Brain Food: Triple Berry Spinach Smoothie

If healthy recipes are a must-have for your New Year, check out this Triple Berry Spinach Smoothie, which has tasty ingredients that researchers say are good for your brain! Blueberries are chock-full of flavonoids — natural compounds that protect the brain’s neurons from the damaging effects of oxidation and inflammation. Since blueberries are one of the best sources of flavonoids you can find, it’s no surprise that this superfood has been shown to help preserve memory function. Blueberries, like other berries, also have a high water content, which makes them hydrating for your skin and other cells of the body. The star player in strawberries is vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps build and repair the body’s tissues, boosts immunity, and fights excess free radical damage. Studies also suggest vitamin C promotes healthy eye function and might even inhibit wrinkle formation (at least in mice!) Raspberries are ranked near the top of the “super foods” fruit list because of the high antioxidant strength and dense content of gallic acid, ellagic acid, quercetin, cyanidins, pelargonidins, catechins, anthocyanins, salicylic acid and kaempferols. Because of the rich nutrient content contained in raspberries, preliminary research studies have found the berries are beneficial against; inflammation, pain, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, allergies, age-related cognitive decline and eyesight degeneration. And let’s not forget about spinach, which is filled with antioxidants, including vitamin C and beta-carotene, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin — a duo that acts like sunscreen for your eyes and guards against macular degeneration.

Triple Berry Spinach Smoothie

Recipe courtesy of Delish

Ingredients

• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 cup frozen blueberries
• 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
• 1/2 cup frozen raspberries
• 1 1/2 cups loosely packed spinach
• Honey or agave syrup, if necessary
• Ice (optional)

Directions

1. Add the orange juice, fruit, and spinach to a blender. Blend on medium-high speed until the all the spinach is blended and there are no visible green specks.
2. Add up to 2 tablespoons of agave syrup if necessary to sweeten.
3. Add additional ice cubes for an icier drink.