There are many nutrients that the brain needs in order to work at an optimal level. Here are some facts about Omega 3 essential fatty acids:
Omega 3 essential fatty acids, found in cell walls and membranes, carry electrical signals that travel from brain cell to brain cell. These signals need to pass through cell walls but if your child’s body is deficient in omega 3, the cell walls become less efficient in communicating. This is a nutrient that’s crucial for any inflammatory conditions, optimal brain function and to manage mood disorders.
A pregnant or nursing mother should pay close attention to her omega 3 EFA intake since her baby can’t make them and depends on her for it. Babies needs EFA not only for brain development but also for proper eye development and for motor skills. Us grown-ups can’t manufacture these nutrients either, so we must get them from our diet.
Here are 5 brain-boosting smoothies for kids that your child will surely love. 🙂
1. Banana Booster
Did you know that strawberries contain a modest amount of essential fatty acids, more than any other berry? This recipe was adapted from The Omega 3 Cookbook by Michael van Straten.
- 5 apples, quartered
- 8 strawberries
- 2 bananas, peeled
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
Instructions
- Juice the apples and strawberries then blend with the bananas and almond butter.
2. Paleo Blueberry Smoothie
This one tastes spectacular. It comes from Rebecca Bohl over at Paleo Grubs.
Blueberries are an amazing superfood that I have been wanting to grow for years now. They are high antioxidant, are anti-inflammatory and are high in potassium and vitamin C. They are beneficial to both your brain and heart. Fresh or frozen berries can be used for this recipe, though if you use frozen berries, you can omit the ice. Chia seeds are high in omega 3, as well. They are the best plant based source of omega 3s there are!
- 1 cup blueberries
- 2 tbsp walnuts
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp chia seeds
- 1/2 cup ice cubes
- In a large cup (if using an immersion blender) or a blender, combine ingredients and blend until smooth.
- Add more almond milk if necessary to reach desired consistency.
- Serve immediately.
3. Maple Lime Papaya Protein Smoothie
This yummy smoothie recipe comes from Babble. Papayas. Are. Amazing. If you’re not addicted to them yet, try this smoothie and I’m sure you will be soon. A couple of my kids actually enjoy a little kick, so I added the cayenne for them. This is the protein powder I use, made from organic rice. This smoothie has a really delicious, tropical flavor that I’m sure you’ll love.
- 1 3/4 cup fresh chopped papaya, seeds and skin removed
- 1 banana (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup frozen strawberries or peaches
- 1/4 cup ice
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup (I like grade B)
- 2 small limes, juiced
- 1/2 tsp lime zest
- dash cayenne (optional)
- 2 scoops protein powder (I used a raw hemp brand)
- As Needed to get blender moving: fresh squeezed orange juice
Blend and serve!
4. Three Ingredient Brain Booster
This Three Ingredient Brain Booster comes from FitLife.tv. It’s really easy to whip together in the morning or when you’re in a rush. It’s only got three ingredients but they are good ones:
Almond milk is high in Omega-3 and contains copper, zinc, magnesium, and manganese. Strawberries, and really all berries, are low in sugar, high in fiber, and are a terrific source in anti-oxidants. Strawberries in particular have the most omega-3 out of all the berries. Chia seeds are one of the most nutrient dense foods in the world and are also a great source of magnesium and manganese.
- 2 Cups Almond Milk
- 2 Cups Strawberries
- ¼ Cup Chia Seeds
- Add each ingredient into the blender and blend.
- Transfer to a clean glass container and add ice.
5. Brain Power Smoothie
This coconut-milk based smoothie from Katie over at Wellness Mama tastes suspiciously like a milkshake you’d get at the local fast-food place. But it’s got great ingredients! Coconut milk is full of healthy saturated fat, especially important for growing children. Gelatin powder is a staple at our house for its gut-healing properties. Egg yolks, discarded by too many and for far too long, are the most nutritious part of the egg, containing nearly all known vitamins.
- 2 cups coconut milk
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons gelatin powder
- ½ tsp vanilla
- 1 banana (optional)
- 2 or more egg yolks
- 1 cup ice
- flavor of choice: 1 TBSP organic cocoa powder, ½ cup strawberries, 1 tsp cinnamon, etc.)
Instructions
Blend!
Which will you try RIGHT AWAY? Let me know! Now that I’m done telling you about them, I think I’ll have the papaya one!