Photo by hockeycrew
Brain health is vitally important in this fast-paced world we live in where things are coming at us from every direction. The ingredients in this smoothie recipe all play a role in improving your mental clarity, memory, and overall brain function. Here’s a run down of each ingredient and its respective brain boosting benefits.
The base of this smoothie is apple juice, which prevents the loss of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, critical for memory and brain health.
The next ingredient is blueberries, aka “brain berries”. The dark color of blueberries is from anthocyanins, which are antioxidants that boost brain function. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and prevent them from damaging cells in both the body and brain.
Blueberries also contain flavonoids that are capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier. Flavonoids may help improve learning and memory by enhancing communication among brain cells, and some experts even speculate that they may stimulate the growth of new brain cells. Flavonoids in blueberries also provide anti-inflammatory action in the brain.
High in antioxidants, serotonin and dopamine, bananas are a natural fit for this smoothie recipe. Serotonin improves mood and helps control appetite, memory and learning while dopamine boosts attention and memory.
Goji berries are also an antioxidant powerhouse and help our bodies produce Choline. An essential nutrient that combats free radical damage associated with neurological degeneration and Alzheimer’s disease.
Last, but not least, hemp seeds. The essential fatty acids omega-6 and omega-3 found in hemp are vital for optimal brain health. Compounds in hemp seeds have also been shown to promote memory and learning.
Not only do the five ingredients for this smoothie boost your brain health, they also taste great in combination!
Brain Booster Smoothie Recipe
The Ingredients
- 1 cup apple juice (preferably organic, fresh-pressed or juiced)
- 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
- 1/2 fresh or frozen medium banana
- 2 tablespoons goji berries
- 2 tablespoons hemp seeds
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
The Add-ons
- 1/2 cup frozen raspberries
- 1/2 tablespoon acai powder
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (or chia seed gel)
Show Time
Place all the ingredients into your high-speed blender and blend for approximately 30-45 seconds.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 13g
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 50g
- Vitamin A: 70% RDA
- Vitamin C: 201% RDA
- Calcium: 9% RDA
- Iron: 27% RDA
I would love to know if you try this brain booster smoothie – please leave a comment below. Happy Blending!
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