Beetroot and Cherry Juice for Focus

I make this one on mornings when my head feels foggy and there’s a lot to get through. It’s not going to make anyone cleverer, but the beetroot helps blood get to where it needs to be, and the cherries and blueberries bring a good chunk of what your brain runs on. Mostly I just like that it tastes properly good for something so red.

Why these ingredients work

Beetroot is rich in natural nitrates, which your body turns into nitric oxide. That widens your blood vessels so more oxygen reaches your brain. Cherries and blueberries add anthocyanins and other antioxidants that help shield brain cells from everyday wear. The apple and lemon round out the flavour and bring a little vitamin C.

FAQ

Is beetroot juice actually good for your brain?

The nitrates in beetroot convert to nitric oxide, which improves blood flow. More blood flow to the brain is linked to sharper focus and better memory in the short term. It’s a real effect, though it won’t rescue a bad night’s sleep.

Does it taste earthy?

Only if you let the beetroot take over. The cherries and apple do most of the work on taste, so stick to one medium beetroot and you’ll barely notice it. The ginger adds a bit of warmth if you want it.

How long does it keep?

Drink it fresh if you can. In an airtight bottle in the fridge it’ll last up to 24 hours, but the colour and nutrients fade quickly. Give it a stir before you drink.

More brain-health recipes: see the full Brain collection.

Cherry Beet Focus Juice

A deep red juice of cherries, beetroot and apple, made to keep blood moving to your brain and give you a proper hit of antioxidants.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Drinks

Cuisine English

Servings 2 glasses

Calories 190 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Juicer masticating or centrifugal
• 1 High-speed blender for the blender method
• 1 Nut milk bag or fine-mesh sieve to strain the blender version
• 2 Airtight glass bottles for storing
• 1 Budget cold press juicer a great value alternative
• 1 Budget blender a great value alternative

Ingredients

  

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Juice base

• 2 cups sweet cherries, pitted
• 1 medium beetroot, scrubbed and chopped
• 2 medium apples, cored
• 1/2 lemon, peeled
• 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled optional

Optional extras

• 1/2 cup blueberries optional, extra flavonoids
• 1 tbsp chia seeds optional, omega-3s

Instructions

 

Juicer method

• Wash everything, then pit the cherries and peel the lemon.
• Feed the cherries, beetroot, apples, lemon and ginger through your juicer.
• Stir in the blueberries and chia seeds if you're using them.
• Pour into a chilled glass and drink straight away.

Blender method

• Roughly chop the beetroot and apples, then add everything to a high-speed blender with 1/2 cup of cold water.
• Blend on high until completely smooth.
• Strain through a nut milk bag or fine-mesh sieve.
• Stir in the chia seeds if using, then serve.

Notes

Sweet cherries carry most of the flavour here and give the juice its deep red colour.

Beetroot and ginger can both be strong. Start with a smaller beetroot and a thin slice of ginger the first time, then add more to taste.

Nutrition figures are an estimate per glass and will vary with your exact ingredients.

Nutrition

Serving: 1glassCalories: 190kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 2gFat: 1gSodium: 35mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 7gSugar: 38gVitamin C: 26mg

Keyword antioxidants, beetroot, brain health, cherry, focus, juice mix, nitrates

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