• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Simple Green Smoothies
  • Recipes
  • Challenge
  • About
  • Protein
  • Meal Plans
  • Ingredients
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Challenge
  • About
  • Protein
  • Meal Plans
  • Ingredients
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Challenge
  • About
  • Protein
  • Meal Plans
  • Ingredients
×

Home » Plant-Based Recipes

Best Brain Food Smoothie

Published on 9.21.2020 by Jen Hansard

RECIPE CARD LEAVE REVIEW
bright green smoothie full of the best brain food

Today I'm talking about the best brain food. It's natural to focus on foods that provide natural energy, boost the immune system, or strengthen bones. Yet, what about foods that strengthen the brain, provide cognitive longevity, prevent memory loss? Let's focus on some brain healthy foods!

sliced and whole avocados, a healthy fat and on my list of brain healthy foods, as one of the best brain food ingredients to add to a smoothie.

Brain Healthy Foods

When I turned 30, I started hearing all about how to focus on my skin. Products to make it look younger, glow longer, wrinkle less. Yet, I never heard anyone talk about how to focus on brain health.

After starting Simple Green Smoothies, I noticed a lot of emails from the community asking about foods to help with cognitive decline related to a variety of neurological diseases. I learned long ago how effective food is at healing and preventing things like cancer, so why can't food also help keep my brain healthy? Here is a great list of plant based, whole food that can help strengthen the brain:

Leafy green vegetables

Ever wonder why I based my company around green smoothies? I love leafy greens, not just because they're delicious. I love that they are powerhouses of nutrition, and blending them into a smoothie is often easier than stuffing my face with salad every day.

Leafy greens also contain nutrients like vitamin K, folate, and beta carotene, which have been linked to slowing cognitive decline. So, just indulging in a daily green smoothie gives your brain access to ingredients from the best brain food list.

Berries

Bright + colorful berries contain numerous phytochemicals, that have neuroprotective effects on neurodegenerative diseases, according to research by the US National Library of Medicine. They also contain antioxidants, which can not only delay memory decline in the long run, but also improve memory. This gives them a top spot on my list of brain healthy foods.

Coffee

Did you know that coffee is actually good for you? More specifically, the caffeine in coffee and tea releases serotonin, which improves mood (aka a great brain food). It also improves focus on daily tasks, when consumed in small amounts throughout the day. I have a daily cup of coffee that is delicious + healthy.

Walnuts

While all nuts contain healthy fats + protein (I LOVE using nuts as a plant based protein source), walnuts are specifically high in the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid. This omega-3 lowers blood pressure and protects arteries, which help keep the blood flowing correctly through the brain, giving it a shout out on this best brain food list. Maybe that's why walnuts are brain-like in shape?

Turmeric

This brain healthy root has been linked to improved cognitive function in a study regarding patients with Alzheimer's disease. Turmeric is also known as curcumin, which is an antioxidant + anti-inflammatory.

a tall glass of brain food smoothie along side sliced pears and pineapple. the best brain food list has 3 ingredients in this smoothie, hemp hearts, avocado, and spinach.

Hemp Hearts

Hemp hearts are packed with omega-3s and omega-6s, which are essential fatty acids. These acids can help improve working memory. I chose organic hemp protein as the main ingredient in my Protein Smoothie Boost, because it is a complete protein. I also love blending hemp hearts in my brain food smoothie recipe, or leaving them whole on top for a nice crunch.

Avocados

This delicious ingredient rounds out our list of brain healthy foods due to its large concentration of unsaturated fat. This reduces blood pressure, which can greatly decrease cognitive decline. I use it in my brain food smoothie recipe to add creaminess, and healthy fat.

How to focus on brain healthy foods

I'm continually learning how to be proactive about my health. I want to age gracefully on the outside, but more importantly, I want to age gracefully on the inside. This is a huge reason why I cleanse on a quarterly basis.

My Seasonal Cleanse includes all the foods on the above list, except coffee (due to the caffeine content), because I'm serious about wanting to protect my health through plants. This cleanse helps detox the body, while also helping to fuel it through whole food and rest. Cleansing shouldn't only have short term benefits. It should be delicious, and leave you with an even better version of yourself.

Best brain food smoothie recipe

I created this smoothie specifically for Seasonal Cleanse. This is a plant based, whole food cleanse focused on detoxifying the body, kickstarting weight loss, and on foods that nourish me from my brain to my toes. It's quite a delicious smoothie, because I don't believe the lie that tells us healthy eating has to be bland, gross, or boring.

Like every recipe in this cleanse, this brain food smoothie has the perfect balance of fat, carbs, and plant protein to help you feel full, while also giving your brain some extra lovin' through the omegas.

a milkshake glass full of brain fuel smoothie recipe, topped with best brain food ingredient, hemp hearts.
bright green smoothie full of the best brain food

Brain Food Smoothie

4.95 from 20 votes
Rate this Recipe Print Recipe
This brain food smoothie has everything you need to get you going in the morning— protein, healthy fats, and replenishing electrolytes. Adding avocado to smoothies gives you a lovely dose of omega-3 essential fatty acids, which are vital for brain development and nerve function. Not only that, but the avocado also assists the body in absorbing nutrients from the greens.
Total Time5 minutes
Servings1 smoothie

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups spinach
  • 1 cup coconut water
  • 1 pear (ripe + cored)
  • ½ cup mango (frozen)
  • ¼ avocado
  • 2 tablespoon hemp hearts

Instructions

  • Blend spinach and coconut water together until smooth.
  • Add remaining ingredients and blend again. You can either blend in hemp hearts or sprinkle on top.

Notes

  • Swap out hemp hearts for Protein Smoothie Boost for the additional protein. 

Nutrition (estimated)

Calories: 392kcal (20%) Carbohydrates: 56g (19%) Protein: 12g (24%) Fat: 17g (26%) Saturated Fat: 2g (13%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g Monounsaturated Fat: 6g Sodium: 294mg (13%) Potassium: 1440mg (41%) Fiber: 14g (58%) Sugar: 35g (39%) Vitamin A: 5323IU (106%) Vitamin C: 61mg (74%) Calcium: 158mg (16%) Iron: 5mg (28%)
« Vegan Protein Bars
Carrot Ginger Soup »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. WhoCaresWhoIAm

    March 19, 2022 at 5:45 pm

    5 stars
    Fantastic smoothie! I used unfrozen mango, so after all was blended, I blended in 6 ice cubes. This made (2) 8oz. glasses. Delicious! Really loved it as did my spouse! WooHoo.

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      March 19, 2022 at 10:07 pm

      I always add ice to mine, too, if my ingredients aren't frozen! I love my smoothies COLD and thick. I'm so glad you both enjoyed this one so much! I really love the light, tropical flavors in this one!

  2. Sandra McGuire

    March 04, 2022 at 10:21 pm

    5 stars
    This is also referred to as jet fuel in our house. I’ve added a handful of almonds and some turmeric and a dash of pepper, or a few anti inflammatory cubes (fin the 10 day smoothie challenges). Sometimes we use coconut flavored green tea or water to knock down the calories. We love it. Tons of sustained energy through the day without a crash. My husband’s favorite.

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      March 10, 2022 at 9:16 am

      Oh this is so awesome, Sandra!!! Love that you're swapping in green tea or water too. Keep up the awesomeness!

  3. Harlene

    March 12, 2021 at 9:35 pm

    Where can I buy hemp hearts? Is it available in grocery stores

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      March 15, 2021 at 3:10 pm

      Awesome question Harlene! Hemp hearts are widely available and can even be found in stores like Walmart or Target. We like to order online from Thrive Market.

  4. Jessica

    December 01, 2020 at 11:16 am

    5 stars
    I've learned that if I peel the pear, my smoothie is super creamy and not gritty at all! Love this one.

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      December 01, 2020 at 11:17 am

      Thanks for that great tip! 🙂

  5. Rebekah

    October 24, 2020 at 3:52 pm

    5 stars
    This was one of my favorite smoothies of the cleanse! It introduced me to hemp hearts. After 21 days of green smoothies my skin is fantastic!

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      November 25, 2020 at 9:59 am

      That's awesome, Rebekah!!

  6. Kat B.

    October 23, 2020 at 4:35 pm

    Love this smoothie! The pear is so perfect for fall!

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      November 25, 2020 at 9:59 am

      I love the pear in this smoothie!!

  7. Kim

    October 23, 2020 at 3:13 pm

    5 stars
    I love this recipe! It isn't too sweet and I love the creaminess.

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      November 25, 2020 at 9:59 am

      This is one of my favorites when it comes to creamy smoothies! 🙂

  8. Amanda

    October 23, 2020 at 1:38 pm

    5 stars
    I love the hemp hearts on top! I love to call it smoothie confetti!

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      November 25, 2020 at 10:00 am

      Haha, I love it! And that's just what it looks like! 😀

  9. Mireille

    October 21, 2020 at 7:49 pm

    5 stars
    One of my all-time favourite smoothies! Make sure your pears are perfectly ripe, so you can enjoy their full flavour.

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      November 25, 2020 at 10:00 am

      Agreed, a nice, ripe pear makes this smoothie unbeatable!

  10. Laura Podrasky

    October 21, 2020 at 7:33 pm

    4 stars
    I wasn’t sure I’d like this but like all of her smoothies it was super yummy!

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      November 25, 2020 at 10:01 am

      Way to give it a try, Laura! So glad you liked it!!

  11. Jackie

    March 03, 2020 at 6:40 am

    Could you please suggest an alternative brain fruit to use.instead of mango. Trying to decrease the sugar consumption. Thanks

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      March 03, 2020 at 10:24 am

      Jackie, instead of mango, you can use peaches, nectarines, papaya, or apricots. For other substitutions, check out our Rawkstar Substitution Guide. 🙂

  12. Erin

    March 02, 2020 at 8:02 am

    5 stars
    I definitely needed some brain fuel this morning, and I had all the ingredients on hand! This was super creamy and a delicious way to start the week.

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      March 02, 2020 at 1:04 pm

      That's great, Erin! You were meant to have this smoothie this morning. It's one of my faves, glad you liked it!

  13. Don Gleason

    March 01, 2020 at 5:14 pm

    Got a substitute for spinach? It’s high on the kist of foods to avoid if you get oxalate crystal kidney stones.

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      March 02, 2020 at 1:16 pm

      Don, you can use baby kale in place of spinach. For more info on greens, here's a post on the best leafy greens for green smoothies-> The Best Leafy Greens List

  14. Ainsley Lewis

    December 01, 2018 at 3:53 am

    thank you so much for sharing this…i recently found your blog and when i am reading it i loved it..now i’ll read your blogs regularly. thank you

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      December 03, 2018 at 2:44 pm

      5 stars
      Hey Ainsley,

      Yay!! That is what we love to hear. Welcome to the SGS family!! If you ever need anything please reach out to our team and we will be here for you.

      xoxoxo

  15. Mitchell

    October 29, 2018 at 6:39 am

    I want to cook it!

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      October 29, 2018 at 3:04 pm

      Yay Mitchell!

      Hope you enjoy this recipe! 🙂

  16. Phil

    October 28, 2018 at 3:36 pm

    5 stars
    I love this smoothie! Doesn't fail to give me feel good energy. Thank you so much 🙂

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      October 29, 2018 at 3:03 pm

      Hey Phil,

      We love hearing about that "feel good" energy! So happy you are enjoying this recipe!!

      Cheers 🙂

  17. Christy

    October 16, 2018 at 4:54 pm

    5 stars
    This was my favorite smoothie on the Autumn Cleanse. Delicious!

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      October 17, 2018 at 1:44 pm

      Hey Christy,

      I am so happy that you loved this smoothie recipe! 🙂

      Anything with avocado is always a winner for me too.

      Cheers!

  18. Amanda

    October 03, 2018 at 11:06 am

    5 stars
    This is my second day blending Brain Fuel as part of the Fresh Start: Autumn Cleanse. I love how bright the flavors are, and knowing my body is being fueled with leafy greens, fresh fruits, healthy fats + protein! Truly, a KALE YEAH!

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      November 25, 2020 at 10:01 am

      Couldn't have said it better, Amanda!! 🙂

  19. Cassandra D

    September 30, 2018 at 7:21 pm

    5 stars
    This looks really good.
    I have to try this avocado smoothie.

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      December 03, 2018 at 2:42 pm

      5 stars
      Hey Cassandra,

      Is is delicious, hope you enjoy it!!

  20. Rocio

    September 26, 2018 at 4:14 pm

    Is there another fruit you can substitute for pear? I just really dont like pear but the rest of it sounds awesome

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      October 03, 2018 at 11:38 am

      Hey Rocio,

      You can totally swap out the pear for an apple if you prefer that. Hope you enjoy it!!!

  21. Dan

    September 26, 2018 at 3:04 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe and all the other green smoothie recipes in Fresh Start are a really helpful start to the day.

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      October 03, 2018 at 11:36 am

      Thanks Dan,

      I would have to agree!!

  22. Polly

    September 26, 2018 at 2:12 pm

    How can I ensure the rest of the avacdo stays fresh or could I use the whole Avo?

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      October 03, 2018 at 11:35 am

      Hey Polly,

      If you leave the seed in your avocado it will last longer in the fridge. Also, you can always cut up your avocado and freeze the rest. It will make a delicious cold additive to your next smoothie 🙂

  23. Kim

    September 26, 2018 at 1:37 pm

    5 stars
    This is one of my FAVORITE smoothies. Gives me the perfect start to my day!

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      November 25, 2020 at 10:02 am

      This one is so great for a brain boost and a great kickstart to the day! 🙂

  24. Carissa

    September 26, 2018 at 1:25 pm

    5 stars
    I love this recipe so much! Anything with avocado is a win for me 🙂

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      November 25, 2020 at 10:03 am

      Same here! Avocado is THE BEST. 😀

  25. Dani Mitchell

    September 26, 2018 at 12:34 pm

    5 stars
    You had me at avocado! Hahaha! I also love the pear in it because it bulks it up and almost adds a sweet honey taste, yet it's still not very sweet. I'm trying to balance my natural fruit sugars with natural fiber and this was my dream smoothie, I'd have to say! I will definitely be making this again. Thanks Jen + the rawkstar team!

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      September 26, 2018 at 1:48 pm

      5 stars
      It really is a dream! I love this smoothie so much and anything with avocado is always a hit! So happy you love this recipe as much as we do 🙂

      Cheers!

  26. Pete Waldo

    September 26, 2018 at 11:31 am

    Could you substitute MCT oil and water for coconut water?

    Reply
    • Jen Hansard

      September 26, 2018 at 12:27 pm

      You could sub the coconut water for normal water and then use coconut oil instead of MCT oil. You could even do a whole tablespoon of coconut oil. MCT oil is more concentrated, so you only need a little to get the benefits.

  27. Patty O.

    September 26, 2018 at 10:31 am

    Hi! Is there a sub for hemp heart? Very hard to find where I live. Will changing this ingredient affect the brain power effects?

    Reply
    • Maribell

      September 26, 2018 at 11:04 am

      Patty O.
      Flax or Chia are good alternatives.

    • Jen Hansard

      September 26, 2018 at 12:29 pm

      Exactly! The hemp hearts are there to add healthy fats and protein— so you can swap with chia or flax to get the same health benefits. Another option is to just leave out of the smoothie and eat a handful of almonds or trail mix along with the smoothie to get the protein/fat in AND the fresh produce.

  28. Louise

    September 26, 2018 at 9:48 am

    I really don't like coconut water or coconut milk. Would it be okay to use unsweetened almond milk?

    Reply
    • Bojana

      September 26, 2018 at 9:51 am

      I'd even use just water, enough other flavors and avocado adds volume

    • Jen Hansard

      September 26, 2018 at 12:30 pm

      I'm with Bojana on this one— I'd just to water instead to keep it light and refreshing. The almond milk weighs it down and sometimes dilutes the natural sweetness and flavors, which are the best part.

  29. Terrie D.

    September 24, 2018 at 10:46 am

    This sounds really good! And I could definitely use a boost for my brain health. 🙂

    Reply
    • Simple Green Smoothies

      September 24, 2018 at 2:42 pm

      It really is delicious, Terrie!

      I hope you enjoy it and yes the benefits are a HUGE plus!!

      Cheers!

Leave a Comment & Rating! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate the Recipe




Primary Sidebar

Jen hansard blogger at Simple Green Smoothies About

I'm Jen Hansard, mom of two, plant-based foodie, adventure junkie + cookbook author.

ABOUT ME
COOKBOOK
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • RSS Feed
  • Best Green Smoothie Recipe
  • Classic Vegan Pizza Recipe
  • Austinite Vegan Tacos
  • Healthy Blueberry Smoothie
  • Anti Inflammatory Smoothie
  • Fat Burning Smoothies for Weight Loss

Get my brand new, FREE 10-Day Smoothie Plan delivered to your inbox. Sign up →

  • How to Meal Prep Smoothies
  • How to Freeze Spinach
  • Top 10 Superfoods List of 2022
  • Best Blenders for Smoothies
  • How To Make Almond Milk
  • Plant Based Protein Powder for Smoothies

Top-quality smoothie supplies to make this healthy habit stick and transform your life.
Shop now →

Footer

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube

Footer

RECIPES

CHALLENGE

TOP BLENDERS

SMOOTHIE SHOP

MEAL PLANNER

CONTACT

©Simple Green Smoothies

Affiliate | Privacy | Terms