10 Nutrient-Dense Ingredients to Boost Your Protein Shake

1. A tablespoon of Cacao to improve your mood

Derived from Cacao beans found in the forests in Latin America, this fine powder possesses many health-boosting benefits.

Cacao is rich in micronutrients known as polyphenols, which have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties as well as improving LDL cholesterol (the bad kind) levels.

Due to its high concentration of flavonoids, cacao may help improve blood vessel function.

The boost in nitric oxide leads to improved blood flow, including the blood supply to the brain, which has been shown to produce cognitive enhancement, decrease stress and have positive effects on our mood.

Moreover, cacao’s favourable effects on the hormone insulin mean it can also play an important role in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.

Pop a tablespoon of cacao into your Bulk Nutrients protein shake to add a rich flavoursome kick!

2. Chia Seeds will pack your smoothie full of Omega 3, key minerals, and antioxidants

Pound for pound perhaps the most powerful ingredient on this list, Chia Seeds deliver huge amounts of nutrients in relatively small doses, and boast 30% fibre: 30-34 grams of fibre per 100 grams!

This added fibre to your protein shake can aid in weight loss by helping you feel fuller for longer.

Chia seeds are also full of Omega 3 fats and make up approximately 30 per cent of the RDI (recommended daily intake) of magnesium, phosphorus and manganese in a 2 tablespoon serving.

Furthermore, the high antioxidant content in Chia Seeds aids the body in fighting against the production of free radicals, meaning these tiny seeds will pack a health-favourable punch to any shake.

Shoot for 15-20 grams of Chia Seeds with your shake.

3. Add some healthy fats and a creamy texture with Almond butter

Need to add a little creaminess to your shake? Almond butter has many health-boosting nutrients, including vitamin E, which has been shown to help prevent the development of plaque in our arteries.

The high amount of monounsaturated fats found in Almond Butter help to decreasel LDL cholesterol whilst increasing its healthier brother HDL cholesterol. This can be very beneficial for heart health! Being high in calcium too, almond butter can also help us maintain healthy blood pressure.

If your protein shake needs some more creaminess and nutty goodness -- look no further than a tablespoon of this little treat!

4. Blend in some nutritious leafy green Spinach

More likely to be found in a salad, don't dismiss the possibility of throwing this nutritious leafy green into the blender!

Spinach provides the body with large amounts of the vital vitamins and minerals that we need to function and thrive, including Vitamin A, Vitamin B6 and B9, Vitamin C, calcium and iron.

Moreover, the plant compounds in spinach such as nitrates and lutein have been found to promote heart health and eye health.

Like many of the other ingredients on this list, spinach also contains antioxidants that have been shown to help prevent oxidative damages to the body, which is important for nurturing healthy functioning organs.

100 grams will do the trick!

5. Whole grain oats in your shake helps you feel fuller for longer

A well balanced and versatile source of nutrients, whole grain oats are packed with energy delivering carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, fibre, and vitamins and minerals.

Oats contain the powerful soluble fibre beta-glucan, which has been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol, promote healthy gut bacteria and regulate our blood sugar.

Beta-glucan also promotes the release of the satiety hormone Peptide YY which helps us feel full for longer -- perfect if you’re trying to lose weight!

Moreover, Avenanthramides are polyphenols found exclusively in oats which increase the production of nitric oxide. This can lead to better blood flow and may help us to lower blood pressure.

Add half a cup of wholegrain oats to your next Bulk Nutrients protein shake, and watch it turn into a thick, satisfying and nutrient-dense smoothie!

6. Add Bananas for natural sweetness that's packed with important minerals

The world's second most popular fruit is popular for many very good reasons: they provide the body with many of the most important nutrients.

An excellent fuel source for training and competition, the easily digestible natural sugars make bananas an ideal addition to a pre workout shake.

Bananas are a valuable source of magnesium and potassium, important for regulating blood pressure and promoting heart health.

Bananas go well with almost any flavour of our protein powders, so add this flavoursome fruit whenever you want!

7. Add superfruit Acai berries to protect your brain and heart

This Amazonian superfruit has blasted itself into the health stratosphere over the past decade, due to its potentially positive effect on the health of brain cells.

Acai contains multiple plant compounds including anthocyanins, which act as a powerful antioxidant for the body and play a positive role in maintaining cardiovascular health.

Moreover, Acai contains three times the amount of antioxidants as blueberries -- another fruit popular due to its health benefits.

Keep in mind: Acai berries are a superior option to some of the cafe Acai bowl options that contain many added sweeteners and thus calories!

8. Spice up your smoothie with Cinnamon for better heart health

Jerry Seinfeld once paid the ultimate tribute to cinnamon: “Anytime someone says: ‘Ooh this is so good what's in this?’” The answer invariably comes back - CINNAMON!”

We think Jerry’s right on the money!

Studies suggest cinnamon can reduce LDL cholesterol, promote better heart health, and help us lower blood pressure.

Although more research is needed, at this stage, cinnamon’s anti-inflammatory properties contain numerous compounds that researchers think may be favourable to inhibiting Alzheimer's disease.

1-2 teaspoons of cinnamon will spice up your next shake!

9. MCT oil will give you the extra energy to tackle your day

Medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil has been shown to be a great inducer of satiety -- perfect for when fat loss is your goal!

Diets that include MCT oil have been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol, increase the production of HDL cholesterol, and aid in fat loss.

Moreover, due to its superior absorbability compared to long-chain triglycerides found in most fat sources, MCTs can be used as an instant energy source.

Two tablespoons will give you what you need!

10. Tri Fibre+ supplement will help you to become more regular

In the perfect world, we’d get enough fibre every day: 50 grams to be exact. But we don’t live in the perfect world! So that’s why we have a fibre supplement for the days you can’t quite get enough.

Fibre is great for fat loss as it increases chewing time and delays the time it takes for food to pass through your stomach. This means you're fuller for longer and are less likely to overeat.

Moreover, fibre encourages the growth of a more favourable gut microbiome, associated with lower long-term weight gain. It’s for these reasons that researchers suggest that fibre allows for an "increased ease of weight loss".

Our Bulk Nutrients Tri Fibre+ supplement has 5 grams of fibre per serve, and can be a great addition to your shake daily!

So, there are ten ingredients you can swap out whenever you chose, for more flavour and potentially better health!

A final list of 10 nutrient-dense ingredients

In summary here is the final list of 10 nutrient-dense ingredients that will take your shake to the next level!

Add one, or two, or all of these to your next smoothie and enjoy the great taste and additional health benefits!