Smart Plants by Julie Morris

While our understanding of the intricate relationship between nutrition and brain function continues to evolve, ‘Smart Plants’ presents a compelling argument for the profound influence diet can have on our cognitive abilities.

The author, Julie Morris explores how the foods we consume can significantly impact our brain’s performance, encompassing memory, focus, and overall mental well-being.

She is the author of ’Superfood Kitchen’, ‘Superfood Smoothies’, ’Superfood Juices’, ’Superfood Snacks’, and ’Superfood Soups’. Her in-depth knowledge of superfoods has been quoted by The Wall Street Journal, GQ, and Women’s Health Magazine, and featured in numerous culinary publications.

In the first section of ‘Smart Plants’, readers will acquire a basic understanding of brain biology and function without delving too deeply into complex details. This knowledge serves as a starting point for exploring methods to enhance mental faculties. Subsequently, readers will delve into the realm of brain nutrition, gaining insights into their individual dietary needs and actionable steps they can take to cultivate a brain-friendly diet.

A Smart Plants diet is structured into three tiers:

1) An everyday regimen characterised by whole, nutrient-rich, plant-based foods, which promote the overall health of the brain.

2) The incorporation of nootropic ingredients for an extra cognitive boost.

3) The consideration of plant-based supplements for further fine-tuning.

Detailed explanations of these foods and food-based supplements aid readers in making informed choices that align with their preferences and goals. By the end of this section, readers will possess the tools necessary to tailor their own plan for optimising brain function.

In the second part, all recipes are crafted to provide neuroprotection and foster balanced brain function, with the specific benefits outlined in a ‘Mind Meter’ at the end of each recipe. While these recipes predominantly feature common plant-based ingredients, readers have the option to augment their functionality by incorporating specialty nootropic ingredients. An optional, personalised nootropic Brain Boost is also provided for each recipe.

The final section introduces a collection of ‘rituals,’ which can be likened to a comprehensive, functional food celebration, condensed into easy-to-follow recipes. These distinctive recipes are infused with premium nootropics and cater to individuals eager to elevate their brain function to new heights.

While serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine are known for regulating mood, dopamine also drives pleasure-seeking behaviours and can be influenced by surprising experiences. Physical activity, such as exercise, can help balance neurotransmitters and promote overall brain health.

A balance of neurotransmitters within a healthy range is essential for optimal brain function.

A well-functioning brain chemistry operates within a healthy range, adapting to fluctuating needs. Physical activity helps balance neurotransmitters, and natural methods support overall brain health.

In the current era, brain health research has evolved beyond solely addressing neurological diseases to optimising and enhancing the functioning of healthy brains. Recent studies challenge the idea that brain decline is inevitable with age, offering hope for brain rebuilding and unleashing human potential. This book approaches brain improvement through the ‘Three Ps of Brain Building’:

1. Priming: Everyday brain maintenance.

2. Protection: Shielding the brain from cognitive impairments and diseases.

3. Plasticity: Enhancing the brain’s flexibility, adaptability, repair, and growth. Understanding these concepts empowers you to achieve your cognitive goals through the foods you consume, making brain health a compelling aspect of personal optimisation.

The study of how nutrition affects brain function is relatively new, with much of the data originating from animal studies. However, the quality of the foods you consume and your overall dietary patterns are more critical than focusing on optimising specific nutrients. A ‘qualitarian’ approach to food emphasises the following simple guidelines for boosting brainpower: a brain-supportive diet includes some fat, some protein, less sugar, and more plants.

While there’s room for flexibility within this guideline, these four dietary principles serve as the primary tools for enhancing brain health and cognitive function.

• Introduction
• How to Use This Book
• PART ONE:
• Change Your Mind

Strengths

Weaknesses

“The next time someone tells you you’re getting a fat head, take that as a compliment – it could actually mean you’re growing a healthier brain!”

“In short, your ability to learn, focus, conceptualize, remember, and even shrug off stress is directly related to the food you put on your plate, which can make all the difference in how you think and feel.”

“Your brain, like the rest of your body, seeks balance, not excess. For every powerful benefit of a neurotransmitter, there is an equally undesirable range of nonbeneficial effects when that neurotransmitter is released in excess.”

Where to buy

You can buy ‘Smart Plants: Power Foods & Natural Nootropics for Optimized Thinking, Focus & Memory’ on Amazon, where it’s available in hardcover and Kindle formats.

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