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Smart Plants: Power Foods & Natural Nootropics for Optimized Thinking, Focus & Memory
This book can change the way you think. Literally.
If you struggle with focus and memory lapses, mental fog, or stress—or if you simply want to optimize your mental performance and protect your brain health—Smart Plants is a must read. Written by New York Times bestselling author and natural-food chef Julie Morris, whose name has become synonymous with “superfoods” and “wellness,” this groundbreaking book reveals the dietary secrets to better brain performance. Combining scientific research with the wisdom of ancient remedies, Smart Plants showcases an exciting array of cognition-enhancing plants—from everyday foods to natural nootropics (edibles that can improve memory, learning, and problem solving). Morris’s 65 mouthwatering, beautifully illustrated recipes make it easy to incorporate these powerful foods into your daily diet. Feed your brain with such palate-pleasing dishes as Berry-Almond Amaranth Porridge, French Lentils with Roasted Radishes, Fig & Hazelnut Wild Rice Salad, Garlicky Butter Bean Soup with Kale, Matcha Custard with Wild Berries, and more!
If you struggle with focus and memory lapses, mental fog, or stress—or if you simply want to optimize your mental performance and protect your brain health—Smart Plants is a must read. Written by New York Times bestselling author and natural-food chef Julie Morris, whose name has become synonymous with “superfoods” and “wellness,” this groundbreaking book reveals the dietary secrets to better brain performance. Combining scientific research with the wisdom of ancient remedies, Smart Plants showcases an exciting array of cognition-enhancing plants—from everyday foods to natural nootropics (edibles that can improve memory, learning, and problem solving). Morris’s 65 mouthwatering, beautifully illustrated recipes make it easy to incorporate these powerful foods into your daily diet. Feed your brain with such palate-pleasing dishes as Berry-Almond Amaranth Porridge, French Lentils with Roasted Radishes, Fig & Hazelnut Wild Rice Salad, Garlicky Butter Bean Soup with Kale, Matcha Custard with Wild Berries, and more!
320 pages, Hardcover
Published December 31, 2019
7 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Julie Morris
8 books13 followersJULIE MORRIS is a passionate wellness advocate who believes we can build a better quality of life through what we put on our plate.
Considered a pioneer in the realm of superfood and nootropic cooking, Julie explores the world’s most powerful plants through her work as a natural food chef and New York Times bestselling author. Her in-depth expertise has been quoted by such diverse publications as The Wall Street Journal, GQ, and Women’s Health Magazine, and her recipes have been featured in numerous culinary publications. In addition to her six bestselling books, Julie is the founder and culinary director of the superfood education center, Luminberry, and is dedicated to empowering people with the rewards of cooking with nature’s most amazing foods.
Considered a pioneer in the realm of superfood and nootropic cooking, Julie explores the world’s most powerful plants through her work as a natural food chef and New York Times bestselling author. Her in-depth expertise has been quoted by such diverse publications as The Wall Street Journal, GQ, and Women’s Health Magazine, and her recipes have been featured in numerous culinary publications. In addition to her six bestselling books, Julie is the founder and culinary director of the superfood education center, Luminberry, and is dedicated to empowering people with the rewards of cooking with nature’s most amazing foods.
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October 24, 2023
The intricate connection between the brain and our dietary choices forms the basis of an enlightening journey into the world of cognitive enhancement in ‘Smart Plants’.
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.
Author’s background
Julie Morris is a New York Times bestselling author and a natural-food chef, consultant, and advocate of whole, plant-based foods and superfoods for optimal health.
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.
What is the book about?
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.
Key takeaways from ‘Smart Plants’
1. Neurotransmitters play a vital role in brain function and influence our well-being
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.
• Serotonin, often associated with mood and happiness, affects various aspects of brain function, including sleep and appetite. Depression, a common condition, doesn’t solely result from serotonin imbalances.
• Dopamine, known as the pleasure chemical, motivates action, but excessive stimulation can lead to addiction. Goal setting and achievement can naturally increase dopamine levels.
• Norepinephrine and epinephrine play roles in arousal, stress response, and mental focus.
• Acetylcholine, crucial for processing information, declines with age and is linked to cognitive impairment.
• Glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter, facilitates learning and memory but can lead to excitotoxicity if excessively activated.
• GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, promotes relaxation and calmness.
A balance of neurotransmitters within a healthy range is essential for optimal brain function.
2. Neurotransmitters cannot be consumed through food, but nutrients in specific foods can support their production
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.
3. You can improve your cognitive performance with ‘Three Ps of Brain Building’
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.
4. Cut on sugar, eat some fat and protein
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.
Strengths and weaknesses, according to readers’ reviews
Strengths:
• The writing is well laid out and the information is solid and easy to read through.
• The book includes a glossary, lots of documentation in the back, and resources.
Weaknesses:
• According to some readers, the book contains recipes which have foods that are not easy to find in some areas and might frustrate some people.
Quotes from ‘Smart Plants’
“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.”
Final takeaway
If you find yourself grappling with issues like a lack of focus, memory lapses, mental fog, or stress, or if you’re simply interested in optimising your mental acuity and safeguarding your brain’s well-being, then ‘Smart Plants’ is a must-read for you. This book is authored by Julie Morris, a New York Times bestselling author. In ‘Smart Plants,’ she unveils the dietary secrets that can enhance your cognitive abilities.
Drawing from a combination of scientific research and the ancient wisdom of remedies, ‘Smart Plants’ introduces a fascinating array of plants known for their cognition-boosting properties. These encompass everyday foods as well as natural nootropics, which are edible substances capable of enhancing memory, learning, and problem-solving skills. With the inclusion of 65 delectable recipes, beautifully illustrated, Morris makes it accessible to incorporate these potent brain-boosting foods into your daily diet.
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.
Author’s background
Julie Morris is a New York Times bestselling author and a natural-food chef, consultant, and advocate of whole, plant-based foods and superfoods for optimal health.
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.
What is the book about?
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.
Key takeaways from ‘Smart Plants’
1. Neurotransmitters play a vital role in brain function and influence our well-being
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.
• Serotonin, often associated with mood and happiness, affects various aspects of brain function, including sleep and appetite. Depression, a common condition, doesn’t solely result from serotonin imbalances.
• Dopamine, known as the pleasure chemical, motivates action, but excessive stimulation can lead to addiction. Goal setting and achievement can naturally increase dopamine levels.
• Norepinephrine and epinephrine play roles in arousal, stress response, and mental focus.
• Acetylcholine, crucial for processing information, declines with age and is linked to cognitive impairment.
• Glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter, facilitates learning and memory but can lead to excitotoxicity if excessively activated.
• GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, promotes relaxation and calmness.
A balance of neurotransmitters within a healthy range is essential for optimal brain function.
2. Neurotransmitters cannot be consumed through food, but nutrients in specific foods can support their production
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.
3. You can improve your cognitive performance with ‘Three Ps of Brain Building’
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.
4. Cut on sugar, eat some fat and protein
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.
Strengths and weaknesses, according to readers’ reviews
Strengths:
• The writing is well laid out and the information is solid and easy to read through.
• The book includes a glossary, lots of documentation in the back, and resources.
Weaknesses:
• According to some readers, the book contains recipes which have foods that are not easy to find in some areas and might frustrate some people.
Quotes from ‘Smart Plants’
“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.”
Final takeaway
If you find yourself grappling with issues like a lack of focus, memory lapses, mental fog, or stress, or if you’re simply interested in optimising your mental acuity and safeguarding your brain’s well-being, then ‘Smart Plants’ is a must-read for you. This book is authored by Julie Morris, a New York Times bestselling author. In ‘Smart Plants,’ she unveils the dietary secrets that can enhance your cognitive abilities.
Drawing from a combination of scientific research and the ancient wisdom of remedies, ‘Smart Plants’ introduces a fascinating array of plants known for their cognition-boosting properties. These encompass everyday foods as well as natural nootropics, which are edible substances capable of enhancing memory, learning, and problem-solving skills. With the inclusion of 65 delectable recipes, beautifully illustrated, Morris makes it accessible to incorporate these potent brain-boosting foods into your daily diet.
Read
October 1, 2022 People have said “you are what you eat.” What you put in your mouth does affect your body from top to bottom. In her latest book, Julie Morris offers sage advice on how certain plants can help the brain function better. The human brain is a unique organ. With higher than ever numbers of Dementia and Alzheimer’s cases reported, it is best to give the brain a fighting chance. We must keep the brain in top form.
In SMART PLANTS, Morris does just that, with facts on how to make the brain better in terms of memory and focusing on the world around us. Diet is key, including one with nootropics.
Nootropics is not a term often used. There are many ways to introduce them into one’s body. Morris studies plants vital in enhancing memory. She lists the top sources for them, creating a list to keep your brain brighter and better.
There are other areas she studies, including fats and the brain. She says the brain is 60% percent fat, so it is vital certain fats are introduced into the diet for brain function. Not all fats do this, as there are healthy fats and not so healthy ones.
Morris guides us through the maze, to find good foods. There are tasty recipes at the back of the book that are no-brainers (pardon the pun), when it comes to brain boosting. Feeding your brain too, is most important for longevity in life.
In SMART PLANTS, Morris does just that, with facts on how to make the brain better in terms of memory and focusing on the world around us. Diet is key, including one with nootropics.
Nootropics is not a term often used. There are many ways to introduce them into one’s body. Morris studies plants vital in enhancing memory. She lists the top sources for them, creating a list to keep your brain brighter and better.
There are other areas she studies, including fats and the brain. She says the brain is 60% percent fat, so it is vital certain fats are introduced into the diet for brain function. Not all fats do this, as there are healthy fats and not so healthy ones.
Morris guides us through the maze, to find good foods. There are tasty recipes at the back of the book that are no-brainers (pardon the pun), when it comes to brain boosting. Feeding your brain too, is most important for longevity in life.
December 8, 2019
This is an engaging and usable look at superfoods and nootropics. The first portion is an examination of the brain, nutrition and a reference of some of the more well known and used plants. the author outlines the benefits of each as well as practical ways to integrate them into your life. The second part consists of plant-based recipes that will enhance brain function the recipe instructions are not complicated and no expensive equipment is required. the ingredients can be sourced if not locally at health food and larger grocery stores online. She does provide substitutions like using barley in place of the rarer freekeh. There is a small resource section, a glossary and conversion chart. Additionally, you can sign up for her free seven-day brain challenge. An easy, fun and tasty way to optimize the brain.
August 12, 2024
This is an excellent and clearly descriptive book explaining what plants benefit the brain and how to use them. The author seems to have taken lots of supplements which is not something I'm interested in given they are not FDA regulated and can contain more than the ingredients listed. I read this book to find out how and why the plants are helpful and to choose better foods. She offers a comprehensive section on recipes using ingredients not available to me or ones I have tasted in the paste and didn't like. If you are vegan or a super healthy eater you will recognize them.
There are great summaries at the end of every chapter and lists to help you remember which plants serve what purposes. This book exceeded my expectations. That may seem strange considering what I have just written in my review but I got what I was going for and the book offers more than that.
There are great summaries at the end of every chapter and lists to help you remember which plants serve what purposes. This book exceeded my expectations. That may seem strange considering what I have just written in my review but I got what I was going for and the book offers more than that.
June 7, 2019
Another great resource to add for those who go with their gut (no pun intended) when it comes to living life to their fullest. Nootropics are substances that can enhance cognitive function. It also offers a seasonal eating plan and recipes.
Thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.
Thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.
April 14, 2020
Excellent. Fantastic info about how to boost your brain through food!
reference-d
December 9, 2020Full science based break down of super foods. Most recipes look meh or gross but there is a LOT of information here to be gained.
December 31, 2019
I have been a fan of @superfoodjules for several years now. Her other cookbooks are amongst some of my favorites! I love her knowledge of superfoods and the creative ways she incorporates this into her recipes.
In her latest book Smart Plants, its all about feeding your brain for better brain health and performance. This book is laid out seasonally, (I love when authors do this) and In these 65 recipes she has included lots of signature superfoods, and many of these are everyday ingredients so bonus! I always like when ingredients aren't hard to find. She has also included a lengthy well researched section at the beginning breaking down the immense power of the human brain and how it works to how and why choosing to feed it plants is best for optimal performance. With lots of info on micronutrients and vitamins/minerals. Plus a chart showing all the vegan food sources for protein, low sugar, good sources of fat and micronutrients. As well as explaining what Nootropic's are and what they do for our brains.
I haven't tried all the recipes yet but of the recipes I I did try my favorites were:
•Blueberry Chia Muffins
•Garlicky Butter Bean Soup with Kale
•Lentil Vegetable Stew
•Lentil-Beet Burgers
•Tamari Tempeh with Broccoli & Sesame
•Savory Chickpea Protein Bars
•Spinach Mushroom Tofu Scramble
•Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pecans
•
Julie Morris is a NYT Bestselling author and Natural Food Chef. I reccomend checking this book out as well as her others. Even if your not Vegan, there are so many excellent healthy superfood recipes to rotate into your diet.
•
Thank You to the publisher for sending me this book opinions are my own.
•
For more of my book content check out instagram.com/bookalong
In her latest book Smart Plants, its all about feeding your brain for better brain health and performance. This book is laid out seasonally, (I love when authors do this) and In these 65 recipes she has included lots of signature superfoods, and many of these are everyday ingredients so bonus! I always like when ingredients aren't hard to find. She has also included a lengthy well researched section at the beginning breaking down the immense power of the human brain and how it works to how and why choosing to feed it plants is best for optimal performance. With lots of info on micronutrients and vitamins/minerals. Plus a chart showing all the vegan food sources for protein, low sugar, good sources of fat and micronutrients. As well as explaining what Nootropic's are and what they do for our brains.
I haven't tried all the recipes yet but of the recipes I I did try my favorites were:
•Blueberry Chia Muffins
•Garlicky Butter Bean Soup with Kale
•Lentil Vegetable Stew
•Lentil-Beet Burgers
•Tamari Tempeh with Broccoli & Sesame
•Savory Chickpea Protein Bars
•Spinach Mushroom Tofu Scramble
•Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pecans
•
Julie Morris is a NYT Bestselling author and Natural Food Chef. I reccomend checking this book out as well as her others. Even if your not Vegan, there are so many excellent healthy superfood recipes to rotate into your diet.
•
Thank You to the publisher for sending me this book opinions are my own.
•
For more of my book content check out instagram.com/bookalong
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews