Brain Food: Spice It Up with Foods with Anti-Inflammatory Properties

The Power of Peppers, Spices, and Dark Leafy Greens

As researchers dig more deeply into the connection between nutrition and the brain, it is becoming clear that what we eat and how we prepare what we eat has a direct effect on so many facets of cognitive functioning.

The role of foods and spices with anti-inflammatory properties in overall brain health seems, however, to be rising to the top.  It makes sense.  Inflammation is a protective part of the body’s healing process yet that needed part of healing, by nature, changes how the brain is nourished and changes how well we think.

Spice up your recipes with ginger, cinnamon, and cayenne and focus on dark leafy greens and peppers from mild to hot.  I found this incredible recipe on www.veganricha.com, a blog dedicated to flavorful vegan cooking with an even more interesting story.

Kale Spinach Ginger Miso Soup
Allergen Information: Free of Dairy, egg, corn, soy, Gluten. Can be made nut-free(use sunflower seeds), refined oil-free(omit Sesame oil).
Serves 2

Ingredients:
1.5 cups packed baby kale washed
1 cup packed baby spinach washed
1/4 cup ground raw cashew
1 teaspoon rice vinegar or other vinegar or to taste
1 teaspoon Sesame oil
1 Tablespoon Maple syrup
1 Tablespoon Chickpea miso (or any other Miso which might be made from soybeans)
1 Tablespoon sesame seeds
1/2 inch piece of ginger chopped
1 garlic clove
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
1/2 a Jalapeno or chili flakes to taste
1/2 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
1-2 cups water

Variations:
Add cooked chickpeas or white beans and bring to a boil.
Add a chopped tomato for a tangy soup.
Add other spice blends like cajun or garam masala

Method:
In a blender add everything and blend to a smooth consistency. Start with 1 cup water and add more if needed for required consistency of soup.
Add the soup to a pan on medium heat and bring to a boil.
Taste and adjust salt, spice. Add more miso/vinegar for tangier.
Serve hot topped with croutons, or with Pita/Naan bread, garlic bread, roasted veggies.  (Recipe taken directly from http://www.veganricha.com with no modifications.)

This is one of those cases when we don’t need to have all the results in or a thorough research review to act on what we know will be good information. Make sure your diet includes foods and spices that are high in anti-inflammatory properties!