Is your brain feeling foggy? Are you constantly forgetting the simplest of things, like where you put your keys or what to cook for dinner? You might be suffering from cognitive decline and your brain cells need a boost!
The good thing is there are many natural remedies and nutritious brain food that can help improve brain health and keep it operating at its best! This blog post will give you five great recipes for delicious smoothies that boost brain power, lower Alzheimer’s disease risk, ultimately, put a healthy spring in your step!
What do we need to keep our brains healthy?
Our brain is an incredibly delicate organ that requires a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. The best way to keep your brain healthy is by including the best brain food in your diet. This means plenty of protein, omega-rich fish like salmon or sardines (the key here is balance!), complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and leafy greens, and healthy fats like olive oil. You can also drink pomegranate juice because a study shows that it can prevent the formation of plaques associated with Alzheimer’s diseases. A cup of green tea is also beneficial for brain health.
It is also important to limit your intake of simple carbs such as white bread and sugars which can be detrimental to brain health over time!
What Are the Best Brain Health Smoothies?
The best brain health smoothies are packed with protein, healthy fats, and omega-rich fish. They are also rich in vitamins like B12 which is key for brain function! These delicious recipes will keep your mind clear of fog so you can remember where you put the keys again.
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Smoothie
This smoothie is the perfect way to start your day! The protein in this drink will keep you feeling full for hours while also providing B12 vitamins that are key for brain function. It’s packed with healthy carbs, fiber, and omega-rich fish so it provides just the right nutrients without any of the sugar or empty calories found in most smoothies. It also contains cinnamon which has been proven to improve brain function by enhancing memory and learning ability! It’s also perfect for breakfast.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup of oatmeal
- ½ a banana
- ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ½ cup of unsweetened coconut milk
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optionally you can add a tablespoon of chia seeds and/or some honey
Directions: Combine all ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth. You can also add more coconut milk for an even creamier texture! Feel free to add some leafy greens if you want something extra! Honey is excellent to have in this recipe because it has amino acid, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties to neutralize free radicals, boosting brain health and focus, as well as improved memory.
Makes one serving (about 500ml).
Blueberry Banana Protein Shake
This brain boost smoothie is a great breakfast drink that will keep you feeling full until lunch! It contains both probiotics and omega-rich fish which provide nutrients for brain health. Blueberries are also packed with antioxidants, vitamins B12 and C, folate, fiber, and vitamin e among other things!
Ingredients:
- ½ banana (frozen)
- ½ cup of fresh blueberries
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (plain)
- ¼ cup ice cubes(if you want a crunch)
Optionally you can add some honey or maple syrup if your banana isn’t very sweet!
Directions: Combine all ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth. You can also freeze the banana before adding it to ensure an even colder, creamier drink!
Pineapple Coconut Water Smoothie
This brain boosting smoothie is perfect for those hot summer days when you need to cool down! It’s rich in potassium and electrolytes which are vital for brain health. Coconut water contains more potassium than four bananas so it’s the perfect way to stay hydrated while also while giving you brain-boosting power. Frozen fruit is a lifesaver!
Ingredients:
- ½ cup of frozen pineapple chunks (or fresh if you prefer!)
- ¼ cup of coconut water
- ½ banana (frozen)
- ¼ coconut oil
Optionally you can add some honey, maple syrup, or even cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist!
Directions: Combine all ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth. You can also freeze the banana before adding it to ensure an even colder, creamier drink! This smoothie will also make sure you get your essential fatty acids!
Makes one serving (about 500ml).
Chocolate Cherry Protein Shake
This smoothie is the perfect way to feel good about drinking chocolate. It’s rich in dark cocoa powder, proven to boost brain function by increasing blood flow and oxygen levels! This shake also contains both probiotics and omega-rich fish so it will keep your mind clear of fog while providing plenty of nutrients for a healthy body too. This is just what you need if you have a sweet tooth. This drink will also keep your brain healthy!
Ingredients:
- ½ cup of Greek yogurt (plain)
- ¼ cup dark cocoa powder (or more or less to taste!)
- ½ cup of frozen cherries
- ½ cup of milk
Optionally you can add some maple syrup, honey, or even a banana if you want it sweeter!
Directions: Combine all the ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth. You can also freeze the banana before adding it to ensure an even colder, creamier drink!
Makes one serving (about 500ml).
Mango and Coconut Cream Smoothie
This brain boosting smoothie recipe is perfect for those who prefer a more tropical taste! It’s rich in vitamins B12 and C as well as omega-rich fish so it will provide you with the right nutrients to boost your brain function. Mangos are also packed with antioxidants, fiber, magnesium, and potassium, which contribute to good overall health. This smoothie takes no prep time as well!
Ingredients:
½ cup of mango chunks (fresh or frozen)
¼ cup coconut milk (or more if you want it creamier!)
½ cup of ice cubes for a crunch!
Optionally you can add some honey, maple syrup, or even a banana if you want it sweeter!
Directions: Combine all the ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth.
Blueberry Brain Blast Smoothie
This delicious smoothie is packed with antioxidants, vitamins B12 and C, folate, fiber, and iron among other things! It’s rich in omega-rich fish so it will provide your brain with the nutrients that it needs to function at its best. Blueberries are also known for keeping the memory sharp while reducing anxiety and depression due to their high levels of antioxidants!
Ingredients:
- ½ cup of blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (plain)
- ½ banana (frozen if you want it creamier!)
Optionally you can add some honey, maple syrup, or even a banana if you want it sweeter! If you add some chia seeds you will get the healthy fat you need as well!
Directions: Combine all the ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth. You can also freeze the banana before adding it to ensure an even colder, creamier drink! This drink will defiantly boost your mood!
Makes one serving (about 500ml).
Final Thoughts
Brain health is essential to physical and mental well-being. Your brain needs the right nutrients in order to function efficiently, keep moods stable, and promote healthy habits like eating a balanced diet or getting plenty of sleep. The smoothies we’ve provided are rich in omega-rich fish that will provide your brain with vital nutrients for optimum cognitive functioning during both work hours and downtime! These nutrient-dense drinks also contain probiotics which can help maintain good gut health while boosting immunity too. They’re perfect for providing you with all the tools necessary so you don’t have to worry about feeling sluggish at any point throughout the day! We also have plenty of other healthy recipes on our website!
