Q. Joe described his morning breakfast health drink on the radio but I wasn’t able to write it down. I would appreciate knowing the ingredients, quantities and process to make it. Terry indicated it only took 5 minutes to make and had frozen berries and protein in it.
I would very much like to try this drink. I thought you had said the recipe was easily available online, but I have not been able to locate it. Please make this smoothie formula available for others to try.
A. We developed Joe’s Brain Boosting Smoothie several years ago. The video at the top of this article demonstrates the ingredients and the way to make the smoothie.
The reasoning behind the smoothie is to provide adequate high-quality protein plus the benefits of berries. There is substantial evidence that blueberries in particular can help preserve cognitive function (Gerontology, online, Aug. 16, 2012). In this review, the author points out that:
“Evidence is accumulating that consumption of blueberries may be one strategy to forestall or even reverse age-related neuronal deficits, as well as their subsequent behavioral manifestations, in order to increase healthy aging. Research suggests that the polyphenolic compounds found in blueberries exert their beneficial effects either through their ability to lower oxidative stress and inflammation or directly by altering the signaling involved in neuronal communication. These interventions, in turn, may protect against age-related deficits in cognitive and motor function.”
We often add blackberries and raspberries to the blueberries in the smoothie. They too have anthocyanidins (colorful polyphenols) similar to those found in blueberries.
If you want to boost the amount of protein in the smoothie, you can add egg white powder and/or pasteurized egg whites. Frozen bananas add a little sweetness and texture, and we often add freshly ground flaxseed as well, for more omega-3 fatty acids and anti-inflammatory lignans. Some people don’t like the slightly gritty texture that flaxseed adds, though, so check it out to determine your own preferences.
Here is our modified recipe:
Joe’s Brain Boosting Smoothie 2015
- 1 teaspoon fish oil
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 cup fresh or frozen mixed berries
- If using fresh berries: 1 cup crushed ice
- cup plain yogurt
- cup pomegranate or cherry juice
- cup pasteurized egg whites (or roughly 4 eggs’ worth)
- 4 tablespoons whey powder
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
Years ago, a caller to our radio show offered his own smoothie recipe that he drinks to keep his cholesterol under control. He was kind enough to share it with us.
Julius’s Cholesterol-Lowering Orange Smoothie
Put orange juice (4-8 oz.) and a diced banana or peach into a 16 oz jar, cap tightly and shake. Then add 1/3 cup raw rolled oats and 1 Tablespoon ground flax meal. Cap once again, shake, let sit for 15 or 20 minutes. The smoothie can be frozen and will stay cool for hours after coming out of the freezer. Julius reports that consuming this smoothie 5 days a week for a year lowered his cholesterol by 40 points.
We heard from one mother that this recipe was surprisingly effective:
“My 15-year-old son had low HDL and a poor cholesterol profile at his checkup. So for ten months I have had him drink my version of the cholesterol-reducing smoothie I found on your website. He had the smoothie 4 or 5 days a week and loved it. I use frozen unsweetened strawberries, orange juice, ground flaxseed and oat bran.
“In June I asked the pediatrician if he would order blood work so I could see if the smoothie helped raise my son’s HDL and improve his other blood work. It did. Now his HDL is 34 and his total cholesterol is 138, with LDL of 92. That makes the ratio of LDL to HDL much better, under 3.”
We are great believers in starting your day with a really healthy breakfast that is low in processed carbohydrates (no pancakes, no waffles and no Pop-Tarts!). While we do not frown on eggs, we do think that getting egg whites (powdered or pasteurized) along with whey powder plus yogurt and berries in Joe’s Brain Boosting Smoothie is a great way to start the day (see the video at the top for details or check out the book offer below). For other really healthy breakfast ideas, our special Beet Juice Smoothie (for those with high blood pressure) or two weeks of healthy and delicious meals and recipes may be just the ticket. You may want to check out our 174-page book, Recipes & Remedies from The People’s Pharmacy to learn more.
