2 RECIPES THAT BOOST BRAIN HEALTH

Boosting brain health and mental clarity is something that we all need in our high paced lives today. Theres no denying that adding more plant foods to your daily regime will optimize brain function. Practically everyone I have helped on their journey to a plant-based diet has reported a feeling of lightness and mental clarity within a matter of days, only getting better as time goes on. You may find your attention span longer, a new ability to focus on the task at hand, and being able to deal with stressful situations with far less emotional response.

A healthy brain is a key component to a long and enjoyable life, not to mention checking off everything on your to-do list. Look to fruits high in antioxidants like blueberries, red grapes to combat brain fog. If you add nothing else, add wild blueberries as there is a strong correlation to wild blueberries and elevated brain health. High levels of antioxidants help protect against damage to brain cells and boost brain power. Foods high in beta- carotene like carrots, oranges, sweet potatoes, mango, leafy greens, broccoli, and pumpkin help give a memory boost and reduce cognitive decline. Avocados are amazing for the brain; a great source of omega-6 fatty acids, they can help restore the central nervous system and aid with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

In this post I want to share a few recipes that contain secret food ingredients that aid in boosting memory, mental clarity, as well as prevention of cognitive decline. Add these to a day when you need an extra boost of focus, and know that you are doing your body good by adding these foods into your life on a regular basis!

RECIPE #1

BRAIN FOOD SALAD

INGREDIENTS

BAKED SWEET POTATO

1 - 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled & sliced into rounds)

1/2 tsp garlic salt

1/4 tsp cumin

1/4 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp sea salt

1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 425 F.

Place potato rounds into a steamer insert with about 2 inches of water in the sauce pan below. Cover, and bring to a boil. Once boiling allow to boil for 7 minutes, then remove from heat.

Transfer potatoes to a parchment paper lined baking sheet doing your best not to overlap them.

In a small bowl combine all the spices, then sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the potatoes. Bake until slightly browned and slightly crispy. About 20 minutes, but you may need up tp 30 depending on your oven.

SUNFLOWER SALAD DRESSING

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds (soaked for about an hour, then drained)

1/2 to 3/4 c water (to desired thickness)

3 tsp fresh squeezed lemon juice

2 cloves garlic

1 tbl fresh chives (finely chopped)

salt & pepper to taste

Place all ingredients except the chives in a Vitamix and blend on high for 1-2 minutes until smooth. Scoop out and mix in the chives.

SALAD

INGREDIENTS

Raw Walnuts