While there’s no magic pill you can take to instantly improve brain health and cognitive function, there’s always nature. Adaptogens and certain foods are said to have positive benefits on our overall brain health when regularly incorporated into our daily diet. The word “adaptogen” is used to describe plant medicines that have a balancing effect on something called the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which helps regulate the delicate dance between your brain and hormone system.
As with any new supplement or lifestyle change, be sure to talk to your doctor. But if you’re looking for some ideas to get you started, take a look at these brain-boosting products and recipes.
Recipes
Brain Power Smoothie
Get the recipe via Goldmine
If you’re not already incorporating blueberries into your diet on a regular basis, their brain health-boosting benefits may motivate you to start. Their brain-boosting power comes from their high concentration of antioxidants, which help to balance the number of free radicals in the body to counteract oxidative stress and support a healthy, well-functioning immune system.
Leftover Greens, Seeds and Cheese Tart
Get the recipe via Delicious
Seeds like pepitas and sunflower seeds are rich in many micronutrients that are important for brain function, including copper, iron, magnesium and zinc.
Brain Health Bowl
Get the recipe via Nourish & Evolve
Show your mind some love with this bowl filled with foods that are good for the brain — including healthy fats from avocado, walnuts and egg yolks.
Glitter Guide’s Brain-Boosting Smoothie
Get our recipe + others here
Blueberries and walnuts are brain-boosting superfoods. The powerful antioxidants they contain are your brain’s best friend!
Chocolate Avocado Mousse with Cacao Nibs
Get the recipe via Delicious
Not only can you get your chocolate fix without the guilt, but the healthy fats from the avocado paired with the brain-boosting powers of raw cacao make this sweet treat a win-win.
Anti-Inflammatory Lemon Turmeric Tonic
Get the recipe via Tasting Page
Turmeric and its active compound curcumin have strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, which help the brain. In research, it has reduced symptoms of depression and Alzheimer’s disease.
Shaved Mushroom and Celery Salad
Get the recipe via Mindbodygreen
Mushrooms are all the rage right now and for good reason. They’re known to strengthen our immune system, support detoxification and reduce our risk of mild cognitive impairment (the stage before dementia).
The Simple Brain Fog Cure Green Smoothie
Get the recipe via Simple Green Smoothies
This smoothie recipe packs in so many brain-helping ingredients. In addition to the benefits of blueberries and raspberries, this recipe uses green tea to support brain health. Green tea is an excellent beverage to support your brain. Its caffeine content boosts alertness, while its antioxidants protect the brain and L-theanine helps you relax.
Adaptogens to try
This power-blend of adaptogenic, nootropic and fatigue-fighting herbs – like schisandra berry and eleuthero – elevates your energy and enhances cognitive function.
Get focused and stay focused with this daily powder blend of brain-boosting herbs, medicinal mushrooms and adaptogens from WYLDE ONE for mental clarity.
goop Wellness Nerd Alert Soft Chews
According to goop, each bite-size Nerd Alert chew gives you a mental boost with two nootropics (cognitive supporters): L-theanine and caffeine.
Rainbo Lion’s Mane Brain Power Super Mushroom Tincture
Brimming with organic lion’s mane mushroom, this adaptogenic tincture helps improve your mood, memory and focus throughout the day while supporting the overall health of your immune, gut and nervous systems.
Peak & Valley Nourish My Brain Adaptogen Blend
This delicious blend is perfect for staying focused during long meetings or powering through an afternoon of creative time. Adaptogenic herbs and mushrooms support a clear, focused mind through lion’s mane mushroom and additional snow mushroom works to help protect against age and stress-related cognitive decline.
