Delicious Smoothies and Juices for Improved Cognitive Health
Incorporating brain-boosting drinks into your daily routine can be a delicious and effective way to support cognitive health. These recipes combine fresh flavors with scientifically backed ingredients that nourish and protect the brain. From the antioxidant-rich Berry Collagen Smoothie to the anti-inflammatory Carrot Orange Spice Juice, each drink offers unique benefits to enhance memory, focus, and overall brain function. Check out all of the recipes below and some ways to elevate and enhance with cannabis.
Berry Collagen Smoothie
Blueberries tend to get the most attention because of their super high level of antioxidants, however, it is good to include a mix of berries for all of their beneficial properties. Studies have shown the high antioxidants in berries may affect areas of the brain and neural pathways that are essential for intelligence. Also, the antioxidants combat oxidative stress and inflammation which may negatively affect the brain’s aging process. Collagen has been shown to create a barrier that protects the brain against the proteins that are believed to cause Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Recent studies have also shown collagen’s potential to repair and regenerate the brain.
Ingredients
2 cups of mixed berries
2 scoops collagen powder
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup milk of choice
ice cubes
honey to taste
1 banana (optional)
Prep
Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Serve and enjoy!
Green Glow Smoothie
Made with brain-supporting healthy fats from the avocado and yogurt and nutritious spinach rich in vitamin K, lutein, folate, and beta carotene, research has shown it may help slow cognitive decline. Our gut bacteria is found to communicate with the brain to influence metabolism, insulin response, and behavior. Scientists now refer to gut microbes as the “second brain”, so including fermented probiotic-rich foods like yogurt can be helpful for brain health as well. Apples also contain an abundance of the flavonoid quercetin which can help protect vascular brain cells against oxidative stress.
Ingredients
2 apples
2 avocados
2 cups of spinach
1 cup of Greek yogurt
1 cup milk of choice
ice cubes
honey to taste
Prep
Add milk and yogurt to blender followed by the rest of your ingredients, adding in honey if you prefer sweeter. Blend until smooth and creamy. Serve and enjoy!
Carrot Orange Spice Juice
This juice contains many great anti-inflammatory ingredients that work together to protect the brain. Studies also show that the curcumin in turmeric is found to help reduce amyloid accumulation in the brain. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help fight free radical damage. Vitamin C also helps to regulate dopamine in your brain, which affects your memory, attention span, motivation, and mood. There are so many beneficial properties to ginger besides being anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant. Ginger has been used traditionally for cognitive enhancement, and some studies have shown that it can improve cognitive function in healthy brains and people with cognitive disorders.
Ingredients
4 large peeled carrots
3 large peeled and seeded oranges
1-inch piece of peeled ginger root
1-inch piece of peeled turmeric root
1 peeled and seeded lemon
Prep
Juice all of the ingredients shake well and enjoy.
Mighty Matcha Smoothie
The caffeine in matcha or green tea has been shown to boost brain function, and improve memory, alertness, and focus. Besides the caffeine, there’s another ingredient called L-theanine, an amino acid that can help you feel more relaxed yet stay focused. It also contains antioxidant catechins which keep our brain hydrated. Catechins also help to block amyloid plaque formation in the brain. Bananas are rich in magnesium and potassium which help give the brain energy and sharpen focus.
Ingredients
2 medium bananas
1 1/2 cup milk of choice
2 tsp Matcha powder
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
handful of ice
2 cups baby spinach (Optional)
Prep
Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Serve and enjoy!
Cherry Plum Ginger Juice
Besides containing many beneficial nutrients, cherries contain an abundance of the antioxidant cyanidin 3-glucoside (C3G). The C3G antioxidant has been found to neutralize the effects of neurotoxicity in the brain and can help prevent the premature death of neurons. Although berries usually get all the attention for their benefits, what separates plums from berries is that they are exceptionally high in anthocyanins. These flavonoids are the pigments that give plums their signature color. Along with many other healthy properties, anthocyanins also appear to provide several neuroprotective benefits for the brain. Eating anthocyanin-rich foods such as plums has been shown to help protect your brain from toxins, inflammation, and cell damage. As a result, anthocyanins can help boost learning abilities, memory capabilities, and motor skill functions. Ginger may reduce inflammation in the brain, which has been linked to cognitive disorders and Alzheimer's disease.
Ingredients
3 cups sweet or sour cherries (either fresh or frozen with pits removed)
4 plums, halved and pitted
2 applies, quartered
2-inch piece of peeled ginger root
Make sure to remove the pits of cherries and plums which can be hard on juicers and may even break them.
Prep
Feed everything through your juicer. Shake well before enjoying!
Enhance or elevate your boost!
We love enhancing our smoothies and juices with Savanh Wellness's water-soluble tincture. Containing 0% THC, this tincture is the perfect solution if you're seeking a subtle and effective way to incorporate CBD into your daily routine. It's carefully crafted to seamlessly dissolve in your favorite beverages, making it a convenient addition to your morning coffee, post-workout smoothie, or evening tea. With every sip, you can experience the calming benefits of hydrating and nourishing your soul. Plus, the water-soluble formula ensures fast and efficient absorption, so you can enjoy the full calming effects in no time.
Looking to get a little more elevated? Check out Proof's 20:1, 10:1, 1:1 or THC-Rich Tinctures. Offering a range from microdose to heavy-hitter, these tinctures are great for relaxation, pain management, creativity, and overall chill.
Experiment with these recipes and find your favorites. Whether you prefer the creamy texture of the Green Glow Smoothie or the refreshing zest of the Cherry Plum Ginger Juice, there's something for everyone. Remember, a healthy brain is crucial for a healthy life, and these tasty drinks are a simple yet powerful way to keep your mind sharp and vibrant. Cheers to your brain health!
Comments