Vegan Superfood Shake

WHAT IS A SUPERFOOD?

Superfoods are nutrient powerhouses that pack large doses of antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins, minerals, clean protein, enzymes, essential fatty acids and amino acids.  Eating them may reduce the risk of chronic disease, and prolong life, and people who eat more of them are generally healthier than those who don’t.  Superfoods provide nutrient dense foods that provide the building blocks for a healthy and strong body and metabolism.

Superfoods are sourced from wild or organic soil, soil that is rich in the natural microbes that live in the soil.  These microbes enable the nutrients and minerals in the soil, to become bio-available to the plants; which in turn makes these nutrients available to us.  Healthy soil contains strong and diverse microbial activity.  “In a handful of soil, there are more microbes, bacteria and fungi; than there are humans on the face of the Earth.”  Healthy soil is free of toxins.  That includes herbicide residues, insecticides and chemical fertilisers.  Microbes can release nutrients and minerals in the soil and make them bioavailable to plants, produce hormones that spur growth, stimulate the plant immune system and trigger or dampen stress responses.  In general a more diverse soil microbiome results in fewer plant diseases and higher yield.

NUTRIENTS AVAILABLE IN AWAKEN VEGAN SUPERFOOD SHAKE

Mesquite
Mesquite powder is abundant in soluble fibre that is absolutely essential for a smooth digestion and healthy gut flora. Mesquite is an excellent natural sweetener and it has a very low glycaemic index because of all the fibre that slows down its absorption rate. It does not cause blood sugar spikes. Mesquite powder is a great source of omega 3 oils, which are important to lower inflammation and to keep cardiovascular issues, strokes and cancer away. Mesquite powder is a fantastic anti-fungal that can prevent and get rid of fungal infections in your body. Mesquite powder contains plenty of zinc, which is great for boosting your immune system and helping with recovery from illness. Mesquite powder contains up to 30 percent protein. It also contains lots of calcium for your bone health, magnesium for enzyme production, relaxation and mental health, copper and iron for keeping anaemia away and potassium for water regulation and muscle recovery. Mesquite can also prevent headaches and migraines.

Lucuma
Beloved by the Incas, Lucuma is a super nutritious Peruvian fruit that contains beta carotene, iron, zinc, vitamin B3, calcium, and protein. Recent research shows that lucuma may be helpful for supporting skin health, blood sugar, and even cardiovascular health.

While it does contain a mellow sweetness, it’s low on the glycaemic scale and typically suitable for diabetics. Recent studies have shown that lucuma oil may be helpful for supporting wound healing by encouraging the activation of healing factors within the skin. Lucuma is rich in antioxidants, which means it helps to fight and prevent disease, and slow the aging process. It also contains 14 essential trace minerals.

Cocoa
Cocoa powder is made by crushing cocoa beans and removing the fat or cocoa butter. Cocoa is one of the richest sources of polyphenols. Polyphenols are naturally occurring antioxidants found in foods like fruits, vegetables, tea, chocolate and wine. They have been linked to numerous health benefits, including reduced inflammation, better blood flow, lower blood pressure and improved cholesterol and blood sugar levels. It is especially abundant in flavanols, which have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Cocoa may Reduce High Blood Pressure by Improving Nitric Oxide levels. Cocoa may also improve mood and symptoms of depression, as a result of the high levels of tryptophan in cocoa, which is converted to the natural mood stabiliser serotonin.

Maca Root Powder
Maca is a Peruvian plant grown in the Andes mountains. It is a cruciferous vegetable, meaning that it is related to broccoli, cabbage, and kale. Maca also has many health benefits which include: increasing libido, boosting energy and endurance, increasing fertility, improving mood, reducing blood pressure, reducing sun damage, fighting free radicals, reducing menopause symptoms and
improving learning and memory.

Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are among the healthiest foods on the planet. They are loaded with nutrients that can have important benefits for your body and brain. Chia Seeds Deliver a massive amount of nutrients with very few calories. In the past few years, they have exploded in popularity and these tiny seeds pack a powerful nutritional punch. Chia seeds are rich in fibre, protein, omega 3 oils, calcium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, zinc, vitamin B’s and potassium. They are loaded with antioxidants and are very low in carbohydrates and may assist in reducing chronic inflammation.

Hemp protein powder
Hemp protein is derived from hemp seeds, which are the seeds of the hemp plant. Hemp seeds are exceptionally nutritious and rich in healthy fats, protein and various minerals. Hemp powder is exceptionally rich in two essential fatty acids, linoleic acid (omega 6), alpha-linolenic acid (omega 3) and gamma-linolenic acid, which has been linked to several health benefits. Hemp powder is a great protein source, as more than 25% of the total calories are from high-quality protein. Hemp is also also a great source of vitamin E and minerals, such as phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, iron and zinc. Hemp powder may also reduce the risk of heart disease.

Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds contain very much the same nutrients as hemp powder. However the hemp seeds have a higher concentration of the essential fatty acids, omega 3’s and omega 6’s. The hemp powder has a higher concentration of protein but the protein levels in the hemp seeds is also considerably high.

Coconut Flower Sugar
Regular table sugar and high fructose corn syrup, don’t contain any vital nutrients and therefore supply “empty” calories. Coconut sugar does retain quite a bit of the nutrients found in the coconut palm. Most notable of these are the minerals iron, zinc, calcium and potassium, along with some short-chain fatty acids like polyphenols and antioxidants. It also contains a fibre called inulin, which may slow glucose absorption and explain why coconut sugar has a lower glycaemic index than regular table sugar.