Taking in a minimum amount of vitamins and nutrients is essential for your well-being but to give you an edge over others, your mental health needs to be in top shape. Some nutrient rich sippers can do the magic on your mental well being and help enhance mental clarity, memory and sharpness of mind. Here are some smoothies that will help you keep your brain in top shape.
1. Berry and Walnut Smoothie: Berries are packed with phytochemicals and antioxidants that help improve cognitive function. Walnuts too are known for their antioxidant properties along with a rich nutty flavour. The combination of the two work magic on memory and support brain development.
Here’s how you make it:
Ingredients:
1 cup apple juice
1 fresh ripe banana
1 ½ cup blueberries
½ cup raspberries
¼ cup raw walnuts, preferably soaked and drained
Method: Combine the apple juice and banana in a blender. Add the blueberries, raspberries, and walnuts. Blend until smooth.
2. Berry and Avocado Smoothie: Avocados are known for their smooth texture and and unsaturated fats that are beneficial. Berries have antioxidant properties and together they help increase blood flow which is essential for brain health.
Ingredients:
1 bowl blueberries
½ avocado, cut in peaces
½ cup milk
Method: Combine all the ingredients and blend it together. Add some milk to get the smooth texture.
3. Coconut and banana smoothie: Coconuts are naturally sweet with high fiber and manganese content along with medium-chain triglycerides. These convert into staple fuel for the brain and help sustain memory.
Ingredients:
1 cup milk (Almond or soy or cow’s milk)
1 banana
1 scoop protein powder (optional)
2 tbsp unsweetened coconut
Method: Combine all ingredients in a blender, and blend well until smooth.
4. Pomegranate and Berry smoothie: This is an anti-inflammatory smoothie which eases all inflammation in your brain and the chia seeds added to this recipe are high in omega 3 fatty acids which helps transmit signals between brain cells.
Ingredients:
½ cup blueberries
½ cup raspberries
½ banana,
¼ cup diced pineapple
2 tbsp chia seeds
3 ice cubes
½ cup pomegranate juice
Method: Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
5. Dopamine Delight Smoothie: Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter which affects brain health and leads to motivation, emotion, pleasure and helps boosts the brain.
Ingredients:
½ cup small banana, peeled and frozen
1 tbsp chia seeds
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¾ cup soy milk (vanilla or plain)
1 double shot (approximately ½ cup) organic espresso
Method: Add all the ingredients in a blender, and blend until smooth.
6. Strawberry with Yogurt Smoothie: This is a fiber rich smoothie that is brain friendly and helps regulate the blood sugar levels along with glucose in the brain. It also has antioxidants which help the brain and body.
Ingredients:
1/3 cup pomegranate juice
2 tsp raw honey
¾ cup frozen unsweetened strawberries
2 tbsp fat-free plain yogurt
1 tbsp flaxseed oil
4 ice cubes
Method: Whisk the pomegranate juice and honey in a small cup so that the honey dissolves. Add the strawberries, yogurt, oil, ice cubes, and pomegranate in a blender and blend until smooth.
7. Mango and Avocado Smoothie: A combination of mango and avocado is a great brain booster as it is rich in Vitamin E which is beneficial in arresting Alzheimer’s disease. Spinach offers brain-supporting omega 3 too.
Ingredients:
½ fresh mango
1 cup spinach
1 cup soymilk
¼ avocado
5 tsp honey
Method: Puree all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
8. Banana and Blueberry Smoothie: This smoothie contains avocados, banana, blueberry and walnuts all of which are extremely beneficial for brain health. Avocados are loaded with vitamins, potassium and fiber along with unsaturated fats. Paired with bananas and blueberries, they are a great means to enhancing memory.
Ingredients:
½ avocado
½ banana
½ cup of blueberries
6 walnuts
1 cup chia seeds
½ cup of organic coconut milk or water
Method: Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth
9. Antioxidant Wake-Up Smoothie: This one is filled with healthy cherries that help improve memory along with green tea powder that has L-Theanine and rare amino acids that promote alertness, relaxation and well-being.
Ingredients:
½ frozen banana
½ cup frozen cherries
¼ cup blueberries
¾ tsp matcha green tea powder
¾ cup organic almond milk
Raw honey (optional)
Method: Combine all the ingredients and blend.
Image courtesy: Shutterstock
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