There is growing body of evidence that demonstrates the marked impact diet has on brain health, and the important role a brain healthy diet may have in preventing cognitive decline. With women at an increased risk for Alzheimer’s, it’s particularly important that everyone takes every precaution they can to promote brain health.

A brain healthy diet is a key component of living a more brain-healthy life. We are excited to be taking part in a Be Brain Powerful LIVE episode on Wednesday, May 27, at 6 PM EDT to share one example of a brain healthy diet.

Vin will be demonstrating how to prepare one example of a brain healthy diet:  Pan Seared Salmon with Turmeric Spiced Quinoa and Chard. This meal is inspired by the MIND Diet and incorporates Turmeric as an added brain health bonus. It is high in healthy fats and has ingredients chock full of brain healthy nutrients. You can register here for the episode, and below is the recipe.

Pan-Seared Salmon with Turmeric Spiced Quinoa and Chard

For the Quinoa

1 Tablespoon olive oil

1 onion peeled and diced

2 cloves garlic peeled and minced

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon turmeric

1/2 teaspoon curry powder 

1 cup quinoa, rinsed 

2 cups water

For the Chard

1 Tablespoon olive oil

4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

1 large bunch Swiss chard, trimmed, chopped, and washed

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Salmon

4 5-6 ounce skin on salmon fillets

1 Tablespoon olive oil

Kosher salt

Black pepper

1 Lemon

Method 

1. For the quinoa, heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat.  Add the onion and garlic. Add the salt. Cook until the onions are soft, stirring often. Add the turmeric and curry. Cook for 30 seconds. Raise the heat to high and add the water and quinoa. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat. Simmer for 12 minutes. Turn off the heat and cover the pot. Allow the quinoa to steam for 10 minutes. Remove the lid and fluff the quinoa with a fork. 

2. While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the chard. Heat the olive oil in a medium Dutch oven or skillet. Add the garlic and cook until golden, stirring often.  Add the chard and salt. Stir well. Cover the pot and cook until the chard is tender, stirring occasionally, approximately eight minutes. Set the chard aside. 

3. While the quinoa is steaming and the chard is cooking, prepare the salmon. Heat the olive oil in a cast-iron skillet or similar heavy pan over high heat. Sprinkle the salmon on the non-skin side with kosher salt and pepper. Carefully place the salmon skin-side down in the pan. Sear the salmon until the skin is very well done, approximately four minutes.  Carefully flip the salmon. Cook the salmon on the non-skin side until a crust forms and is just done through, approximately four minutes.  Remove from the heat. Squeeze the lemon onto the salmon.

4. To serve, combine the quinoa and chard. Place 1/4 of the mixture at the center of the plate. Place a portion of salmon on the mixture. Repeat the procedure three more times. 

Please join us Wednesday at 6 PM for this brain healthy diet episode!