Very Berry Brain-Boosting Shake

This delicious high-fiber smoothie is packed with vitamins and minerals that are linked to brain health. Our Very Berry Brain-Boosting Shake includes two kinds of berries that research shows can improve brain health and cognitive performance. We partnered our berry shake with other nutrient-dense smoothie ingredients like bananas, oats, and almond milk to add to the overall nutrient profile and create a creamy indulgent texture.

The texture is similar to that of a decadent milkshake, with the oats, frozen banana, and peanut butter powder combining to create a smooth finish that is anything but gritty. The key here is to use a high-powered blender to ensure that all of the ingredients break down entirely. If your blender struggles, try adding a couple of ice cubes to increase friction and aid in the breakdown of the oats.

Enjoy our brain-boosting smoothie before you head to the office, and give it to your kids on days when they have a big test and their brains need to perform at their best!

  •  Servings: 1
  •  Ready In: 5 minutes
Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup blackberries, frozen

  • 1/2 cup blueberries, frozen

  • 1 banana, frozen

  • 1/4 cup oats

  • 3/4 cup almond milk

  • 1/4 cup peanut butter powder

Instructions

  1. Add the frozen blackberries and blueberries to the blender’s canister.

  2. Toss in the frozen banana.

  3. Scoop in the oats.

  4. Pour in the almond milk.

  5. Sprinkle the peanut butter powder on top, avoiding the sides of the canister if possible.

  6. Blend until smooth and creamy.

  7. Enjoy this healthy brain-boosting shake before you head out to work or after a strenuous workout.

Health Benefits

  1. Blackberries and blueberries: are packed with polyphenols that are shown to reduce inflammation and support healthy brain function. In preliminary animal studies, adding blackberries to the diet of rats reversed age-related brain deficits and improved motor function and short-term memory performance. Blueberries also show promise for brain function. In a double-blind study published in the European Journal of Nutrition , wild blueberry supplementation improved cognitive performance in children 7-10 years of age.

  2. Bananas: are a great source of potassium and tryptophan, an amino acid that increases serotonin and melatonin levels in the brain. A review of clinical studies indicates that tryptophan alleviates depression better than a placebo, and researchers encourage more in-depth clinical trials to explore tryptophan’s health benefits on the brain and other vital functions in the body.

  3. Oats: are plentiful in insoluble and soluble fiber and the essential minerals phosphorus, thiamine, magnesium, and zinc. Thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, is recognized for boosting the immune system, enhancing learning abilities, and preventing memory loss. Oats are a great ingredient for a high-fiber smoothie as they blend up beautifully, creating a creamy texture when a high-power blender is used.

  4. Almond milk: is a delicious, nutrient-dense plant-based milk that is chock-full of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Unsweetened almond milk is low in calories, and it demonstrates anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it an ideal replacement for those wanting or needing a cow’s milk alternative.

  5. Peanut butter powder: is lower in calories, sugar, and fat than regular peanut butter. Peanut butter powder is an excellent ingredient for any post-workout smoothie because it provides a good dose of protein to the shake. In a healthy smoothie recipe, it adds peanut butter’s iconic flavor and a touch of creaminess. Be sure to select a peanut butter powder that is free from artificial sweeteners, flavorings, and preservatives.

Veggies have never been so good!

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Ingredients List

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