Natural ingredients sourced directly from nature are known for their therapeutic, soothing, nourishing, and rejuvenating benefits, making them safer alternatives than synthetic alternatives.
As there is no formal definition for “natural,” food manufacturers can use the label to describe almost anything; for instance, salami could qualify as natural even though it contains large amounts of nitrates and salt.
Plant extracts
Plant extracts are mixtures of aromatic secondary metabolites obtained via solvent extraction, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids and terpenes. They have wide application in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries and contain stimulating components that provide sensory stimulation as well as antimicrobial, antispasmodic and vasodilator effects.
Herbal supplements provide a rich source of vitamins, antioxidants, essential oils and proteins – as well as being more natural, sustainable and less costly than chemical alternatives.
Food-grade proteins can be used as natural flavorings, colorings and preservatives in food products, thanks to their ability to absorb and retain flavor. They have also become increasingly popular as natural skin care ingredients thanks to their anti-ageing benefits that scavenge free radicals which can damage cells. Furthermore, proteins have many other uses such as soothing, smoothing and repairing skin conditions.
Herbs
Herbs are fragrant plants used in small amounts to add flavor and color to food without adding fat, salt or sugar. Each variety boasts various health-promoting benefits.
Herbs can be added to recipes during the cooking process – use fresh, tender herbs to release their oils before using. Crushing them first before adding can help retain their flavour; but to preserve their delicate nature it’s best to wait until nearing completion of cooking process before including.
Herbs can be consumed raw or used as ingredients in teas, syrups and essential oils. Studies have revealed many to contain powerful phytochemicals which provide health benefits including inhibiting NF-kB signalling pathways as well as modulating immune and inflammatory responses (1).
Animal extracts
Animal extracts can have many different impacts, from appetite stimulants (vanilla) to ingredients for improving intestinal health or digestion (oregano, thyme and mint). Furthermore, their antioxidant properties prevent rancidity and other dangerous forms of oxidation products from appearing.
Animal extracts can be added to feed to enhance nutritional composition and support animal wellbeing, often found in premium feed segments.
Animal products come from many animals, such as cows, pigs and poultry. Examples of bovine serum albumin, collagen and gelatin can be found in bovine milk while Heparin comes from the stomachs of calves to prevent blood clots while Squalene (a liquid made from the fur of weasels) can be used cosmetics or brushes used by artists.
Vegetable oils
Vegetable oils are an integral component of many food products, from snacks and restaurant dishes to meal replacement shakes and meal replacement shakes. Vegetable oils provide energy while simultaneously offering essential nutrition such as omega 3s and 6s.
Vegetable oil refers to any cooking oil derived from plant sources. Common varieties of vegetable oils include canola, corn, soybean, safflower and sunflower oils; these are ideal for frying and baking applications as well as use in non-heated recipes like mayonnaise.
Although vegetable oils contain low levels of saturated fats, they can still contain an abundance of omega 6 and trans fatty acids. At BRFi’s Sense portfolio of vegetable oils we provide solutions that deliver high performance creaminess and structure with zero trans fatty acid levels – offering solutions with zero saturated fatty acid levels or trans fat levels!
Minerals
Minerals are inorganic substances found naturally, unaided by human intervention. They consist of solids with specific chemical composition and an ordered arrangement of their atoms (crystallography).
Mineral properties, such as hardness, color, luster, cleavage, break and line can help identify them. Furthermore, some minerals have specific uses in particular applications – for instance halite – an abundant mineral found in salt is particularly suitable for seasoning food as its salty taste dissolves easily into small pieces that form flavourful toppings and seasonings.
Minerals are essential in aiding proper body development and functioning, as well as strengthening our immune systems. Minerals can be consumed through eating various food items or taken as dietary supplements.
