Here's a Brain Boost Smoothie recipe with the provided ingredients, along with their associated health benefits:
**Ingredients:**
- 1 ripe Banana:
- Provides natural sweetness, potassium for heart health, and vitamin B6 for brain function.
- 1/2 cup Blueberries:
- Rich in antioxidants, blueberries may help improve memory and cognitive function.
- 1/4 Avocado:
- Offers healthy fats, fiber, and potassium, supporting heart and brain health.
- 1 tablespoon Flax Seeds:
- High in omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for brain health and may reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
- 1 tablespoon Chia Seeds:
- Excellent source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, aiding digestion and supporting brain function.
- 1 tablespoon Cacao Powder:
- Contains flavonoids that can enhance cognitive function and boost mood.
- 1 cup Oat Milk:
- Dairy-free, providing vitamins and minerals that support overall health and bone strength.
- 1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder:
- Adds protein to the smoothie for sustained energy and muscle support.
- 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric:
- Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help protect brain cells.
- 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon:- May improve blood flow to the brain and regulate blood sugar levels.
These next two ingredients are optional (as not something everyone will have in their store cupboard):-
- 1/4 - teaspsoon Wheatgrass:- Rich in chlorophyll, vitamins, and minerals, it can boost immunity and detoxify the body.
- 1/4 - teaspsoon Spirulina: High in protein, B vitamins, and iron, promoting energy and immune support.
**** This final ingredient is what elevates with smoothie to the next level. ****
- 1 teaspoon of Pure Joy Skin & Hair Blend - Below are the 3 mushrooms and their health benefits. If you want to add this to your daily coffee, smoothies, or cooking, check out their website on the red link above. Use discount code NEIL10 to get 10% off at checkout.
Tremella, Shiitake, and Reishi are three types of mushrooms that have been used in traditional medicine for their potential health benefits. Here are some of the health benefits associated with each of them:
**Tremella:**
1. **Skin Health:** Tremella mushrooms are often referred to as the "beauty mushroom" because they contain compounds that can hydrate and improve skin elasticity. They are used in skincare products to promote a healthy complexion.
2. **Anti-Aging:** Tremella mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, which can help combat free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, potentially slowing the signs of aging.
3. **Immune Support:** Some studies suggest that Tremella mushrooms may have immunomodulatory properties, helping to strengthen the immune system.
**Shiitake:**
1. **Cardiovascular Health:** Shiitake mushrooms contain compounds like eritadenine that may help lower cholesterol levels, promoting heart health.
2. **Immune Support:** They contain beta-glucans, which can enhance the immune system's response to infections and potentially reduce the risk of illnesses.
3. **Antioxidant Properties:** Shiitake mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, which can protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
**Reishi:**
1. **Immune Modulation:** Reishi mushrooms are known for their immune-modulating effects. They can help regulate the immune system, making it more responsive when needed and less reactive when not necessary.
2. **Stress Reduction:** Reishi is considered an adaptogen, which means it may help the body adapt to stress and reduce anxiety.
3. **Anti-Inflammatory:** Reishi mushrooms have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce inflammation in the body, which is associated with various chronic diseases.
4. **Improved Sleep:** Some people use Reishi to improve sleep quality and manage insomnia.
5. **Cancer Support:** While more research is needed, some studies have suggested that Reishi may have potential anti-cancer properties and can be a complementary approach in cancer treatment.
**Instructions:**
1. Add the Clean greens powder, banana, blueberries, avocado, flax seeds, chia seeds, cacao powder, oat milk, vanilla protein powder, turmeric, and cinnamon to a blender.
2. Blend all the ingredients until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
3. Taste the smoothie and adjust the sweetness or thickness by adding more banana or oat milk if needed.
4. Pour the Brain Boost Smoothie into a glass, garnish with additional chia seeds or fresh berries if desired, and enjoy!
This smoothie is packed with nutrients that can support your overall health, including brain function, and it's a delicious way to start your day or provide an energy boost during a busy afternoon.
Now the colour isn't the most attractive but that's down to the spirulina powder.
There are 10 food that are known as 'brain foods' and I have tried to encorporate as many as I could into this smoothie. I substitute dark chocolate with pure cacao powder which has all the benefits but nothing added. Below is a link to all 10 brain foods that you should try to have in your diet to help improve your overall brain health:-
For more of my recipes follow the link below. I am only just starting on my health and wellbeing journey but I will be adding more as I start to experiment with different foods.