Functional foods are starting to become a top trend, especially in the plant-based food space, but many of the ingredients that can be found in these “supercharged” products are anything but new. Ashwagandha, Reishi, and Maca are all adaptogens that are starting to show up in everyday products such as drinks, energy bars, and even veggie burgers. So what is an adaptogen? Simply put, it is a botanical ingredient that helps the body naturally adapt to stress. These power-packed herbs, or “super herbs,” can also help improve immune function, increase physical or mental endurance, and even help balance out your moods. Different adaptogens perform different functions in the body, but they have all been used for thousands of years to help people perform at their best.

You can get adaptogens in pill or powder form, but to reap the full benefits you have to take them over an extended period of time – which is where these new super herb infused products come in handy! This is one of the reasons that REBBL super herb beverages came about. REBBL makes delicious plant-based elixirs and protein drinks that feature pairings of adaptogens, making it incredibly easy to get your daily dose of stress-busting herbs. Some of the flavors include Ashwagandha Chai, Turmeric Lemon Tart, and Reishi Cold Brew. The drinks are all dairy-free – the Turmeric Golden Milk and Matcha Latte flavors do include honey, but all the other flavors are vegan.

REBBL’s use of adaptogenic ingredients isn’t the only remarkable thing about this company, however. In a recent episode of the #EatForThePlanet with Nil Zacharias podcast, Sheryl O’Loughin, the CEO of REBBL, explained the mission behind each and every beverage and how the company was actually founded as a non-profit dedicated to raising awareness for human trafficking. As she explains, REBBL was born out of a passionate collaboration between powerful thought-leaders to identify an innovative, sustainable, market-based solution to stop exploitation in the Peruvian Amazon. The basic idea was that the non-profit would foster a relationship with local farmers that would grow the adaptogens, in the beginning, the herb of choice was Cat’s Claw. They would be able to provide the indigenous communities with an ongoing source of economic prosperity – as opposed to selling to buyers in Lima, who pay little to nothing, forcing these areas into extreme poverty and leaving them susceptible to human trafficking. This is the impact model that REBBL was founded on and it plays a key role in what Sheryl refers to as their regenerative business “bottom line.”

If you want to learn more about this inspiring company and how Sheryl hopes to create a sustainable business that not only helps improve consumer health but the very way of life for the people who make the ingredients possible, listen in.

You can listen to the full episode below or on the following platforms: iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Stitcher.

If you like this episode, be sure to subscribe to the #EatForThePlanet with Nil Zacharias podcast for new episodes with food industry leaders, health, and sustainability experts, as well as entrepreneurs and creative minds who are redefining the future of food – and order your copy of the #EatForThePlanet book!

Image source: REBBL/Facebook