Enjoy this list of foods that offer terrific taste and various benefits including reduction of brain inflammation.
1. Blueberries –
Now these little powerhouses will not keep your smoothie green and vibrant but there are some amazing purple smoothies such as this Fat Burning Smoothie. However, more important than the color is the benefit. Blueberries, also referred to as “Brainberries” by Steven Pratt, MD, author of Superfoods Rx: Fourteen Foods Proven to Change Your Life, have been found to protect the brain from oxidative stress which can help stave off the effect of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
2. Avocado –
Avocado may seem like an odd smoothie mix in to some but it actually makes the smoothie creamy and delicious. I will usually use 1/2 of a small avocado for healthy monounsaturated fat. This helps with healthy blood flow which can assist with memory and other cognitive abilities.
3. Nuts –
Pistachio’s may reduce brain inflammation and, according to a study published in the August 2012 issue of the “Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry“, walnuts may help reverse some forms of age-related brain deterioration. Almonds can improve memory and Macadamia nuts, high in oleic acid, may help prevent stroke. To nourish your brain nuts are great but, of course, do not eat them to excess. I also recommend that nuts be consumed raw and, even, sprouted which helps digestion.
4. Kale –
The main kind of fat in Kale is omega-3 which is linked to many benefits including lowering the risk of depression, diabetes and keeping your brain healthy. This is a wonderful choice for your smoothie but do remember too much of a good thing is not a good thing. The body likes to have many choices so also consider vegetable mix ins such as spinach, cauliflower and sweet potato. These all can help to nourish your brain and your body.
5. Cacao Nibs –
I must mention these because they are my favorite decadent snack but the reality is that, though they may taste decadent, they are not actually decadent at all. Cacao has more antioxidant flavonoids than any food tested so far and acts as mild stimulant to the mood and the brain. I enjoy these mixed into almost any smoothie. In the photo above you can see that I enjoy layering this yummy goodness.
There are many wonderful additions to your smoothies including superfoods, an array of fruits and vegetables plus beautiful liquids such as water, coconut water, carrot juice and fresh nut milk. Have fun, eat clean and go organic.
22 thoughts on “Delicious Foods That May Reduce Brain Inflammation”
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Hi Elise,
Loved this post on the foods that give your brain POWER! I actually love all except the Kale lol but my daughter loves it 🙂 Thanks for sharing the breakdown of each one of these brain power foods and how it helps the brain 🙂 Great share!
You are so very welcome.
I’m a big advocate on having all these in my diet, I absolutely love Avacado, and regularly make hummus out of it, Kale 100% is the most nutrient dense food there is, so much goodness in their!! I will have a handful of nuts a day, and cacao nibs are a great anti oxidant.
Being a Vegan I watch what foods I put into my body, I eat around 80% raw vegan and the rest 20% is Normal Vegan aha! Lots of veg and fruit…Leafy greens…Because of this way of eating, I have a massive amount of energy throughout the day.
Great post
Sean, I too am vegan and very careful. I love raw foods. This is especially true in the hot days of summer.
Avocado is my favorite on the list.
I love avocado. It is good for you and delicious.
I really enjoyed your post. My husband and I are on a health kick (one to stay) and I see form your list that we are doing really well. I need to start our green juices. We replaced them with Protein shakes but I miss them. Love the tips about nuts. I’ve been buying the cashews (salt and pepper) ..they taste great but I get tummy aches. I will look for raw nuts. Thank you for sharing! Nathalie
The salt and pepper cashews may be upsetting your stomach for various reasons. Let me know how you do on raw.
The other evening on Shark tank some recent college guy was pitching a supplement he put together that was just for brain power. I’d rather enjoy the ones you talked about. Never thought of using avocado in my smoothie, but will give it a try. Do you have a specific recipe? Eat blueberries daily and nibble on pistachios. Never heard of caco bits. Always more to learn and try.
There is always more to learn. The avocado makes your smoothie more creamy. It is rather delicious. Enjoy this Tropical Avocado Smoothie and you can also see many more on my smoothies board on Pinterest.
Funny, I uncharacteristically bought a bunch of kale from my local farm stand yesterday – knowing that I should be eating it once in a while – but sometimes knowing and doing are two different things 🙂 OK, you’ve given me a little nudge – I’ll do it today! Green smoothie for lunch, coming up 🙂 Thanks Elise.
I love when the universe steps in.
I’d rather like to start making some healthy smoothies Elise,and I’m sure you have some recipes or links to them on this site somewhere, so I shall take a look around.
Those Cacao nibs sound interesting 🙂
Jacs
The Cacao nibs are delicious. Let me know if you need nay help. You can also find tons of recipes on my Pinterest boards.
Thanks Elise …. I have a board for healthy yummy things, and wonder if you would be willing to post your personal recipes on there when you post on your own?
Hi. I would be happy to do so, Jacs. Visit me on Pinterest and we will get it figured out. http://www.pinterest.com/EliseCohenHo/
Have never cacao, but this makes me curious. Thanks for sharing!
It is delicious.
Great post Elise. Doesn’t it just figure that the one item on your list (that I actually really enjoy), pistachios is a food I’m actually allergic too. Will definitely keep this handy for mid-afternoon pick me ups (when I’m most vulnerable).
Yes, I am sorry about the allergy but there are so many other delicious choices such as brazil nuts, macadamia nuts, almonds and more.