Serves 2

This Brain Bowl contains the following brain-healthy super-foods:

1. Forbidden rice: Forbidden rice is a nutritional power house. When cooked, it turns a deep purple color, revealing its anthocyanin content. Anthocyanins are a type of flavonoids, or plant pigments, that have been found to have prominent health benefits. Anthocyanins can accumulate in the hippocampus and enhance memory.
2. Turmeric: Curcumin, or turmeric extract, can cross the blood brain barrier and have a positive impact on mood and memory. It has been suggested for years that eating turmeric is the reason why people in India have a much lower rate of Alzheimer’s than Americans. Now we have research to back this up.  A recent study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry revealed consuming curcumin improves memory performance and may also lead to less neuropathological accumulation in the amygdala, our center for emotions.
3. Coconut. Coconut is rich in medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), which promote ketone body production. Ketones are an efficiency fuel source for the brain. In fact, MCT’s can “turn off” the Alzheimer’s gene (APOE).
4. Salmon. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Neuro-inflammation (aka “brain on fire”) can contribute to depression and dementia. The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon also increase Brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), your miraculous memory- boosting protein. Opt for wild-caught salmon when possible.
5. Sauerkraut: A healthy gut microbiome translates to a healthy brain!

I use Trader Joe’s Wild Caught Smoked Salmon. Smoking at low temperatures can be one of the more brain-friendly ways to prepare fish. That’s because smoked fish- salmon, trout, mackerel and mussels- retain concentrations of omega-3 fats comparable to fresh fish.

Spiced Forbidden Rice Ingredients:

• 1 cup forbidden rice (aka black rice)
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup bone broth
• 2 tsps ground turmeric
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
• 1 tsp coriander
• 2 tsps fresh grated ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste

Other Ingredients:

• ½ cucumber, sliced thin in 1″ sticks
• ½ cup edamame
• Wild-caught smoked salmon (Trader Joe’s)
• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
• ¼ cup sauerkraut
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Seaweed gomasio (optional)

Instructions:

1. Make spiced forbidden rice: In a medium saucepan, bring coconut milk and broth to a boil. Add rice and seasonings and turn heat to low. Cover. Cook for 25-30 minutes, or until rice is tender.
2. Add rice to a bowl. Top with cucumber, edamame, salmon, sauerkraut, and cilantro. Squeeze 1/2 of lime on each bowl and season with salt and pepper and seaweed gomasio (if using).

Editor’s Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health practitioners with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health program.