In a sleep-deprived week (poorly toddler), and in the midst of pandemic fatigue wrapped up in winter blues, I was very excited to receive a package from SuperU. Containing their Shroom Coffee, Berry Beauty and Clean Greens powders, it was a little box of goodness poised to give me the boost I needed to get back on the healthy bandwagon.
Shroom Coffee
Almost as soon as it arrived I was brewing a mug of Shroom Coffee – a mix of coffee organic Instant Arabica Coffee with Maca, Chaga, Cordyceps and Lion’s Mane. I was expecting quite a creamy, umami, toffee-like maca flavour from the coffee, and I have to admit I was slightly disappointed by my first cup. The instant coffee overwhelmed the other flavours so it was just like, well a cup of instant coffee. However, when I made it a second time using half oat milk and half water, it was a lot more delicious and smoother to drink and I really enjoyed it.
I did also feel a positive boost from drinking it. The fatigue of a sleepless night appeared to be countered. I felt really switched on at work despite the lack of sleep. At just 50mg of caffeine, it contains less caffeine than a cup of tea (important to me as I’m pregnant and limited to a max. of 200mg/day). I also noticed that I didn’t suffer from any caffeine jitters that can come from drinking straight coffee.
The SuperU website gives a rundown of the benefits of the various mushrooms included in the Shroom Coffee. These include:
Chaga
Used for their immune-boosting properties and have shown to reduce inflammation.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps have been used as a supplement by athletes to help with their athletic performance. They helps stimulate the central nervous system and adrenal glands to support the release of energy.
Lion’s Mane
The Lion’s Mane mushroom helps support cognitive function by enhancing things like creativity, focus and memory.
Clean Greens
The Clean Greens powder incudes: baobab, known for health benefits including lowering blood pressure, promoting digestive health and balancing blood sugars. Barley grass, which is rich in protein, fibre and iron. Chlorella, high in a whole host of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants – which can help boost immune function and digestion. Moringa, high in vitamin C and pineapple, high in vitamins A, C and K, as well as bromelain, an enzyme only found in pineapples, which helps to digest food and support gut health. Green juice favourites, wheatgrass and spirulina. And camu camu berry, lauded for reducing inflammation and supporting immune function.
Clean Greens makes a good addition to a smoothie, or sprinkled over a salad. SuperU suggests a green smoothie with avocado, spinach, frozen mango and fresh apple juice. Or alternatively, mixing it in with energy balls, or even blitzed in with pesto! They also suggest just drinking with water, although I have to admit, the strong smell of spirulina and chlorella did put me off this idea!
Berry Beauty
The Berry Beauty mix contains chia seeds, acerola, maqui, acia, blueberry, cranberry, strawberry and maca root. The chia seeds provide fibre, calcium and antioxidants, while the Acerola cherry is a potent source of health-boosting antioxidants. Maqui berries have a high content of anthocyanins, a powerful antioxidant that protects against free radicals. Acai berries and blueberries are also known to be rich in antioxidants. Cranberries have been shown to boost the immune system and fight-off infection (like UTIs). Strawberries offer a delicious dose of Vitamins C & K, as well as minerals and fibre. Maca is an adaptogen and works to minimise the harmful effects of stress and fatigue on the body.
In terms of serving suggestions, the pack suggests mixing with water or adding to smoothies. I tried mixing it with just water and it wasn’t great. However mixed in with my porridge and whizzed up in a smoothie it was delicious. You can also try adding to overnight oats, which is yum.
Recipes
The SuperU website also includes an array of recipes to try with all of the powders, including Coffee Energy Balls, Berry Chia Jam and Clean Green Hummus.
About SuperU
SuperU was founded by Charlotte and Sean.
Charlotte was diagnosed with coeliac disease in 2012. She found adapting her lifestyle and diet to fit in with this diagnosis really daunting. She was introduced to various ‘superfoods’ including Acai, Baobab, Spirulina and Acerola by Sean. The result was that she had much more energy, her concentration improved and she felt less bloated.
After a few months of them both focusing on including more of these foods in their diet they felt healthier than ever. This sparked their desire to create their own products to help more people out there, feel and experience the power of Earth’s Natural Superfoods!
In November 2018 Sean was diagnosed with stage II Hodgkin’s lymphoma at the age of 26. After chemotherapy and radiotherapy, he received the all-clear and he is officially in remission. This experience made him more passionate than ever to encourage people to live healthier.
Sustainability
SuperU is partnered with One Tree Planted, a non-profit organisation who work with reforestation groups around the world to replenish Earth’s trees and forests.
Together with One Tree Planted they have pledged to plant one tree with every order.
Find out more
All products are available to order via the SuperU website, where you can also find a variety of recipes that include the powders.
SuperU are also on Instagram @wearesuperu
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