PANCs: Hidden Superfoods Supporting Human Health and the Planet — A Functional Medicine Toronto Fact Sheet

Integrating herbal medicine, superfoods, and PANCs into our daily diet goes beyond basic nourishment—it reflects the principles of Toronto area functional medicine by supporting whole-body health while helping sustain the ecosystems that support our well-being.

PANCs is the acronym for Plantas Alimentícias Não Convencionais; they’re commonly referred to as unconventional edible plants (UEPs) in the English language. These edible species are not normally found in modern commercial agriculture, but utilized in traditional Amazonian indigenous diets. “These are plants that have one or more edible parts, such as leaves, roots, fruits, and flowers, whether spontaneous or cultivated, native or exotic, which are not part of the “traditional” diet of consumers…,” confirms a Food Research International piece. 

Globally, there are over 30,000 known edible plant species, yet large-scale agricultural industries focus on farming fewer than 200 species. In Brazil – which is a vital reservoir for known and yet-discovered PANCs – there are over 10,000 PANCs species, though scientists suspect this number could be far higher. Much of this plant life is located in the Amazon rainforest, which covers about 60% of Brazil’s territory. 

As these plants are often rich in nutrients and compounds, they’re considered a resource for food as medicine. Scientists have even confirmed that consuming PANCs could potentially “…improve nutrition and solve problems related to malnutrition in certain countries,” confirms an International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation article. 

PANCs are rich in vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, proteins, amino acids, and antioxidants. These nutrient-dense qualities position them as true superfoods, making them valuable for supporting preventive health and as an adjunct in reducing the risk of chronic disease within a functional medicine protocol. In this article, we introduce PANCs by exploring their potential health benefits, examples of plant varieties, and their role in supporting both human health and environmental sustainability.

Key health benefits

PANCs can be successfully cultivated with less water and chemicals. This means their nutrient levels are preserved, helping to nourish your body with a wide spectrum of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. Here are some advantages to consuming PANCs: 

• Many PANCs are high in fibre, making them beneficial for digestive health. They may also help support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, contributing to a healthy microbiome.
• PANCs are jam-packed with bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, anthocyanins, and carotenoids. These compounds can help modulate excessive inflammation, one of the key drivers in the formation of chronic disease. 
• These plants contain key vitamins, including vitamins A, C, E and K. PANCs have “…nutritional value [that] is similar – or even higher – as compared to traditional vegetables and can be consumed in various forms, including fresh, dried, frozen, or canned,” says a MOJ Food Processing & Technology paper.

Furthermore, incorporating these plants into personal wellness practices supports environmental sustainability and helps preserve natural habitats, including regions such as the Amazon rainforest. Environmental changes, including deforestation, have been associated with disruptions to Indigenous communities and their traditional ways of life. These plant foods may also play a role in supporting the continuity of traditional culinary and botanical knowledge that has been passed down through generations.

Examples of PANCs

Below we list a few examples of PANCs and why traditional populations might select them: 

• Ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata): A climbing cactus with leaves that contain proteins and iron.
• Taioba (Xanthosoma sagittifolium): A tropical flowering plant added to soups and sautéed dishes. It contains vitamin C, iron, calcium, and potassium. 
• Jambu (Acmella oleracea): Known for its unique tingling effect, this herb is added to regional stews and infusions, acting as an analgesic and anesthetic. 
• Lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina): A velvety leaf that resembles fish when it’s fried. It contains antiseptic properties suitable for treating skin infections. 
• Beldroega (Purslane): A leafy green bursting with omega-3s and antioxidants. It may be beneficial for managing bone health, as it holds impressive amounts of calcium and magnesium. 

The role of PANCs in planetary care

Many types of PANCs do not require fertilizers or pesticides to thrive; they actually have the ability to grow in degraded soils. Thus, the growth of PANCs for dietary needs is compatible with reforestation strategies and regenerative food systems. Embracing these plants is a nutritional decision and an act of biodiversity conservation. Here’s how: 

• Recognizing PANCS upholds genetic diversity in food and medicinal plant supplies.
• Consuming them supports climate resilience, as many of these plants are resistant to pesticides. 
• PANCs aid in the revival of traditional farming, helping to reduce deforestation pressures. 

For us as people, PANCs are like forgotten superfoods that can help us reduce chronic health risks. For our environment, cultivating these plants helps mend sustainability, lessen carbon footprints, and improve food security. Culturally speaking, though, PANCs connect us to ancestral traditions, culinary creativity, and food sovereignty. This awareness for PANCs is like a full circle moment, in which our world feeds us and we give back by helping to feed our planet with care and preservation. 

The traditional use of botanicals often aligns with modern lab studies, reinforcing roles in functional medicine therapies. How can botanical remedies – such as PANCs – impact your wellness? Learn about our services below and you’ll find our contact details at the bottom of this page. 

Suggested reading: Maca Root for Stress and Libido: A Functional Medicine Toronto Fact Sheet

Reap the benefits of a personalized wellness plan

If you want to learn about food as a first-line therapy, our Toronto integrative & functional medicine clinic is that resource! Our functional naturopathic doctor has extensive experience working with food as medicine, having hands-on experience with pharmacognosy and agricultural engineering. Due to this proficiency, our clinic can intertwine herbal medicine and other botanicals – such as PANCs – into a personalized medicine plan. This unique plan may integrate treatments related to allopathic/western medicine, holistic nutrition, cognitive-behavioral therapy, acupuncture (Traditional Chinese Medicine), naturopathic medicine, hormone optimization programs, and nutritional IV therapy.  

To tailor therapies for biological needs, we offer functional laboratory testing to our patients. Some of these lab tests cannot be accessed by conventional medicine clinics and they can disclose microscopic insights into your gut health status, hormonal balance, deficiencies, and more. We offer DUTCH testing, various stool analyses, hair mineral tests, IgG food antibody tests, among others.  

We are proud to emphasize a patient-centered approach to wellness. You have the opportunity to collaborate with our healthcare practitioners as your treatment plan is being drafted. When patients understand the essentials of their health conditions, including formation and treatment outcomes, there’s a chance of adhering to lifestyle modifications. Our aim is for you to be comfortable and confident with your wellness enhancements!

PANCs are nutrient-rich superfoods that may support gut health, energy levels, and overall wellness. Learn how a personalized functional and holistic medicine approach at the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre can help you integrate them into your lifestyle. simply contact us to request your initial session.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media. 

References

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de Carvalho, A. F. U., et al. (2011). Nutritional and Functional Potential of Native Plants from Brazil. Food Research Int., 44(8), 2320–2331.

De Oliveira, Izamara, et al. “Nutritional and Bioactive Characterization of Unconventional Food Plants for Sustainable Functional Applications.” Sustainability, vol. 17, no. 15, 2025, p. 6718, https://doi.org/10.3390/su17156718. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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Ferreira, Clara P., et al. “Nutritional Composition, Phenolic Compounds and Biological Activities of Selected Unconventional Food Plants.” Food Research International, vol. 191, 2024, p. 114643, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114643. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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Grivetti, L.E. and Ogle, B.M. (2000) Value of Traditional Foods in Meeting Macro and Micronutrient Needs. The Wild Plant Connection. Nutrition Research Reviews, 13, 31-46.https://doi.org/10.1079/095442200108728990

Kinupp, Valdely F., et al. “Non-Conventional Food Plants (Plantas AlimentíCias NãO Convencionais (PANC)) of the PetróPolis–TeresóPolis Crossing, Serra Dos ÓRgãOs National Park, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.” Wild, vol. 1, no. 1, 2024, pp. 17-29, https://doi.org/10.3390/wild1010002. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

Kinupp, V. F., & Lorenzi, H. (2014). Plantas Alimentícias Não Convencionais (PANC) no Brasil. Instituto Plantarum.

Liboredo JC, Fonseca UAC, Amaral CAA. Unconventional food plants: knowledge and consumption in a state in southeastern Brazil. MOJ Food Process Technols. 2023;11(2):133-139 DOI: 10.15406/mojfpt.2023.11.00291

Magro, Débora & Foralosso, Fabiana & Júnior, Alvaro & Fronza, Nei & Silveira, Sheila & Gonzalez, Samantha. (2021). UNCONVENTIONAL FOOD PLANTS (PANCs): A REVIEW. Journal of Agricultural Sciences Research (2764-0973). 1. 2-6. 10.22533/at.ed.9732111111.

Mariutti, Lilian R. B., et al. “The Use of Alternative Food Sources to Improve Health and Guarantee Access and Food Intake.” Food Research International, vol. 149, 2021, p. 110709, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2021.110709. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

Meireles, Taís. “Have You Heard of PANC: Non-Conventional Food Plants?” WWF Brasil, 17 Jan. 2020. WWF-Brasil, https://www.wwf.org.br/?74882/Have-you-heard-of-PANC-Non-Conventional-Food-Plants. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

Miranda CTCDS, Soares SD, de Oliveira WQ, Lima AS, Neri Numa IA, Pastore GM. Unconventional Edible Plants of the Amazon: Bioactive Compounds, Health Benefits, Challenges, and Future Trends. Foods. 2024 Sep 15;13(18):2925. doi: 10.3390/foods13182925. PMID: 39335854; PMCID: PMC11431067.

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Original article "Toronto Functional Medicine Centre – (416) 968-6961" first appeared in the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website.

Toxins and Nutrient Deficiencies Are Linked – Our Toronto IV Therapy Lounge Explains How

From inhaling air pollution to touching dirty surfaces, we make contact with toxins every day. Luckily, the immune system is designed to protect you from invaders – but to do this, your immune health needs help from some friends called … nutrients!

Key nutrient levels are needed for supporting immune function. For some people, though, filling in nutritional pockets may be easier said than done, especially since we have unique lifestyles, diets, genes, and environmental surroundings. According to a Frontiers in Nutrition report, “…inappropriate nutrient consumption is associated with development of major human diseases due to an immune system not properly functioning.” 

Bottom line: when you don’t have enough essential nutrients in your body, your defenses against pathogens can weaken, too. 

So, ask yourself this – are you aware of any nutrient deficiencies in your body that might be affecting your immune function? When you think about it, optimizing these levels can be challenging. In our fast-paced society, ultra-processed foods are frequently consumed; soil depletion is causing fruits and vegetables to lack nutrients; chronic stress is ‘eating up’ nutrient levels; and, as we age, our absorption of nutrients can alter from digestive changes or chronic conditions. Clearly, paying attention to nutrition is required for fostering immunity. 

Here in this article, the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre briefly emphasizes: 

• The role nutrients have on immune health;
• How toxins and vitamin deficits are related;
• Quick tips for nourishing the body with nutrients;
• How intravenous therapy works in our IV Lounge. 

How nutrients affect immune function

It only takes one nutritional deficiency to impede the immune system, especially if you’re lacking zinc, vitamin A, iron, folate, or selenium. 

Vitamins, minerals, and amino acids assist with immunity in numerous ways; they may act as antioxidants to protect against cellular damage; help construct antibodies; and even foster the growth of immune cells. “Similarly, trace elements or metals act as enzyme cofactors and control different immune response cycles by controlling the expression of cytokines, chemokines, and other signaling molecules,” explains an Archives of Razi Institute report. 

The link between toxins and nutrient deficiencies

Studies have confirmed that people who lack basic nutrition tend to heighten their infection risks. Below, we list examples of some nutrient deficits and their roles in the formation/severity of getting sick: 

• Iron deficiency: Iron is one of the key drivers of immune function, creating lymphocytes that can help you respond to infections. Lacking iron can impede detoxification processes and, upon heavy metal exposures, can encourage the body to unnecessarily absorb lead and cadmium. 
• Vitamin A deficiency: This vitamin supports lung functions and the mucosal barrier; when you’re lacking vitamin A, you could be susceptible to forming respiratory ailments. This deficiency may also lead to digestive discomforts, as vitamin A helps manage the gut microbiome. Without this nutrient, you could be at risk of boosting intestinal permeability. 

Older adults are particularly vulnerable to forming vitamin and mineral deficiencies. These shortcomings can be caused by various factors, such as poor appetite, a chronic illness, depression, medications interacting with the absorption of nutrients, and a lack of funds and/or transportation to access food. Thus, balanced nutrition should be recognized and practiced for all life stages. And taking a functional medicine approach to your health may be beneficial for your personal nutrition, especially for supporting long-term health goals. 

Strategies for boosting nutrient levels

Keep in mind, when you optimize nutrient levels, it doesn’t guarantee that you’ll never get affected by germs and toxins! You may still catch an illness; but you might experience less-severe symptoms. Immunity optimization is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle either – regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and stress management must be combined with nutrient-enhancing tips to optimize immune function. 

With that, read these tips to ramp your nutrient levels: 

• Explore the Mediterranean Diet: Meet with our holistic nutritionist about adopting a Mediterranean-based diet. It embraces fresh fruits, vegetables, fish and healthy fatty acids, and may be beneficial for lowering inflammation and leaky gut.   
• Take oral supplements: Functional naturopathic doctors may prescribe complementary nutrient therapy, such as oral vitamins. Some oral supplements can come with side effects (i.e. upset stomach) or medication interactions, so it’s to your advantage to speak to a health provider before trying new supplements. 
• Book an IV therapy session: If you’re struggling with malabsorption, you can get a custom-made IV drip prepared. In our IV Lounge, we dose vitamin and mineral drips for biological needs – we can blend an IV drip with the nutrients that you’re personally lacking or customize one to target a wellness goal.

If you’re curious about your vitamin levels, you’re welcome to access our lab services. We use functional medicine testing to measure how your current health status is holding up; these tests scrutinize biomarkers to help us explore the root cause of your mineral deficiencies, oxidative stress amounts, hormone imbalances, etc. In some cases, functional testing can point out details that conventional tests may not be capable of catching. Contact us today to replenish your nutrient levels!

Suggested reading: Can Environmental Toxins Disrupt Your Skin? An IV Therapy Toronto Report

Visit our IV Lounge for functional vitamin drip therapy

When you become a new patient at the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, you gain access to our IV Lounge. This is where we blend fresh vitamin drip treatments with the principles of functional medicine, customizing therapeutic doses for your health goals only. 

Intravenous therapy provides you with an instant delivery of nutrients. There is no need for ingestion – instead, an infusion needle is inserted into a vein, allowing for a nutritional formula to bypass the digestive tract. This reduces your chances of experiencing side effects that can come with ingesting some oral vitamins. With IV therapy, nutrients are delivered directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system, which may be beneficial in certain clinical situations where absorption is impaired. This differs from oral supplements, where absorption can vary depending on individual digestive function

Regular drip therapies do not replace healthy living. When IV therapy is added to a regime of functional medicine therapies, a balanced diet and exercise, then they may assist with optimal health outcomes.

Our IV Lounge is closely supervised by our experienced team, which consists of naturopathic doctors, nurse practitioners and registered nurses. A wide range of IV drip nutrients are available, including essential minerals, high dose vitamin C therapy, several types of amino acids, and NAD+. Doses of vitamin D, glutathione, and B12 booster injections can also be customized, so feel free to ask us any questions about our nutritional treatments!

Furthermore, we are proud of our multidisciplinary approach to wellness. We are proficient in integrating conventional/Western therapies with natural therapies (i.e. naturopathic medicine, holistic nutrition, Traditional Chinese Medicine, etc.), herbal medicine, psychotherapy, hormone optimization treatments, and more. These modalities are adapted with the functional medicine model, and integrated therapies may be suitable for managing chronic conditions, stress levels, and blood pressure regulation. 

IV therapy from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre blends personalized healthcare with the rapid effects of intravenous therapy. What’s holding you back from enhancing your wellness? Let’s explore this today – new patients can request an initial consult now by clicking here.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media. 

References

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Hassan, Tamer H., et al. “Impact of Iron Deficiency Anemia on the Function of the Immune System in Children.” Medicine, vol. 95, no. 47, 2016, p. e5395, https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000005395. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.

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Kordas, Katarzyna, et al. “Interactions between Nutrition and Environmental Exposures: Effects on Health Outcomes in Women and Children,.” The Journal of Nutrition, vol. 137, no. 12, 2007, pp. 2794-2797, https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/137.12.2794. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.

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Mahaffey, K R., and J E. Vanderveen. “Nutrient-toxicant Interactions: Susceptible Populations.” Environmental Health Perspectives, vol. 29, 1979, p. 81, https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.792981. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.

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Original article "Toronto Functional Medicine Centre – (416) 968-6961" first appeared in the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website.