The Brain Health Cookbook: MIND Diet Recipes to Prevent Disease and Enhance Cognitive Power

by Julie Andrews

Food for thought —75 delicious recipes to boost brainpower

In the search for ways to preserve brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline, there is one evidence-based nutritional plan that rises to the top. The Brain Health Cookbook’s MIND diet (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) is a unique brain-building combination diet that has been scientifically recognized to improve brain health and even prevent cognitive decline by up to 53%.

The Brain Health Cookbook is a comprehensive and practical guide to the science behind the MIND diet, including 75 delicious recipes like Wild Berry Cashew Smoothie and Fish Taco Bowls with Mango Salsa for optimal brain health and function. Truly the “best of both diets,” The Brain Health Cookbook takes a straightforward approach to the MIND diet by recommending specific, moderate servings of each brain-healthy food group—and provides a lifestyle guide full of easy suggestions for adding more brain-healthy activities into your life.

This brain health cookbook contains:

The latest science — Gain a deep understanding of the MIND diet, including the latest scientific research, a comprehensive list of brain-boosting foods, and the recommended dietary guidelines for optimal brain health.
The spice of life—Each recipe includes variation tips on how to keep things interesting, substitution tips for special diets, and cooking tips for ways to make your recipes even more delicious.
More than a cookbook — Learn about other habits that have been proven to optimize brainpower beyond food, such as stress management, adequate sleep and hydration, intellectual pursuits, and regular physical activity.
Tap into the power of the MIND diet, and bask in its cognitive benefits.

Genres: Cookbooks

182 pages, Paperback

Published March 10, 2020

Reviews

[Alicia Bayer]

This is a great cookbook that gives information about what the latest research shows on causes of dementia like Alzheimer's and what foods show promise in protecting the brain. It's a little bit challenging right now because doctors and dieticians disagree so strongly on what foods are helpful and harmful. I am reading a handful of health and diet books right now that are all written by respected doctors or trained dieticians, and they are so wildly different in advice. One says keto will protect your brain, the next two say to avoid full-fat dairy, the next says that full-fat dairy is healthy as long as it's from properly raised cows, and so on.

I take it all with a grain of salt (yes, they can argue about whether I can do that, too) and mostly stick to a diet high in fresh vegetables, fruits and other plants high in fiber, healthy fats, and limited sugar and processed foods. This goes along with that well. The diets she recommends are a combination of MIND and DASH diets -- lots of vegetables, berries, nuts and seeds, a little seafood, a little meat, healthy oils and a little wine (I always like when they okay that!). Many of the recipes are gluten free and vegetarian, and they are marked with these things. Nutritional information is provided, but not a lot of photos. There is a chart to track which recommended foods you're eating throughout the week, and the recipes use little green icons to show which ingredients are protective of the brain.

I was pleased to see that I marked quite a few of the recipes to try. They seem relatively easy, healthy and tasty. Recommended.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.

[Cassandra]

I received a complimentary copy.

While I do not eat all of the foods in this book there are some recipes I can modify. There is some wonderful information and it is very well organized. I think that depending on dietary needs this can be a great gift and will encourage people to make healthier eating choices.

[Sharon]

The Brain Health Cookbook: MIND Diet Recipes to Prevent Disease and Enhance Cognitive Power is designed to reduce the inflammation in the body that builds up over time, leaving certain body systems not functioning at full capacity. The MIND diet (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) includes eating such items as leafy greens, low-starch vegetables, whole grains, berries, nuts, seeds, seafood, poultry, beans, and olive oil. As readers can see from this list, there are many good ingredients that can help to promote a healthy lifestyle.

Part One is all about brain health and how what you eat is an important component. Creating a balanced lifestyle is key and this diet uses flavorful combinations to help eaters stay on track. I particularly like the lists of healthy fruits and vegetables, as well as the essential pantry staples.

Part Two is all about the recipes and I have detailed below the sections, as well as some of my favorites.

Breakfast: Lemon-Ricotta Pancakes with Blueberry Compote; Peanut Butter & Banana Baked Oatmeal

Salads, Soups, and Sides: Broccoli Salad with Sweet Lemon Dressing; Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup; Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts

Vegetarian Mains: Zucchini Noodle Carbonara; Chickpea and Potato Green Curry; Crispy Buffalo Tofu Bites

Seafood Mains: Firecracker-Glazed Salmon Nuggets; Sheet-Pan Shrimp Boil; Easy Seafood Paella

Carnivore Mains: Jerk Pork Tacos with Pineapple Salsa; Spanish Chicken Skillet; Mongolian Beef and Vegetables

Healthy Desserts: Pumpkin Coconut Mousse; Dark Chocolate Mint Brownies

Overall, I really enjoyed The Brain Health Cookbook for its varied recipes and great flavor profiles. It proves that you can eat well and eat healthy at the same time. The biggest drawback to this cookbook is its lack of pictures, as inspiration is usually drawn best through the visual medium. I would recommend The Brain Health Cookbook to those desiring to adopt a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing flavor.

I was given an opportunity to read The Brain Health Cookbook: MIND Diet Recipes to Prevent Disease and Enhance Cognitive Power via the publisher. I chose to review this cookbook and my opinion is freely given.

[Johanna Sawyer]

The Brain Health Cookbook was a in depth look at preserving brain health and preventing cognitive decline through a specific diet geared towards healthy habits and recipes designed to give you best nutrients for prevention of dementia onset or Alzheimer’s.

What did I like? The variety in the recipes was five star... author gives you substitution ideas or variations at the end of every recipe. As well as itemizing dairy free, gluten free, nut free, vegetarian, and vegan recipes. I also liked that salsa and Pico de Gallo is hugely mentioned as a wonderful addition to this diet, added to recipes gives more boldness and flavor. The book only has 75 recipes but it’s a good starter book, and there are plenty of variations to make those recipes stretch.

Would I buy or recommend? YES. Alzheimer’s cases are growing, and this gives you a better chance of fighting cognitive decline and answers a ton of questions. There is still a lot we don’t know about the disease but diet and recipes have been shown to guard against this disease.

Thoughts for the author? Congratulations on your new release! Great subject and amazing recipes. Thanks so much for a copy to read and give my opinion through Netgalley.

[Alyssa Edwards]

To start, The recipes in this book sound amazing. Makes me hungry just reading the recipe names. Part one is all about Brain health. It talks about different diseases that effect the brain, like Alzheimer and Dementia. Omega-3, Vitamin E and several other vitamins and minerals are talked about and how they affect your brain. It talks about the benefits of the Mediterranean and DASH diet. You are also provided a “Brain Food Tracker”. After all this you get to the recipes which sound to good! 6 chapters of tasty recipes. Each one has a section to the right with “Substitution tips” “Variation tips” and Food allergy information. I am eager to try more of these recipes.

I received a free copy of this product from Callisto Publishers in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

[Jennifer Lynn]

I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

This cookbook is laid out clearly and includes some delicious sounding recipes. The beginning of the book includes a very layman-friendly description of the science behind the MIND diet and how it benefits the body and brain.

My biggest critique of this and other cookbooks from Rockridge Press is that there are limited images throughout. For a more visual cook, this can be offputting.

The recipes are clear and concise and the ingredients listed are items I can easily obtain at my local grocery store. They are simple and sound delicious.

I will update my review with some additional feedback once we've had a chance to try a few recipes, but just reading through them, I know we will be using this cookbook quite often in our home!

[Lynne A]

The first section covers a wide range of brain healthy habits, things to avoid and why. The list of brain foods available by season was especially helpful. The remainder of the book includes many practical, easy recipes that build on the concepts discussed in the first part. Lots of flavor comes from basic ingredients, no strange things you need to search out at the grocery. Some of my family's favorites include Spicy Fish Taco Bowls with Mango Salsa, Chicken Caesar Salad Pizza, Lentil and Mushroom Bolognese, Maple Soy Glazed Tofu Bowls, Sweet Potato Falafel, Wild Berry Cashew Smoothie and Dark Chocolate Mint Brownies.
This was a publisher's copy but the review reflects my opinion after reading the book.

[Mara]

This cookbook is written by a registered dietitian who has researched ways to best eat to help prevent mental decline as we age including dementia and Alzheimer's disease. This book is organized by health information, daily/weekly food intake suggestions and then has recipes for breakfast, sides, meatless main dishes, seafood main dishes, carnivore (poultry, pork, beef) main dishes, and sweet healthy treats. The recipes are easy to follow and there is a wide variety to choose from. I received a free copy of this book from Callisto Publishing Club in exchange for an unbiased review of this book.

[Jo]

I am a big fan of the MIND diet which has been shown to support brain health and reduce cognitive decline. I was so excited to review this book, especially knowing it was written by a nutrition expert. This is a wonderful book that reviews the concept of the MIND diet for brain health and provides wonderful recipes that are relative simple. I look forward to making the Herb and Dijon Potato Salad, Zucchini Noodle Carbonara, Crispy Whitefish with Arrabiata, and Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies.

I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to eat healthier, improve brain health, and lower their risk of chronic diseases. .

Thank you, Callisto Media and NetGalley, for a digital ARC!

[Annmarie Reddick]

I really enjoyed this book and learned a lot from reading it. As someone who is pursuing a degree in the medical/science field I could not get enough of this book. Before reading I realized that food helped the body but never really gave it much thought. After reading I learned a lot about the MIND diet and was even able to cook some great meals for my family! I highly recommend this!

[Mary Bronson]

I thought this was a great cookbook. I thought it was very easy to follow and the author Julie Andrews did a great job of explaining how different kinds of foods and the way we eat all connect. How each different food can have an effect on the body some how. I also loved the different recipes from the cookbook and wrote some of them down to give them a try.

[P]

I bought this for 99 cents and doubt I will try these recipes. I was curious about the idea of eating for the brain has been around for years. I may give this another look someday.

[Sharon Shoemaker]

The typical healthy cookbook for those who do not have allergies. So many people needing healthy cookbooks, have allergies. I wish that there had been more recipes that I could use.