Smoothies are a great way to get the nutrients you need to stay healthy while on the go. Mixing several key ingredients together can boost brain power, improve concentration and even stave off dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.
Eating healthy can seem overwhelming in our fast paced world, but nutrition plays a key role in improving overall, and specifically, brain health. And since there are 5.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, including one in eight older Americans—and that statistic is expected to more than double in the next 40 years—having a tasty food that boosts brain power can’t hurt. Mixing a smoothie requires little preparation but has enormous benefits for our health. By including these key ingredients you can improve mental clarity, brain function, and memory.
Key Ingredients for Brain Boosting Smoothies
The combinations of brain-boosting foods that can be combined into a delicious smoothie are endless. These foods will help to optimize your smoothies brain boosting benefits:
Blueberries: Blueberries are bursting with antioxidants that neutralize free radicals that can damage brain cells. Blueberries also have flavonoids that improve learning and memory and can even improve communication.
Bananas: In addition to making your smoothie creamy, bananas are also high in antioxidants. They also contain serotonin which improves memory and learning. Bananas also contain a high amount of dopamine which can boost attention and memory.
Hemp seeds: Found at your local health food store, hemp seeds contain essential fatty acids which are vital for brain health. Other compounds in this super seed promote memory and learning.
Apple Juice: Every smoothie needs a little liquid to thin out the smoothie. The best choice for your brain boosting smoothie is apple juice. Apple juice prevents the loss of acetylcholine which helps improves memory and brain health.
Cocoa: Craving something a little sweeter? Add some cocoa to your smoothie. Cocoa is one of the richest sources of antioxidants on the planet and has been shown to increase blood flow to the brain.
Leafy greens: Don’t forget your veggies in your smoothie! Throw in some kale and spinach to get plenty of B6 and B12 vitamins which help fight Alzheimer’s.
Easy and Delicious Brain Boosting Smoothies:
Throw these recipes in your blender (or create your own combination) to stay focused on your day, improve memory, and fight dementia.
Dr. Oz’s Brain Boosting Smoothie:
- 1 banana
- 1/4 cup blueberries
- Handful of hemp nuts
- 1/2 cup apple juice
- 1 tsp rhodiola rosea
Chocolate Cherry Smoothie:
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 cup frozen cherries
- 1 frozen banana
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 ½ tsp cacao powder
Antioxidant Wake Up Smoothie:
- ½ frozen banana
- ½ cup frozen cherries
- ¼ cup blueberries
- ¾ tsp green tea powder
- ¾ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- Agave or honey to sweeten (optional)
What are your favorite brain boosting smoothie recipes? Anything specifically tasty for aging loved ones? Share them with us!