MIND Diet Brain-Healthy Bites: Healthy Blueberry Baked Oatmeal

This MIND Diet-inspired recipe comes from Memory and Aging Program Associate Director, Meghan Riddle, MD . Blueberries contain a compound that has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and flax seed is a superfood. Combine that with the vitamins B and E found in oatmeal and you have a brain healthy breakfast to kick start your day.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 3 tbsp ground flax seed
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds, divided, optional
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, divided
• 2 cups oat milk
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla or almond extract
• 1/2 tsp coconut extract
• 2 small bananas, peeled and coined
• 2 cups fresh blueberries
• 2 tbsp brown sugar, topping, optional

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees and lightly grease an 8x11 baking dish.
2. In a large bowl mix together the rolled oats, 1/4 cup shredded coconut, 1/4 cup almonds (optional), ground flax seed, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.
3. In another bowl mix together maple syrup, oat milk and extracts.
4. Lay the coined banana slices over the bottom of the greased baking dish then sprinkle half of the blueberries to cover.
5. Cover the fruits with the dry oat mixture then slowly drizzle the milk mixture over the oats. 
6. Top with the remaining blueberries, remaining shredded coconut and optional remaining almonds.
7. Optionally top the dish with a sprinkle of brown sugar. 
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top starts to turn golden brown. 
9. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Enjoy!

Interested in changing to a healthier lifestyle?

If you're 40+ with normal memory or mild memory loss, you can help in the fight against Alzheimer's. Here's how: butler.org/ALZregistry 

Explore More from The Memory and Aging Program at Butler Hospital

• Memory and Aging Program Home
• Clinical Trials for Alzheimer's Prevention and Treatment
• Join the Alzheimer's Prevention Registry
• News and Events
• Volunteer
• Donate