Collaborations,  Eat or Retreat,  Product Reviews

Eat or Retreat: The new Cafe Clara El Maca by Jimm’s Coffee

Years before the launch of Cafe Clara, Jimm’s Coffee had already been enjoying immense popularity in the Philippine market. Thanks to its unique formulation, Jimm’s became known as a brand that gave the everyday cup of coffee a boost of health benefits while still maintaining delicious taste. A double whammy, if you will. People generally have a pretty good impression of Jimm’s, but I mostly remember how my grandfather was such a fan of this brand. He was a man who knew how to enjoy good food and this was his coffee of choice every morning.

In case you aren’t familiar, Jimm’s powers up their coffee with the help of herbs like the famous Korean ginseng, as well as different types of shrooms that have been proven to be good for your body. It also contains the superfood Spirulina.

But now they’ve come up with another variant to complement their already-popular 5-in-1 and 7-in-1 coffees: Meet the new Jimm’s Cafe Clara El Maca coffee mix, which this time has the Maca Extract as its main herbal component.

What on earth is an El Maca?

I’m not well-versed in herbs so I did a little snooping around and found out that the Maca plant is also known as the “Peruvian ginseng”, after the place it mainly grows in. It possesses many of the health benefits of ginseng, and the more I read, the more impressed I got.

Even though the Maca is a leafy plant, only the root is primarily used as either a powder or an extract. So far, scientific studies have shown that the Maca root is nutritious and is low in fat. It contains flavanoids– a plant compound that helps alleviate stress and anxiety. I was surprised to know that the Maca was already being widely used as a supplement for athletes because of its energy and endurance boosting properties. Being an athlete before, this was an interesting tidbit for me.

There were also studies about how Maca extract may also help with memory retention, and apparently, Peruvians have been using it for a long time to help their children perform better in school.

What’s with all the mumbo-jumbo anyway?

Since this product positions itself as a healthier coffee option because of its herbal component, I think it is very important to understand just what the Maca extract in Cafe Clara is all about.

Apart from everything I’ve mentioned above, the addition of Maca Extract makes Jimm’s Cafe Clara rich in Vitamins B1, B2, and C that help with red blood cell production and circulation. It is also rich in fiber, which we all know is important for a healthy digestive system. The presence of plant compound saponins terpenoids in the Maca extract can help stimulate the immune system to function better.

And how can I leave out what is perhaps the most unique feature of Jimm’s Cafe Clara? The essential Amino Acids found in Maca extract help drive many cellular functions in the body, including sexual and fertility functions.

That’s a pretty long list of health benefits. I am not a scientist so I can neither refute nor confirm these claims, but I am sharing what I’ve read from different sources on the web because I think this Maca extract has a lot of potential.

Despite the presence of Maca extract, obviously, Cafe Clara is not a supplement or medicine, and it does not claim to be. It simply wants to be a partner to those in pursuit of a healthier lifestyle, but who at the same time seek the convenience of drinking instant coffees.

But can it pass the taste test?

I think before herbal coffees became a norm in the Philippine market, the first thing one would say when they hear ‘herb’ and ‘coffee’ in one sentence is: “Masarap ba yan? Does it taste good?” Somehow it just used to sound unusual.

I admit whenever I try a new herbal coffee for the first time I am seized by this same nervous feeling. I just don’t know what to expect! But so far I have liked every one I have tried, so I wasn’t as nervous about Cafe Clara given Jimm’s track record. My nervousness was completely erased the moment I tore open the packet and smelled the coffee. Powder pa lang, mabango na.

The scent has always been one of the things that drew me to coffee, and Cafe Clara smelled so good as I was preparing it. It has a nice froth on top, and a creamy feel to it as you mix. The taste reminds me a bit of hazelnut coffee drinks, with a sweet and pleasant nuttiness.

I know my disclaimer below says this is a sponsored post and all, but I am always honest when it comes to my opinions, and my verdict is that this coffee tastes pretty good! As for the health benefits, I probably have to drink it more regularly to see any changes.

Regardless, Cafe Clara isn’t a replacement for vitamins or supplements. However, it is really nice to know that thanks to the Jimm’s coffee brand, we are able to choose a healthier coffee that is beneficial for us, and at the same time delicious. I really think this new offering is worth a try.

Jimm’s Cafe Clara is available in supermarkets, convenience stores and drug stores nationwide for an SRP of Php 16.00 per pack. You can learn more about Jimm’s Cafe Clara on their website, and while you’re at it, check out their Facebook page too!

Full disclosure: This is a sponsored post brought to you by Goldshine Pharmaceuticals, but all opinions stated above are my own. Information shared here about Maca are based on different sources on the web such as this and this. You can also see a more detailed article on Maca from this site.

2 Comments

  • Ferl

    So true!
    If you have never tasted it before, you better try. Once tried, you feel like your tongue and your tummy wants it everyday and you could never complete your day without a cup of Cafe Clara. It really works with your digestive system, add power to your energy thus making your busy days fulfilling. And a relaxing night of rest that wants to start a new day with another cup of Cafe Clara.

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