Science-backed recipies for brain function

Neurogenesis Smoothie Maker

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Neurogenesis Smoothie Builder
Science-backed recipes for brain optimization

Smoothies recepies that contain all the ingredients the brain needs to grow, repair and upgrade. Vitamins, minerals, a spectrum of antioxidants to lower cellular stresses and proanthrocyadins to stimulate BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor), growth hormones for the brain. These growth hormones drive neurogenesis in repairing and upgrading your brain.

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    Plain-English explainer

    Neurogenesis, in Plain English

    How your daily choices reshape memory circuits

    Neurogenesis is the brain’s ability to make new neurons—mainly in the hippocampus, the hub for learning, memory, and mood. In adults it never fully stops; it rises and falls with everyday inputs like sleep, stress, movement, and what you eat. At the same time, synapses are constantly pruned and rebuilt as you form new memories and skills. In short, lifestyle choices tune the rate of brain-cell birth and the ongoing remodeling of the circuits that make you.

    Neurotrophins, such as Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), are pivotal in stimulating neurogenesis, safeguarding existing neurons, and fostering the development of new neurons and synapses. Elevating BDNF levels not only enhances neurogenesis but also fortifies neural pathways, paving the way for optimal brain vitality and cognitive function.

    Think of plant flavonoids as gentle “Miracle-Gro” for your brain

    These natural nutrients help turn up your brain’s own growth signals (BDNF/NGF), keep inflammation down, and give new neurons a friendlier place to grow. Here are the main ones with decent study back-up:

    • Cocoa flavanols (epicatechin) — dark cocoa/cacao; linked to better brain blood flow and memory, with BDNF support in several studies.
    • EGCG (green tea) — repeatedly tied to healthier brain aging and higher BDNF in models.
    • Berry anthocyanins — blueberries, blackberries, purple grapes; human trials show memory benefits and BDNF boosts in animals.
    • Hesperidin & naringenin — citrus flavonoids; small human studies suggest improved brain blood flow and cognitive scores.
    • Quercetin — apples, onions, capers; supports BDNF and pairs well with exercise in preclinical/early studies.
    • Apigenin — parsley, chamomile; “NGF-friendly,” encouraging neurite growth in lab and animal work.
    • Luteolin — celery, peppers; calms brain inflammation and supports BDNF signaling in models.
    • Fisetin — strawberries, apples; promotes neurite growth and shows BDNF/NGF support in preclinical research.
    • Kaempferol — kale, tea, capers; neuroprotective effects with early evidence for trophic support.

    Quick note: great non-flavonoid helpers include curcumin and resveratrol—not flavonoids, but often studied alongside them.

    Use these through real foods first (tea, berries, citrus, cocoa with low sugar), then consider standardized supplements if you want an extra nudge. Pair with sleep, movement, and protein—your daily “fertilizer mix” for neurogenesis.

    Sleep Movement Protein Low inflammation
    Evidence snapshot

    NMN & Neurogenesis

    Human mechanism-plausible • Strong animal data

    In animal models, NMN raises brain NAD⁺ and helps neural stem cells in the hippocampus survive, divide, and mature. Adult neurogenesis persists in humans but declines with age. Stack NMN with sleep and exercise for best odds.

    Raises hippocampal NAD⁺

    Single NMN doses increase mitochondrial NAD⁺ in the hippocampus and tune energy signalling in vivo (mice).

    Supports neurogenesis (models)

    With age, hippocampal NAMPT/NAD⁺ fall; restoring NAD⁺ rescues neural stem-cell pools and maturation (mice).

    Protects under stressors

    After stroke or cisplatin, NMN improved regenerative neurogenesis and cognition in vivo (mice).

    Sources (“receipts”):
    1) Klimova N. Mol Metab, 2019 — hippocampal mitochondrial NAD⁺ ↑ after NMN (mice).
    2) Stein & Imai. EMBO J, 2014 — hippocampal NAMPT/NAD⁺ ↓ with age; NAD⁺ governs NSPC fate (mice).
    3) Zhao Y. Stroke, 2015 — delayed NMN → ↑ post-ischemic regenerative neurogenesis (mice).
    4) Yoo KH. Cancer Research, 2021 — NMN prevents cisplatin-induced hippocampal neurogenesis/cognition defects (mice).
    Human context: Boldrini M. Cell Stem Cell, 2018 — adult hippocampal neurogenesis persists (humans).

    Klimova 2019 (PMC) Stein & Imai 2014 (PMC) Zhao 2015 (Stroke) Yoo 2021 (Cancer Res.) Boldrini 2018 (PMC)

    Note: Human trials showing ↑ neurogenesis from NMN aren’t published yet; evidence is mechanistic + animal.