A new study has showed that a person’s diet may influence cognitive decline and overall brain health. Results show that people with healthier diets were 24 percent less likely to show cognitive decline. With this in mind, finding a healthy way to snack is one of the most important ways to protect your brain health.
The Snack Food Association estimates that Americans devoured more than 11 million pounds of potato chips during last year’s Super Bowl. That added about 27 billion calories and 550 million grams of saturated fat to the collective American diet in one afternoon, which is just bad for your brain health as it is for your body’s.
Those who want to avoid adding to those numbers, and perhaps to their waistlines, might consider putting this healthier snack into the potluck lineup for the big game. Crispy Kale with Creamy Herb Dip from Daisy Brand weighs in at just 84 calories and 1 gram of saturated fat per serving and features the leafy green vegetables that help promote brain health.
Crispy Kale with Creamy Herb Dip
Prep time: 15 Minutes
Total time: 30 Minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
8 ounces fresh kale
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese
2 tablespoons skim milk
1 tablespoon salt-free garlic & herb seasoning mix
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Directions
Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Cut out the tough stems from the kale; tear into bite-sized pieces. Wash the kale; place in salad spinner and spin all the water out; repeat spinning to ensure the kale is completely dry. Place the kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with the oil tossing to coat the leaves in oil. Arrange kale in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake the kale for 10-15 minutes or just until the leaves are crisp. Meanwhile, blend the cottage cheese, milk, salad dressing mix, and lemon juice in a blender or food processor until almost smooth. Serve with Kale Chips. Optional: try serving on toasted French bread.
For more information on how to improve your own brain health, feel free to take our free brain check-up at our Healthy Brains website.
