Are you on the smoothie train? If not, what’s stopping you? Breakfast smoothies filled with brain-loving fruits, veggies, fiber, protein, and healthy fats are simply the easiest way to pack a ton of nutrition in one cup and keep you fueled and healthy on the go. This smoothie is filled with ingredients proven to boost brain health, function, and cognition as well as reduce the risk of dementia and chronic disease.
Key Ingredients:
Leafy greens are rich in brain-healthy nutrients vitamin K, lutein, folate, and beta carotene. Research suggests green, leafy vegetables may help slow cognitive decline.
Berries are filled with flavonoids (flavinoids are plant pigments that give berries and other plant foods their gorgeous colors) which have been shown to improve memory. Researchers at Harvard's Brigham and Women's Hospital found that women who consumed two or more portions of strawberries and blueberries per week delayed memory decline.
Flaxseeds: Flaxseed are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are shown to promote brain health.
Walnuts. Walnuts are a wonderful source of plant-based protein and healthy fats, and omega-3 fatty acids. Research suggests that consuming 1-2 ounces of walnuts a day can improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, depression, and type 2 diabetes. These diseases are all risk factors for dementia
Make smoothies a habit to boost brain health, cognition, concentration, and focus.
Berry-Nutty Smoothie
Berry-Almond Butter Smoothie
1 cup mixed frozen berries (cherries are delicious too)
1 handful of spinach
1/4 cup walnuts (almonds or 1-2 Tbsp. almond butter works well too)
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (*add more if needed to blend)
1 Tbsp. flaxseeds
1 serving protein powder or collagen peptides. I love chocolate-flavored protein powder or collagen peptides with this recipe.
Small handful of ice if you like it icy cold (optional)
Instructions
Add frozen berries, spinach, walnuts, flaxseed, almond milk, protein powder and ice to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.