The Power of Unrefined Nutrition: Why Natural Foods and Supplements Matter
At a time when ultra-processed food and refined products dominate store shelves, we see a growing interest in the desire for natural, unprocessed and unrefined nutritions, food sources and products.
Many people want to take better care of their health, but navigating the jungle of foods and supplements can be challenging, especially when extensive processing, often called "ultra-processing," comes at the expense of nutritional quality. But what exactly does the term "unrefined" mean? And why is it so important?
What does unrefined mean?
When we talk about unrefined products, we are talking about foods and nutritional sources that are as close to their original form as possible. This involves minimal processing, the exclusion of unnecessary additives, and the preservation of essential nutrients. In nutrition and dietary supplements, this has become a growing trend, driven by increasing knowledge about how ultra-processing can reduce the nutritional value of food.
A good example of the difference between unrefined and refined products can be found in the omega-3 category. Omega-3 is an essential nutrient that plays an important role in the brain, heart and cell function. Omega-3 from Calanus oil is extracted using a gentle method that preserves all the original nutrients. This contrasts with many other sources of omega-3 products that undergo extensive processing and use of harsh solvents. Traditional omega-3 products often undergo extensive refining and purification, which can strip away important nutrients; Calanus oil does not.
The disadvantages of refining – What is lost?
Extensive processing and refining can remove important bioactive components, which affects how the body utilizes the nutrients. According to Professor Jan Raa, a renowned researcher in marine biotechnology, the natural interaction between different fatty acids plays a crucial role in achieving optimal health benefits. When this balance is disrupted through refining, the nutritional value of the product may be significantly reduced. Additionally, refining processes often remove essential fibers, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are naturally present in whole food sources, further diminishing the product’s overall health benefits.
Zooca® Calanus® Oil stands out as a unique product. The oil is extracted from zooplankton, Calanus finmarchicus, harvested in the cold and clean waters in the Norwegian Sea. Through a gentle process in which Calanus finmarchicus are gently heated, the oil is released without the need for extensive refining. This oil then contains all the components that are naturally found in the raw material. Since Calanus finmarchicus is a short-lived species at the lower end of the food chain, it does not accumulate harmful substances, and it is therefore also unnecessary to subject the oil to tough cleaning processes for the removal of heavy metals and rancidity products. This ensures a naturally pure oil.
The Growing Consumer Demand for Natural Alternatives
Consumers are increasingly aware of what they put into their bodies. This has led to an increase in demand for products with pure and natural ingredients. This trend is evident in several industries, such as food and skincare, and does not only apply to dietary supplements. The trend is driven by growing knowledge about the health benefits of unrefined products. Research indicates that natural products often have higher bioavailability, i.e. the body can more easily absorb and utilize the nutrients.
Natural Preservation and Durability
A key argument against unrefined products has been that refining and additives are often used to extend the life of the product. In Zooca® Calanus oil, the high natural content of the antioxidant astaxanthin works as a preservative that protects the oil from rancidity. This is a great example of how nature itself ensures both quality and shelf life without the need for artificial additives.
Sustainability and health
This is not just about health—it’s also about ensuring that valuable nutrients remain accessible to more people, without harming the planet in the process. Many of the extensive processes in the food and supplement industry require large resources and generate waste. Natural alternatives that preserve the raw material's full range of nutrients therefore also contribute to a more sustainable production model.
Zooca's resource, Calanus finmarchicus, is one of the most sustainable marine resources. With a biomass production of 290 million tons annually, Calanus finmarchicus reproduces at a rate twice that of the global fishery industry combined. This abundance makes it a renewable and sustainable source of nutrition that doesn’t threaten biodiversity or marine ecosystems when responsibly harvested.
Returning to Nature
Choosing the right fat makes a difference. Unrefined products are more than a trend – it's a return to how food and nutrition were originally meant to be. By choosing natural products, we avoid unnecessary additives and preserve products in their most nutritious form, providing the body with the nutrients it needs.
By choosing products like Zooca® Calanus® Oil, consumers can trust that they are getting a high-quality product with nothing unnecessary added and nothing beneficial removed. With its natural preservation, unprocessed purity, and commitment to sustainability, it meets the growing consumer demand for natural, effective, and ethical solutions.
Experience the power of truly clean label with Zooca® Calanus® Oil – where nothing is added, nothing is removed, and everything is naturally preserved – just as nature intended.
What is calanus oil?
A unique source of marine policosanols, over 40 different fatty acids, including the well-known omega-3s and high levels of astaxanthin.
Zooca® Calanus® Oil is extracted from the small zooplankton Calanus finmarchicus, a small crustacean harvested off Northern Norway.
Zooca® Calanus® Oil is so pure that it does not require purification or refining. This means that the nutrients are preserved in their natural form.
