Recipes: Blackberries – Brain Power

Brain Proof Coffee

Recipe by Yoga Herbalist

Ingredients

  • 1 Cup of Blackberries

  • 1 Banana

  • ½ Cup of Walnuts

  • 1 Tbsp Tahini

  • 1 tsp Cinnamon Powder

  • ½ Tbsp Super Green Powder

  • 1 Tsp Gotu Kola Powder (optional)

  • 1 Wheatgerm oil (optional)

  • ½ Cup Almond Milk

  • Soya Yoghurt*

  • Date Syrup*

Directions

  • Put all ingredients except * into a container and blend to smooth consistency. Top with tablespoon of soya yoghurt and drizzle with date syrup for extra taste.
  • Used a basic hand-held mixer to make this smoothie. The Super Green Powder can be replaced with simply spirulina, as it is a good brain food due to natural GLA (gamma linoleic acid) content.

    Nutritional Information

    • Blackberries are rich in antioxidants which help keep toxins out of the body. Due their abundance in polyphenols (type of antioxidant) they are reputed to have anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is at the heart of many chronic conditions and premature aging in the body. Studies from European Journal of Nutrition and Nutritional Neuroscience Journal showed benefits from 8 weeks of consuming blackberries with improved cognitive and motor functions and neuroprotective benefits.[i] It is thought these benefits are due to a high polyphenol and manganese content. Manganese is a trace mineral that is essential to the functioning of the brain. Blackberries also contain anthocyanin like many other purple colour foods including blueberries, cherries and red cabbage. Anthocyanin has been positively linked to increased longevity, cardiovascular health and dementia.
    • Other important ingredients in this smoothie such a super green powder, especially spirulina also work in tandem with blackberries for its natural GLA content and high chlorophyll content which further adds anti-inflammatory properties. GLA is an essential fatty acid (EFA) that is shown to lift mood. Wheat germ and Gotukola both have sound reputations improving memory through growth and repair. Wheat germ in particular has shown positive results when combined with Vit C (blackberries are rich in vitamin c) for short term memory and Alzheimer disease.
    • Don’t Miss Out on Blackberry Picking!!
    • Studies have shown that berries picked wild versus cultivated ones are much higher in antioxidants and precious healing phytonutrients. The difference can be from as much as 25% – 80% according to one study.[ii]
    Siobhan Shinnors

    Siobhan Shinnors

    Herbalist, Nutritionist, Iridologist and Yoga Therapy

    Siobhan Shinnors

    Siobhan Shinnors

    Herbalist, Nutritionist, Iridologist and Yoga Therapy

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