These delicious dips are rich in brain essential nutrients: minerals, vitamins, phytochemicals and fiber oh my!

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is minimally processed and contain a variety of healthful components, including monounsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols that have beneficial effects on health and have neuroprotective properties through their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Wow that’s a mouthful. In a nutshell, EVOO has protective properties and can boost brain health and help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. These dips can be used as

  • an beautiful, nutritious appetizer or side dish for holiday meals
  • a quick lunch in a wrap with greens, added to a salad, or a protein toast on sprouted bread
  • a snack with celery, bell peppers, cauliflower, red cabbage, rice cakes, seed crackers, tortilla chips

Pumpkin Hummus – Color My Food

Pumpkin is loaded with beta-carotene, essential minerals manganese, potassium, iron, vitamins A, C and E and is rich in fiber that supports healthy gut bacteria.

Black Bean Hummus – Sweet Peas and Saffron

Like all beans, black beans have high protein and fiber content, magnesium, zinc, potassium, vitamins B1, B3, and K. They rich in a variety of phytochemicals: anthocyanins, saponins,  and quercetin ,which possess antioxidant properties.

Olive Tapenade – Color My Food

Olives are a good source of dietary fiber, iron, copper, and oleate – a monounsaturated fatty acid.

Tapenade is a rich olive spread popular in the Mediterranean.

The recipe simply combines Kalamata olives and capers with lemon juice and olive oil. You can also add anchovy paste to extra essential fatty acids and minerals.

Eggplant Red Bell Pepper Dip – Color My Food

The beautiful purple and red color of eggplant and bell pepper come from anthocyanins . Anthocyanins are compounds in flavonoid family of phytochemicals (natural chemical compounds in plants). These nutrients help your brain in several ways: reduce inflammation, enhance blood flow, help protect from neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s. Adding fats from nature — like extra-virgin olive oil— significantly increases your body’s ability to absorb these nutrients.

What is your favorite dip?