At Shaka, we believe in the power of nutrient dense foods as a means of healing the body. If you eat well, you feel well. If you feel well, you will always be well. It all starts with food. Here are just a few ingredients we use consistently and a bit about why they are great for you.
The acaí berry. It’s gotten quite popular, but can you blame it? Loaded with antioxidants, acai berries boost brain function, have a possible anti-cancer effect, and are known to improve cholesterol levels. Fun Fact: Compared to other fruits, they have a unique nutritional profile as they’re somewhat higher in fat but low in sugar, making for a great base in our bowls.
With more potassium than a banana, avocados are an awesome source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids. Incredibly nutritious and delicious, this fruit (yes, not a vegetable!) is loaded with fiber and can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
An ingredient that not many know of but should, bee pollen is one of the world’s most nutrient-dense foods. Rich in minerals, vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, and antioxidants, it is the immune system booster you never knew you needed. Not only is it great for when you’re feeling sick, but it also enhances vitality, improves alertness, and provides a natural source of energy, as it aids concentration.
We all love chocolate, but your favorite candy bar doesn’t have genuine health benefits. On the other hand, cacao nibs are the purest form of chocolate and contain all the health benefits you could want! Packed with fiber and loaded with antioxidants, these nibs are the perfect topping on any acai or pitaya bowl. Added bonus–they are packed with potassium, iron, and magnesium, which are key players in the body that many of us are deficient in.
Sure, blueberries are the most well-known antioxidant source, but there’s a new kid in town. Say hello to cacao powder. This powder has 40 TIMES MORE antioxidants than blueberries. Not only that, but it is also considered the highest plant-based source of iron, a natural mood elevator, and has a perfect amount of magnesium for a healthy heart and brain.
Did you know that celery is an herb, NOT a veggie? Well, now you do! That's why it's considered to be incredibly nutrient-dense. Known for its powerful anti-inflammatory effects, 16 oz. a day can help with acid reflux, bloating, IBS, constipation, acne, eczema, and more.
Simple but powerful. Chia seeds are packed with fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, making them the perfect addition to smoothies, oatmeal, and more.
This superfood is loaded with healthy saturated fats. Coconut oil raises your HDL (good) cholesterol and lowers your risk of heart disease. Beyond that, it also aids in weight loss, makes for a great moisturizer, improves brain function, and kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Fats are essential for the body, especially when it comes to hormones. Flax seeds are loaded with omega-3 fats and are a rich source of lignans, which help to reduce cancer risk.
A go-to topping for acai bowls or oatmeals, goji berries are a great source of antioxidants. They help prevent cancer growth, improve blood sugar, boost natural energy levels, and improve cholesterol!
Ever found your pounding down too much coffee and just getting anxious? Well, matcha is a great option. Matcha has 137 times MORE antioxidants than regular brewed green tea, High in antioxidants, matcha boosts metabolism, detoxifies your body, and naturally relaxes the body and calms the brain because it contains L-Theanine. So, you can say goodbye to those coffee jitters. One matcha a day allows you to get in vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc, and more all while preventing disease!
Protein. A major player in the body and one of the three primary macronutrients, protein allows us to feel satisfied with every meal. Adding a scoop of protein to your favorite Shaka smoothie will help minimize inflammation and allow your muscles to recover and work more efficiently. You can say that we're about the gains.
The acaí’s other half: pitaya. High in nutrients, pitaya is loaded with fiber and plays a huge role in gut health throughout the body. Perfect for strengthening the immune system, boosting low iron levels, and providing a good source of magnesium, it is very high in nutrients and helps fight chronic diseases.
The perfect addition to any smoothie, spirulina powder is high in protein and vitamins, such as B1, B2, B3, copper, and iron. This blue-green powder–which has the 'gram going crazy–contains amounts of almost every nutrient that you need, such as potassium, manganese, and magnesium.
Popeye would be proud. Spinach is an outstanding option for adding to smoothies or using as a salad base. The calcium found in spinach can help strengthen your bones to fight injury, while vitamins A & C, fiber, folic acid, and more fight against colon and breast cancer. We can't promise it will grow your biceps, but it will protect against high blood pressure and heart disease.
