Brain Boosting Crunchy Potatoes

Serves: 2 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

1 medium-large sweet potato
2tbsp rosemary
4tsp salt (more or less for your required saltiness)
1/4 cup Parmesan
Drizzle olive oil

Instructions

Use either a mortar and pestle or a food processor to combine the salt and rosemary. Drizzle your sliced potatoes in some olive oil and bake for around 15 mins at 200’C. Pull them out and coat with the herby salt, bake for another 20mins, or until crunchy.
*optional - sprinkle Parmesan on top and bake for another 5 for that extra crisp deliciousness*

Health Benefits

What makes these brain boosting? The amount of rosemary! Rosemary is brain boosting due to many factors including….

It improves Memory and Cognitive Function: Certain compounds in rosemary, such as rosmarinic acid and 1,8-cineole (also known as eucalyptol), may have positive effects on memory and attention.

Antioxidant Properties: Rosemary contains antioxidants that help protect the brain from oxidative stress, which is linked to age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Chronic inflammation in the brain can contribute to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. Rosemary has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation and support brain health.

Neuroprotective Potential: Some studies have suggested that rosemary extracts may have neuroprotective effects, helping to shield brain cells from damage and promoting their survival.

Mood and Stress Regulation: Aromatherapy using rosemary essential oil has been linked to improved mood and reduced stress and anxiety levels. These effects may indirectly contribute to better cognitive function, as stress can negatively impact brain health.

Potential for Focus and Attention: The aroma of rosemary has been associated with improved focus and attention. Inhaling the scent of rosemary essential oil or using it in aromatherapy may have stimulating effects on mental clarity and concentration.

Blood Circulation and Oxygenation: Some research indicates that rosemary may have positive effects on blood circulation and oxygenation, which are essential for delivering nutrients and oxygen to the brain.