We try not to #humblebrag too much, but there’s a reason why we call ourselves “Perfect Bar.” While we know our bars’ nut buttery look and taste is the first thing most fans notice – and, frankly, why they taste so good – what truly makes them just perfect is the 20+ superfoods expertly hidden in each and every bar. After all, that’s how we got started more than a decade ago. Getting kids to “eat their veggies” is something our dad, Dr. Bud Keith, had down solid.

Each superfood ingredient is host to its own body-boosting benefits, including vitamins, minerals and proteins, which make each bite of Perfect Bar a nutritious addition to your daily routine. Here’s a breakdown of the superfoods we dish out a healthy dose of every day in the freshest nutrition bars ever created:

The Seeds

 

FLAX SEED

For something so small, flaxseed has big benefits. Recent studies have shown that flaxseed may aid in lowering cholesterol, stabilizing blood sugar, reducing bone loss, promoting weight loss and increasing immunity. High in fiber, flax promotes healthy skin & hair and is high in Omega-3 fatty acids. So many wins!

CHIA

Ch-ch-ch-chia! These little seeds also have a huge nutritional profile. Just a 28-gram or one-ounce serving of chia has 11 grams of dietary fiber — about a third of the recommended daily intake for adults. Chia seeds are also packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which regulate your triglyceride and cholesterol levels.

The Veggies

 

DULSE

Seaweeds such as Dulse are very popular in Eastern cultures such as Japan, Korea, and China. For this reason, many health issues Americans face today, are mostly non-existent to these people. Dulse is close to the kelp family: high in iodine for healthy thyroid function and a great source of vitamin B-12.

HEMP PROTEIN

This power protein is gaining popularity and we’ve been on board all along. The protein and fiber in hemp combine to slow digestion, which prevents spikes in blood sugar and therefore sustains your body’s energy. A diet rich in hemp promotes digestive regularity. Its 21 amino acids are super important for absorbing all these nutrients and keep your body running at its best.

ALFALFA

The alfalfa plant is related to the pea family. Fully grown, it can climb up to 80 cm, blooming with violet flowers in summer. We snag it before it gets there, because it’s surprisingly rich in minerals, like calcium, magnesium and biotin, which makes it great for healthy skin and hair. It’s also naturally high in essential vitamins A, D, E, K and all the B’s.

KELP

Long a staple in Asian diets, kelp is a form of seaweed loaded with essential nutrients. Kelp has tons of iodine, which is an energy booster and beneficial to the heart and circulatory system. The plant also acts as a weapon against diabetes — health yeah!

CELERY

Of course, ants on a log was our favorite childhood snack too, but more than just a stick for dipping, this versatile veg also benefits the nerves and blood. Celery is an excellent source of vitamin K, folate, potassium, fiber, manganese, vitamin B2, copper, vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin A and phosphorus.

KALE

Kale is being called “the new beef,” “the queen of greens” and “a nutritional powerhouse” and we’re not pushing back on this name game. Vitamins A, C, K, copper, potassium, iron, manganese, and phosphorus are all present in this superfood. It’s also a phenomenal protein source.

CARROT

Because when mom told you to “eat your carrots,” you just did it so you could have dessert. Now, you’ll be glad to know that the nutrients in carrots may provide protection against heart disease and cancer, while helping to build strong bones and a healthy nervous system. Beta carotene and vitamin A promote healthy eyes and healthy skin; it’s also said to have an anti-aging effect.

SPINACH

Popeye was definitely on to something. Spinach is a superfood loaded with tons of nutrients important for skin and hair, bone health and provides healthy doses of vitamin K, A, C, B2 and B6, magnesium, folate, iron, calcium, and manganese.

The Fruits

 

APPLE

We can speak to the old “apple a day” adage, knowing what nutrients these powerful players bring to our bars. Apples provide soluble fiber, which aids in the body’s digestion. Apples also contain vitamin C and antioxidants, and have been known to  help lower cholesterol.

ROSE HIP

The rose hip, also known as rose haw or rose hep, is the fruit of the rose plant, that typically is red-to-orange, but ranges from dark purple to black in some species. They’re chock-full of antioxidants and known to regulate sugar levels, which is helpful for diabetics; it also can improve joint mobility and acts as an anti-inflammatory.

TOMATO

Rich red colors aren’t the only vibrant thing on this rare-form fruit. Tomatoes have tons of vitamin C, antioxidants and lycopene. They also contain a considerable amount of calcium and Vitamin K, both of which are essential in strengthening and performing minor repairs on the bones as well as the bone tissue.

PAPAYA

This exotic fruit offers not only the luscious taste and sunlit color of the tropics, but is a rich source of antioxidant nutrients, such as carotenes, vitamin C and flavonoids; the B vitamins, folate and pantothenic acid; and the minerals, potassium, copper, and magnesium; and fiber. Together, these nutrients promote the health of the cardiovascular system and also provide protection against colon cancer.

LEMON

Zesty and delicious squeezed into just about every beverage out there, lemon is a powerful citrus that is high in potassium, vitamins and phosphorus. Lemon juice aids with indigestion, fever, dental care, hair & skin care, and even minor burns.

The Oils

 

FLAX SEED OIL

This lovely ingredient is rumored to be the world’s first cultivated superfood, and we think it’s so awesome that we include it in our bars in both powder and oil form. Like we mentioned earlier when we talked about flax seed, the benefits go on and on but to name a few of our faves: improved digestion, clearer skin, lowered cholesterol, reduced sugar cravings, balanced hormones, and weight loss.

SESAME SEED OIL

Don’t underestimate this tiny little seed. Sesame seed oil is an excellent source of fiber, protein, calcium, magnesium, and iron, all of which are an important part of a healthy diet. But they don’t stop there. They’re also jam-packed with zinc, which boosts immune health, copper, which promotes energy and collagen production, and manganese, which supports bone health.

OLIVE OIL

This oil has been a dietary staple for many of the world’s healthiest regions. Aside from tasting good on just about anything, olive oil (specifically EVOO) does a ton for your body’s wellness too. The high (in good) fat, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich ingredient has properties that have been proven to deter diabetes, strengthen immune systems, fight skin damage, slow or prevent cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s, and speed pain relief.

PUMPKIN SEED OIL

Who knew that there were so much goodness hiding inside that jack-o-lantern? Some of pumpkin seed oil’s most heralded benefits include reduced inflammation, improved prostate health, combatting hair loss in men, preventing heart disease, and treating diabetes–to name a few. We bet you’re probably rethinking this as just a fall ingredient now. Time to include it in your diet year round.

SUNFLOWER SEED OIL

Sunflower seeds probably evoke memories of Saturdays in the dugout during little league softball games, but aside from bringing an onset of nostalgia, the oil from these seeds also brings a load of health benefits. This good source of fat boosts cardiovascular health and is rich in vital nutrients like copper and Vitamin E, the latter of which plays a big role in fighting free radical damage.

Now, if only Perfect Bars existed when you were a kid, veggies would have tasted a lot more… perfect.