Brain-boosting Granola

It’s the 405th day of quarantine period in our region and it’s one of the best days to throw some grains into the oven, make some granolas and be healthy and sharp.

Today, I’m making a granola bowl made out of brain-boosting ingredients. This meal is a must for me  since my work requires cognitive processes. It’s light yet very helpful to my activities. I also recommend this granola to students who are taking online classes. And when you are just having an ordinary day, it’s also good to have this granola at breakfast to start the day with an active mind.

Have these things in one bowl and get that satisfying crunch.

Honey

If there’s one nutritious sweetener for this brain-boosting granola, that’ll be honey. Aside from being a good substitute to sugar since it does not raise blood sugar levels as quickly, honey can also make you smarter! The secret to honey’s brain boosting potential is pinocembrin, which is an antioxidant flavonoid that improves brain function. This means that it has properties that protect brain and nerve cells from damage.

Dates

I’m so glad that friends from UAE gifted us some dates. I got to include them into my granola. This sweet chewy fruit has an excellent nutrition profile, especially when it comes to brain health. The potential brain-boosting properties of dates have been attributed to their content of antioxidants known to reduce inflammation. Additionally, dates help reduce the formation of plaque in the brain.

Pumpkin Seeds

Taking care of the brain isn’t just focusing on cognitive health. We also have to think of our mental health and pumpkin seed is the ingredient for that. If all that studying has got you on edge, munch on some pumpkin seeds. They provide a dose of soothing tryptophan, an amino acid that helps reduce stress and anxiety. Moreover, pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of magnesium, zinc, copper and iron, all of which are important minerals for brain health.

Whole Grain Pasta

First of all, please excuse the colors and shapes of my pasta. I’m having cylindrical pasta that are used as alternatives for plastic straws. They are tainted with organic ingredients for the colors. Anyway, pasta is an incredible addition to this granola, as long as they are made from whole grains. Whole grains provide continuous supply of energy to your brain throughout the day. It is a source of essential B vitamins, magnesium and selenium.

Popcorn

You may ask what the hell popcorn is doing here and what it will do to our brain. Well, this snack isn’t just a pleaser in cinemas. It’s a whole grain and it has fibres and vitamins that improve blood flow throughout the brain and help memory function. It also improves blood-sugar stability, which can curb cravings. Just make sure that the popcorn you eat isn’t microwave popcorn. It is a highly processed food and can be one of the worst for your brain.