling aseptic process reduces the energy use and nutrient loss associated with conventional sterilization. Visit the Aseptic Packaging Council web site for more information.

The sweeteners used in our drinks are a form of glucose. This natural sugar is considered a monosaccharide, or simple sugar. This should be considered when restricting your sugar intake. We advise discussing your needs with your Health Care Provider

Both are Phytonutrients, plant compounds that exert biological effects in the animals or humans that consume them. One group of Phytonutrients is isoflavones. Studies have shown that soybeans are virtually the richest source of isoflavones. Isoflavones are sometimes referred to as phytoestrogens (plant estrogens) because they are chemically similar in structure to, and act like estrogen, though they are weaker than estrogen produced by the body. The two primary isoflavones in soybeans are genistein and diadzein. These compounds may reduce the risk of a number of cancers, including those of the breast, lung, colon, rectum, stomach and prostate. The mechanisms by which isoflavones inhibit cancer cell growth vary depending on the cancer.

The soy beverage isn't spoiled. Occasionally the soy will react to the acidity of tea or coffee and tiny particles will be visible in the soy/tea or coffee mixture.