In a previous post listed here I wrote about the side effects of caffeine and how too much of it has been linked to many side effects including anxiety. Today I want give my recipe for one of my favorite treats that is both delicious and good for your brain health. It contains the following ingredients and their benefits are included.
Coconut milk- Helps with overall brain health, lowers inflammation (which is tied to most health problems), and may prevent Alzheimer's disease (1,2,)
MCT oil- Shown to benefit brain health, give energy to brain, improve cognitive functioning, help burn fat (3,4,5,6)
Grass fed ghee- another healthy fat which is good for brain health (7,8)
Turmeric- anti-inflammatory, may prevent depression (9,10,11)
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Total servings 1
Ingredients:
(If you are having trouble finding anything I have attached a link for each item of the brand I prefer and use)
1 can coconut milk (be sure to use non BPA can)
1 tablespoon MCT oil
1 tablespoon grass fed ghee
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cardamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ginger
-(if easier you can use 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice)
Pinch of black pepper
Instructions:
Heat one can of coconut milk on medium heat until warm
When it is warm pour carefully into a high speed blender.
Combine the rest of the ingredients in the blender and blend on a high speed until mixed well.
Be careful when removing lid from blender as the heat and steam may expand and burst out. If needed vent the lid.
Serve immediately or when it reaches the temperature that you desire.
Enjoy!
References
1. Silva RR, Oliveira e Silva D, Fontes HR, Alviano CS, Fernandes PD, Alviano DS. Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of Cocos nucifera var. typica. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2013 May 16;13:107. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-13-107. PMID: 23680079; PMCID: PMC3680169.
2. Fernando, W., Martins, I., Goozee, K., Brennan, C., Jayasena, V., & Martins, R. (2015). The role of dietary coconut for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease: Potential mechanisms of action. British Journal of Nutrition,114(1), 1-14. doi:10.1017/S0007114515001452
3. Taylor, M. K., Swerdlow, R. H., & Sullivan, D. K. (2019). Dietary Neuroketotherapeutics for Alzheimer's Disease: An Evidence Update and the Potential Role for Diet Quality. Nutrients, 11(8), 1910. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11081910
4. Yu, S., Go, G. W., & Kim, W. (2019). Medium Chain Triglyceride (MCT) Oil Affects the Immunophenotype via Reprogramming of Mitochondrial Respiration in Murine Macrophages. Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 8(11), 553. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods8110553
5. D C Harvey, C. J., Schofield, G. M., Williden, M., & McQuillan, J. A. (2018). The Effect of Medium Chain Triglycerides on Time to Nutritional Ketosis and Symptoms of Keto-Induction in Healthy Adults: A Randomised Controlled Clinical Trial. Journal of nutrition and metabolism, 2018, 2630565. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/2630565
6. De la Rubia Ortí JE, Sánchez Álvarez C, Selvi Sabater P, Bueno Cayo AM, Sancho Castillo S, Rochina MJ, Hu Yang I. Influencia del aceite de coco en enfermos de alzhéimer a nivel cognitivo [How does coconut oil affect cognitive performance in alzheimer patients?]. Nutr Hosp. 2017 Mar 30;34(2):352-356. Spanish. doi: 10.20960/nh.780.
7. Chang CY, Ke DS, Chen JY. Essential fatty acids and human brain. Acta Neurol Taiwan. 2009 Dec;18(4):231-41.
8. Martínez-Lapiscina EH, Clavero P, Toledo E, Estruch R, Salas-Salvadó J, San Julián B, Sanchez-Tainta A, Ros E, Valls-Pedret C, Martinez-Gonzalez MÁ. Mediterranean diet improves cognition: the PREDIMED-NAVARRA randomised trial. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2013 Dec;84(12):1318-25. doi: 10.1136/jnnp-2012-304792.
9. Jurenka JS. Anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, a major constituent of Curcuma longa: a review of preclinical and clinical research. Altern Med Rev. 2009 Jun;14(2):141-53. Erratum in: Altern Med Rev. 2009 Sep;14(3):277.
10. Latif R, Mumtaz S, Al Sheikh MH, Chathoth S, Nasser Al Naimi S. Effects of Turmeric on Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Mental Health, and Serum Homocysteine in Overweight, Obese Females. Altern Ther Health Med. 2021 Jun;27(S1):114-119.
11. Ng QX, Koh SSH, Chan HW, Ho CYX. Clinical Use of Curcumin in Depression: A Meta-Analysis. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2017 Jun 1;18(6):503-508. doi: 10.1016/j.jamda.2016.12.071. Epub 2017 Feb 22.
Disclaimer: I only recommend products I would use myself. All opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
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