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Feeling sluggish or like you’re in a fog? Or maybe you’re just struggling to focus. Either way, you’re definitely going to want to feed your brain some key nutrients to get your cognition back on track. And that’s exactly what our Blueberry Walnut Smoothie is designed to do.
This Paleo and dairy-free smoothie is filled with brain-boosting ingredients, all of which can help better your cognitive health and performance. With every sip of this creamy, sweet smoothie, you’ll fuel your mind with exactly what it needs.
It starts with a couple of cups of fresh blueberries (but you can also sub in frozen if you’d like). These vibrantly colored, sweet-yet-tart berries are fantastic for your brain, and they’re one of the most antioxidant-filled fruits you can eat. Research has found that snacking on blueberries or incorporating them into your meals can increase blood flow to key areas of the brain, improving both memory and attention while completing tasks. These little berries can also have a protective effect on the brain, helping you fight off the effects of oxidative stress and neurodegenerative diseases.
But the brain benefits blended into this smoothie don’t end there. We’ve also added avocado, which amps up the bev’s creaminess while delivering a dose of unsaturated fats – which can help reduce your risk for cognitive decline as you age. Plus, the walnuts tossed into the mix are anti-inflammatory and filled with antioxidants. These nuts can help you keep your brain healthy over time, and research suggests that they may even help prevent the neuroinflammation that can be tied to Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment and other brain disorders.
And you can’t overlook two little extras we’ve sprinkled into this delicious morning meal: chia seeds and collagen. Chia seeds are tiny nutrient powerhouses, and they contain a wealth of antioxidants that can fight free radicals throughout the body. While adding in a couple of scoops of collagen is totally optional, it can be extra beneficial for your brain. Research suggests that some types of collagen may protect against the amyloid-beta proteins that are linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
Now, who wouldn’t want to pour a tall glass of this brain-boosting smoothie for breakfast?
Blueberry Walnut Smoothie
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 1 cup ice
- ½ ripe avocado
- 1 tbsp whole chia seeds
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup walnuts, preferably soaked overnight
- 1-2 scoops collagen protein or peptides (optional)
- ½ cup canned coconut milk (full fat)
- 1½ cups water
- Combine all ingredients in a blender in the order listed.
- Blend on high until creamy and smooth.
Note: Want a sweeter smoothie? Add 1-2 pitted Medjool dates.
Recipe courtesy of Paleo Magazine
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Beverages,Brain Health,Brain-Boosters,Breakfast Smoothie,Nutrition For Brain Health,Smoothies