We all realise that inflammation is the cause for all disease especially lifestyle issues such as heart disease, high cholesterol, hypertension and diabetes. We lead stressful lives where we train too hard, work long hours, sweat the small stuff and don’t sleep nearly enough. Chronic exposure to stress in the long term leads to systemic inflammation, a compromised immune system and adrenal fatigue. Luckily for us, we’ve got Shuddha Foods to help with some of that stuff.
Shuddha, started by Raghav and Devika Modi is a health food brand that promotes healthy lifestyles and harnessing the nutrients from plant based foods. Based on the premise that you should consume foods free from processed sugar, dairy gluten, preservatives and GMO as ‘Live Free’ remains their mantra. Their product range can be divided into four broad categories- dairy free mylks, superfood smoothies, juices and aloe vera water. All of the products above are made using the best hand picked produced, sweetened only when absolutely necessary with dates or coconut sugar.
About the founders-
Devika Modi is a nutrition and fitness enthusiast, who has been an investment banker in London for the larger part of her career; she now lives in New Delhi and is combining both her skill set from her financial background with her passion for health and nutrition at Shuddha Foods.
Raghav Modi is a fitness enthusiast and also the co-founder of Sumaya, the specialised personal training studio. Over the last years he has competed in several half marathons and triathlons. His fitness driven lifestyle naturally involves a passion for nutrition as well.
They have great synergy and work together as they engage others and encourage them to adopt healthier lives. They are currently currently co-owners of “Sumaya”. “Sumaya” is a high end personal training studio operating from 3 centres currently, located at the Manor Hotel in New Delhi, Panchsheel and Ananda Hotels and Resort in Rishikesh.
The review-
Shuddha Foods sent over a large batch of juices and smoothies to my house the other day. They have a pretty comprehensive range of flavours and blends but I am going to focus on my favourites for the purpose of this review.
Incredible Acai smoothie- a delicious blend of bananas, blackberries, honey, Acai berry, chia seeds, unsweetened almond mylk and strawberries. Claims- excellent sources of fiber and cardio protective omega 3 fatty acids, fights free radicals that accelerate disease and ageing and provides cardio vascular support. This gorgeous smoothie caught my eye at Studio 60 after a spinning class but they were sold out before I could get to them. Sigh! Anyway, I am a huge Acai berry fan and even though its almost impossible to get Acai berry powder in India- Shuddha managed just in time. Acai, (pronounced ah-sigh-EE) is an amazonian superfood that is a highly nutrient dense fruit known for its curative properties. Researchers claim that they contain more antioxidants than other berries and are recommended to patients with chronic disease to help fight inflammation. The smoothie was delightful and I loved the clever addition of chia seeds to add a bit of crunch and texture. I don’t do juice only cleanses so I had a few almonds with mine and it left me sated until lunch time. I also find that you can use this smoothie as a base for your breakfast smoothie bowl and top it off with coconut, granola, oatmeal and more berries.
Perfect Protein- bananas, dates, cinnamon, raw cacao, almond butter, almond mylk and flaxseeds. Claims- improves athletic performance, strengthens bones and muscles, provides energy and sustained blood sugar levels. This smoothie is perfect for a post workout pick me up particularly when you need slow digesting sugars and fats for recovery. It tastes a little bit like a chocolate –banana milkshake without all the sugars and calories. Sweetened only with dates and bananas, its the perfect smoothie to refuel and makes for a great breakfast alternative when you are in a hurry. I couldn’t decide which one I liked more the ‘Acai’ or the ‘Perfect Protein’ but I could happily have both everyday.
Anti Ox Superfood Smoothie- coconut water strawberries, bananas, raspberry, blueberries, honey, mint leaves. Claims- good for skin, hair and nails as they are rich in Vitamin E and Biotin. Help fight free radicals with all the antioxidants and controls bingeing through the day by keeping you sated. This berry predominant smoothie had just the right amount of tart, sweetness and acidity. Perfect as a post workout recovery drink- the brilliant ‘Anti Ox’ smoothie has potassium from coconut water and bananas. The mint leaves help calm and soothe an upset tummy and can cool your stomach down on a particularly hot day. Shuddha Foods is very careful about the honey they use and only insist on organic wildflower honey and use a tiny bit to sweeten the drink.
Lean Green- a concoction with pineapple, spirulina, spinach, coconut oil, coconut water and honey. Spirulina is a powerful superfood made from blue-green algae that is the most nutrient dense food in the world. A rich source of vitamins, antioxidants, omega 3’s- it is assimilated better when consumed with fat like coconut oil. This mean green juice is bursting at the seams with cardio protective fats that will raise good cholesterol, keep your ticker healthy and keep you sated until lunch time. The pineapple and honey help balance some of the bitterness from the spinach and the spirulina . I try and incorporate spirulina into my breakfast everyday and don’t mind grabbing a few bottles of this to go. If you find it too bitter- you could always blend some vanilla and berries into it for good measure.
V8- tomato, parsley, lemon, ginger, sea salt, carrot, celery, cucumber, spinach and beetroot. Claims blood sugar control and diabetic friendly and rich sources of vitamin A, C And K. I used to love it when they used to stock V8 in India because it would feel like you were drinking a Bloody Mary sans the alcohol. This rendition of the ‘V8’ could give you wings with all the antioxidants from mostly organic produce, the adaptogenic qualities of ginger and the iron from the spinach and beets. The addition of sea salt helps marry all the ingredients together whilst helping maintain electrolyte balance.
Verdict- Shuddha Foods is doing it the right way and are being able to hold their own despite all the competition in the juice and smoothie market. I absolutely love their creative blends with Spirulina, Acai and Raw Cacao and can’t wait to see what they launch next. Competitively priced and easily available- you can either subscribe directly through their website or you could pick it up from one of the gyms or grocers below. If you haven’t tried them yet-I suggest you start with the Acai, Perfect Protein, Turmeric Milk and the Anti Ox. I wish the Shuddha Foods team all the very best in their health food endeavour.
Gyms:
Studio60,Anatomy,Sumaya@Zehen,Sumaya and Om Yoga Studio
Retail:
Malik Brothers, Health is wealth store
Devang House@ Amatra
Quick Notes-
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shuddhafoods/app/190322544333196/
For Orders- 011 65650573
Website: www.shuddhafoods.com
Instagram account: shuddha foods
