Microbiome

Chia, also known as Salvia hispanica, is a plant from the Lamiaceae family, originally from central and southern Mexico and Guatemala. The Aztecs cultivated this plant even before Columbus discovered America, and chia seeds were used as currency to the rulers. Today, chia is still prized in Mexico and Guatemala; the ground seeds are used in dishes, while whole seeds are often added to nutritious drinks.
The main purpose of growing chia is for its seeds, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. About 25-30% of the seed contains vegetable oil, including alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Chia seeds are small and oval, about 1 mm in diameter, and have a color palette of brown, gray-black and white.

Chicory (Cichorium) belongs to the composite family (Compositae or Asteraceae) and includes well-known vegetables such as chicory and endive. It is mainly consumed for health reasons.
Since the late years of the twentieth century, chicory roots have been cultivated not only for chicory, but also for the production of inulin and sweeteners, especially fructose. Both inulin (a dietary fiber) and fructose are widely used in the food industry.
Roasted chicory root is used as a coffee substitute or as an ingredient in coffee brewing. In the past, this was done out of necessity, such as during the Napoleonic blockade during the French occupation.

Chlorella is a single-celled green algae belonging to the green algae group. This microscopic algae occurs naturally in freshwater environments such as lakes and rivers and is cultivated worldwide. The name chlorella is derived from the Greek words chloros (green) and ella (small), which refers to its color and size.
Chlorella is known for its natural composition and is described in nutritional and botanical sources as an algae that naturally contains various nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. In addition, chlorella contains chlorophyll, the green pigment that plays an essential role in photosynthesis.
Furthermore, descriptions of chlorella often mention plant-based compounds such as beta-carotene and lutein.

Burdock (also known as greater burdock root in English) belongs to the Asteraceae family. The root grows best in moist, nitrate-rich soils, preferably in sun or light shade, and in temperate climates. Burdock can be found near houses and fields, on ruins, roadsides, fallow land, forest clearings, at the edges of forests, and in hedgerows. The root can grow to over a meter long.
Burdock has been used for centuries in various traditional herbal systems, such as Ayurveda and Chinese herbal medicine. The root contains various vitamins (C, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, and E), beta-carotene, biotin, phenolic acids, polyacetylenes, bitter compounds, and phytosterols. The plant is versatile and is used in both culinary and herbal products.

Hops (Humulus lupulus) are a hardy, perennial climbing plant belonging to the hemp family (Cannabaceae). The name lupulus may be derived from the Latin word lupus (wolf), which refers to the way the plant twines itself around other plants.
Hops have a long cultural history. The plant was already valued by the ancient Babylonians and Egyptians for its aromatic properties. Later, hops became a staple ingredient in beer production, where they continue to play an important role today due to their characteristic flavor and aroma. Hops were also frequently described in herbals and other historical sources during the Middle Ages.

Olive leaves come from the wild olive tree (Olea europaea) and naturally contain antioxidants. These trees are native to Western Asia, Egypt, and Syria, and are now also found in the Mediterranean, South America, the southern United States, southern Australia, and the tropics.
Olive leaves have been used for centuries in the Mediterranean region, for example, as a tea. They contain various plant compounds, including oleuropein, secoiridoids, and flavonoids. Olive leaves have a rich history in traditional cuisine and folk herbalism and are often associated with the olive tree, also known as the "tree of life."

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is the pure form of vitamin C. There are also buffered forms of ascorbic acid, which are generally more easily tolerated by the gastrointestinal tract. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin found naturally in various fruits and vegetables, such as citrus fruits, kiwi, bell peppers, and broccoli. Vitamin C is often added to dietary supplements in powder, tablet, or capsule form to supplement daily intake.