Mental

Omega-3 fatty acids provides docosahexaenoic acid for growth and function of nervous tissue. These essential fatty acids are also vital to the maintenance of healthy brain function over time, and facilitate communication between brain cells, which aids in learning and memory¹. Ka’Chava contains omega-3 fatty acids from chia seeds, flaxseeds, and sacha inchi seeds.

Iron helps produce hemoglobin, a protein that allows red blood cells to carry oxygen all over the body. With low iron levels, not enough oxygen reaches the brain, which can result in irritability, poor mood, an inability to concentrate². Iron also plays a role in regulating mood-enhancing neurotransmitters in the brain such as dopamine and GABA³, and studies suggest many people with depression are iron deficient⁴. Ka’Chava contains 30-42% of your daily iron needs from sources such as spinach, chlorella, chia seeds, amaranth, and oats.

Magnesium is an essential mineral used in more than 300 biochemical reactions that regulate physical and mental balance⁵. It plays a key role brain neurotransmitter pathways associated with depression; and symptoms such as apathy, depression, agitation, confusion, and anxiety have been linked to low magnesium intake⁶. Increasing magnesium intake has been shown to help people cope with stress⁷. Ingredients in Ka’Chava such as kale, spinach, and cocoa contain magnesium, and one serving of Ka’Chava packs 48-69% of your daily needs.

Potassium is an essential mineral required for brain function and nerve transmission, and it also helps offset the negative effects of excess sodium consumption. Recent research has found that a diet low in potassium (which can include carb-restricted diets) and high in sodium is predictive of future depression⁸. Ka’Chava contains 6-12% of your daily potassium needs from sources such as spinach, beets, brussels sprouts, broccoli, and quinoa.

Zinc is an essential mineral most well known for its impact on immunity, but it also plays a role in processes related to brain growth and function, and it’s increasingly linked to mental health and wellbeing. Research has associated zinc deficiency with symptoms of depression, ADHD, difficulty learning, and memory problems⁹—but restoring zinc levels seems to counteract some of these symptoms¹⁰. Zinc is predominantly found in animal-based foods, and a few plant foods like cashews—but Ka’Chava packs 68% of your daily zinc needs.

Selenium is an essential mineral needed for the proper functioning of proteins that act as protective antioxidants in the brain and nervous system¹¹. Low levels of selenium have been associated with depression¹² as well as low levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)¹³, a brain hormone that promotes neuroplasticity—the ability of our brain to make new neural connections. Ka’Chava contains 64% of your daily selenium needs from sources such as selenium chelate, spinach, oats, shiitake mushrooms, and brown rice.

B-complex vitamins (including vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, folate, biotin, and pantothenic acid) are essential for mental and emotional wellbeing¹⁴. They help convert carbs into energy that powers the brain¹⁵, and they turn amino acids into mood-regulating neurotransmitters such as serotonin¹⁶. Deficiencies in B vitamins are associated with dementia, depression, anxiety, and slowed mental processing¹⁷. Aside from vitamin B12 (found only in animal-based foods), B vitamins are found readily in a variety of fruits and vegetables. Ka’Chava contains 59-250% of your daily needs for all B-complex vitamins.

Vitamin C is so much more than a cold-buster. Preliminary research shows that people with higher levels of vitamin C in their blood have improved overall mood, while those with lower levels have increased depression, anger, and confusion¹⁸. Vitamin C has been proven more effective when taken with Vitamin E which are both in Ka’Chava product. Study shows that subjects who took Vitamin C and E have better cognitive function and a better chance of better mental performance¹⁹, likely due to its ability to combat oxidative stress²⁰. Ingredients in Ka’Chava such as acai berry, blackberries, spinach, and broccoli are high in vitamin C, and one serving of Ka’Chava contains 33% of your daily vitamin C needs.

Some research indicates that specific probiotic strains (including Lactobacillus rhamnosus) may help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety²¹—possibly by enhancing the health of the gut microbiome, which can relay messages and signals directly to the brain. Ka’Chava contains both L. rhamnosus and L. acidophilus probiotic strains.

Low levels of vitamin D, which are fairly common, are often associated with complaints of fatigue, depression, and poor cognitive performance²²—not exactly a recipe for good mental health. Fortunately, some studies have found that increasing vitamin D helps ease symptoms of depression and improve energy²³. While vitamin D is often difficult to find from plant-based dietary sources, Ka’Chava contains 25% of your daily needs.