Nootropics - Macphie

Nootropics are on the agenda in 2020.  If this is a noo thing you have not heard of we thought we would provide a flavour of how you can incorporate them into your menu.

 

What are nootropics?

The word nootropic is derived from the Greek noo, meaning mind, and trope, which means change in French.

It is no wonder that with even more consumers changing to more healthy eating habits that it is front of mind at the moment.

Consumer focus on health and wellness is a trend that has been around for a number of years and is continuing to evolve.

Nootropics are believed to improve cognitive function, particularly executive functions – memory, creativity, or motivation in healthy individuals.

The theory is that they stimulate neurons and increase blood and oxygen flow to your brain, which supposedly leads to improvements in your attention span and other areas of cognitive functioning.

The concept may be one that is familiar but under a different name – superfoods is a very similar term that may be familiar.

 

Where do you find nootropics?

Nootripics are found in a variety of different foods, we have picked out some of the most common ones and provided some ideas on how to incorporate those into your menus.

 

Blueberries

In the UK blueberries are in season from June to September, in winter they are imported from around the world.  They freeze well and although they lose their texture more than other fresh berries the flavour remains intact.  They also add a great touch of colour, here are some recipe ideas:

Blueberry muffins 

Blueberry muffin shake

Cherry bakewell blueberry flan

Blueberry cheesecake pots

 

Eggs

We have seen eggs feature more heavily in food-to-go breakfast selection over the last few years in breakfast pots and wraps.

A classic on the breakfast and brunch menus is eggs benedict (you can also add salmon, another nootropic, to your eggs benedict).

 

Salmon

Fatty fish such as wild salmon or sardines are rich in omega-3 fats.  An easy addition to eggs benedict, salmon is a fantastically versatile ingredient which lends itself to hot and cold dishes, such as:

Smoked salmon and prawns with vodka and lime cream 

Fisherman’s pie

Salmon hollandaise 

Potato, salmon and dill tart with dill and mustard dip

 

Seaweed

Seaweed is a great natural source of iodine and provides a great fishy flavour.  Seaweed is a great addition to vegan meals to provide taste.  Macphie’s range of savoury sauces are a great base to add flavours such as seaweed to such as:

Plant-based White Sauce

Sauce Blanche

White Wine Sauce

 

Vegetables

Dark leafy green vegetables such as kale and spinach as well as broccoli.  Here are some recipe suggestions:

Kale & orange cupcakes

Spinach & ricotta cannelloni

Goats cheese & spinach quiche 

Sundried tomato & broccoli toasted sandwich

 

 

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