Drinking smoothies can be a great way to take in all the possible nutrients in a single beverage. Not only do they refresh and rejuvenate, but can also have added health benefits.
Using nutrient-rich ingredients can pack a lot of vitamins and minerals in on-the-go drink like smoothies. Apart from benefiting your overall health, ingredients rich in iron, magnesium, healthy fats, and antioxidants can improve your cognitive health and brain function.
Smoothie Ingredients To Improve Your Cognitive Skills
Here are 6 healthy ingredients you can incorporate in your smoothies to improve your cognitive health:
1. Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that promote the formation of new brain cells and reduce brain inflammation. It can improve your mood and also protect you from disorders such as depression and dementia.
Rich in antioxidants, chia seeds can fight free radicals that are responsible for causing oxidative stress and damage to cells in the body. This action of antioxidants in chia seeds make it useful in reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive impairment. Chia seeds are also rich in vitamins and minerals including potassium, iron, and magnesium that also play a key role in improving your brain health.1
2. Rhodiola
Rhodiola is a herb that can improve your memory, enhances your thinking capabilities by reducing mental tiredness, and improves your attention span. Rhodiola regulates the secretion of cortisol, as excess secretion of cortisol during stress can damage the brain cells. By supplying enough oxygen to the vital parts of the body, it aids the functioning of the brain.2
Serotonin and dopamine are essential for the optimal brain function and rhodiola stimulates the production of these neurotransmitters, which also improves your mood.
3. Maca
Maca is a vegetable root that is known to give the body an energy boost. In addition to improving the overall brain function, maca root can also help to increase focus, clarity, and memory.
Maca is rich in calcium and magnesium that are responsible for a healthy brain. In the powdered form, the maca root can be used in milkshakes and smoothies to improve your cognition.3
4. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an ancient herb that was used in Ayurvedic medicine. Ashwagandha can stimulate the growth of new brain cells that benefits your brain health. It contains antioxidants that act against the free radicals and repair the damage caused to the brain, in turn reversing the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.
Ashwagandha also has anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects on the body. It can also reduce stress and boost your energy levels when you are fatigued.4
5. Bee Pollen
Bee pollen benefits the brain health by increasing the blood supply to the brain, which promotes repair and recovery of lost functions. It is also rich in amino acids that can aids your memory and also keeps your mind alert.5
Bee pollen can support the brain and nervous system also give you a sense of well-being.
6. Almonds
Almonds contain choline, that feeds the neurons and helps to refuel your brain. It also contains healthy fats and iron, that effective prevents brain fatigue. They can restore poor memory and strengthen the brain.
Almonds are rich in nutrients and can cure problems originating from nervous disorders.6
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