Nourishing Brain Power Smoothie Recipe

This brain power smoothie is loaded with super foods. And it gluten free!

Today’s recipe goes beyond tasty; it’s a smoothie crafted to boost your brainpower and keep your cognitive gears turning like a well-oiled machine. 

As I was researching the intriguing world of superfoods, I stumbled upon a compelling piece of information from Beyond Celiac. They pointed out that nutrient deficiencies related to celiac disease may have an impact on cognitive function, both before and after diagnosis.

It got me thinking: what if we could create a delicious and approachable way to nourish our minds and support our brains through what we eat?

As I began digging deeper, I discovered three tried-and-true methods to keep our minds sharp and agile.

Firstly, regular exercise, particularly cardiovascular activities, works to pump oxygen-rich blood with nutrients to our brain and fuel those precious brain cells.

Ultimately, barbell squats might be the most important exercise you can do.

Secondly, the joy of learning something new is not just a delightful experience but also stimulates our brain, giving us a sense of accomplishment and opening new neural pathways.

And finally, feeding ourselves with brain foods that can take our cognitive game to the next level. Think of fish, berries, avocados, nuts and seeds, spinach, and, yes, even a few decadent ounces of dark chocolate.

Nutrient-rich ingredients

And now, the moment you’ve been waiting for – our brain power smoothie!

Bursting with the goodness of superfoods like blueberries, raspberries, an apple, almonds, and a frozen banana this smoothie is not just an explosion of flavors but a nourishing treat for your brain.

And that’s not all – we’re going a step further by adding gluten free Ginkgold, an extract of ginkgo biloba leaves, which has been specifically linked to promoting mental sharpness.

If you’re unfamiliar with ginkgo biloba, it’s an herb that has been revered for its potential cognitive benefits. And I encourage you to read more about ginkgo biloba.

How to make brain power smoothie

*Free printable recipe card is available at the end of the post. 

For crafting this smoothie, the ideal method involves using a high-powered blender.

Personally, I rely on my trusty Vitamix Professional Series 500, which has been a faithful companion for over 9 years and is still performing flawlessly.

With its convenient smoothie preset button, the entire process takes just seconds to achieve a perfect blend.

If you have a Vitamix, place all the ingredients into the container in this order: first water, then Ginkgold, berries, almonds, apple slices, frozen banana, and finally a few ice cubes.

We keep the heavier frozen banana and ice to add last on top of the mixture. This will get the blender moving faster and prevent stalling.

Secure the lid and set the Vitamix to the pre-programmed Smoothie setting and start the machine. It will automatically shut off once the cycle is complete.

And that’s it. Pour into a tall glass and enjoy garnished with raspberries and a sprig of mint!

Pro tips and recipe notes

Can I use a food processor to make this smoothie? Yes. A food processor can be used to prepare this smoothie if you don’t have a super blender.

What’s the best way to freeze bananas? When you have overripe bananas on your hands, don’t toss them away. Peel them, chop into halves or chunks, and flash freeze them in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet for about two hours. This is so that they don’t freeze into one big clump.

Then, you can transfer them to a zip lock freezer bag and they won’t stick together. They’ll keep in your freezer for about 6 months to use in smoothies or baking as needed.

Can I substitute ingredients in the Brain Power Smoothie recipe? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different berries, nuts, or even alternative milk options to suit your taste preferences and dietary requirements.

Are there any potential side effects of consuming Ginkgold? Ginkgo biloba may interact with certain medications, so it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before adding Ginkgold to your diet, especially if you’re on any prescription drugs.

Can I make the Brain Power Smoothie ahead of time? While it’s best to consume the smoothie immediately to retain maximum nutrient content, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and blend them just before consumption for convenience.

Can I store leftover Brain Power Smoothie in the fridge? Yes, you can store any leftover smoothie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Give it a good shake before consuming to remix the ingredients.

Can I freeze the smoothie for later consumption?
Yes! Even freezing it in popsicle molds will make a refreshing pop for those hot summer days.

I hope you’ll savor every sip of your brain power smoothie and take pleasure in knowing that each ingredient has been carefully selected to support your cognitive well-being. 

Cheers to a sharp mind and a deliciously creative you!

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Nourishing Brain Power Smoothie Recipe

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This smoothie is loaded with super foods for mental sharpness!

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 2

Calories 106kcal

Author Barbara Bianchi

Equipment

Vitamix

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1 tablet of Ginkgold 120 mg. Ginkgold Max (product is gluten free)
• 12 blueberries
• 12 raspberries
• 12 raw almonds
• 1 apple cored and cut up
• 1 frozen banana
• 3 ice cubes

Instructions

• Wash your produce, thoroughly.

  Then place all ingredients into the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure lid. Set the Vitamix to pre-programmed Smoothie setting and start the machine. It will automatically shut off once the cycle is complete.

  Yields 20 ounces
  1 cup water, 1 tablet of Ginkgold, 12 blueberries, 12 raspberries, 12 raw almonds, 1 apple, 1 frozen banana, 3 ice cubes

Notes

I recommend organic produce free of chemicals and pesticides, whenever possible.

Can I use a food processor to make this smoothie? Yes, if you don’t have a super blender, a food processor can be used to prepare this smoothie. 

What's the best way to freeze bananas? When you have overripe bananas on your hands, don’t toss them away. Peel them, chop into halves or chunks, and flash freeze them in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet for about two hours. This is so that they don’t freeze into one big clump.

Then, you can transfer them to a zip lock freezer bag and they won’t stick together. They’ll keep in your freezer for about 6 months to use in smoothies or baking as needed.

Can I substitute ingredients in the Brain Power Smoothie recipe? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different berries, nuts, or even alternative milk options to suit your taste preferences and dietary requirements.

Are there any potential side effects of consuming Ginkgold? Ginkgo biloba may interact with certain medications, so it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before adding Ginkgold to your diet, especially if you're on any prescription drugs.

Can I make the Brain Power Smoothie ahead of time? While it's best to consume the smoothie immediately to retain maximum nutrient content, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and blend them just before consumption for convenience.

Can I store leftover Brain Power Smoothie in the fridge? Yes, you can store any leftover smoothie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Give it a good shake before consuming to remix the ingredients.

Can I freeze the smoothie for later consumption?
Yes! Even freezing it in popsicle molds will make a refreshing pop for those hot summer days.

 

Nutrition

Serving: 10ounce | Calories: 106kcal

did you make this recipe? We want to see! Take a pic, and tag @glutenfreehomestead on Instagram.