The Anti-Inflammatory Super Bowl

Brain Forum Part 3: Endothelium-supporting ingredients for brain health inspired by Chris Miller, MD.

Feb 11, 2026

∙ Paid

Brain Health Mini Substack Summit on the last week of February 23rd - 28th.

Dr. Laurie Marbas, MD, MBA will be interviewing five incredible experts, including Annie Fenn, MD, Dr. Dominic Ng, Julie Fratantoni, PhD, Chris Miller, MD, and Jud Brewer MD, PhD, live for 30 minutes each day.

I will be creating a specific brain-health recipe for each interview based on the ingredients provided by those experts. Then on the last day of the summit, February 28th, Laurie and I will go live to talk about the recipes and answer any and all of your questions.

Don’t miss out on this unique event where medicine meets culinary art.

If you missed it, here’s the link to the live video where I talk with Dr. Laurie Marbas about the recipes featured in this post and much more.

I’ve prepared this recipe in preparation for the upcoming interview with Dr. Laurie Marbas and Chris Miller, MD on February 27th.

Inflammation, the Brain, and the Endothelium

Dr. Chris Miller’s focus in this discussion is inflammation and the brain, with particular attention to the endothelium, the thin, responsive lining of blood vessels that regulates blood flow, inflammation, and nutrient delivery to the brain. As emphasized by Dr. Miller, protecting endothelial health is central to preserving long-term cognitive function.

From a nutritional perspective, this means prioritizing:

Nitric oxide–rich foods to support cerebral circulation
Polyphenol-rich foods to reduce oxidative stress
Alliums and citrus to enhance neurovascular signaling
Fiber-rich foods to stabilize blood glucose and prevent insulin spikes that damage vascular integrity

Together, these components form the foundation of a brain-healthy, anti-inflammatory dietary pattern, which is expressed in the Anti-Inflammatory Super Bowl that follows.

Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients as the Foundation of This Bowl

The Anti-Inflammatory Super Bowl is designed as a culinary blueprint, built on the strongest current evidence for lowering inflammation through food. This bowl layers whole, plant-forward ingredients: fiber-rich vegetables, legumes, mushrooms, herbs, spices, and acidity to support endothelial health and long-term brain function.

Beets, leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, and parsley form the nitric oxide–supporting foundation of this bowl, helping improve blood flow, vascular flexibility, and cerebral circulation.

Blueberries, the key polyphenol-rich fruit in the recipe, provide anthocyanins that are strongly associated with endothelial protection and long-term brain health.

Sweet potatoes and other colorful vegetables contribute potassium, fiber, and steady energy, reducing vascular stress and supporting glucose control.

Chickpeas provide plant-based protein and fiber that stabilize blood sugar and reduce inflammatory load on arteries, while

Shiitake mushrooms, a central ingredient in this bowl, deliver beta-glucans and bioactive compounds that support immune balance, metabolic health, and endothelial function. (Cremini, maitake, or oyster mushrooms may be substituted if needed.)

Anti-inflammatory spices and herbs of turmeric, ginger, garam masala, Madras curry, mint, cilantro, or basil, add depth and warmth without heaviness.

Lemon juice and zest provide the final layer of acidity, brightening flavors, enhancing mineral absorption, and reducing the need for excess fat.

Together, these ingredients form a practical, repeatable pattern for anti-inflammatory eating, one that supports the endothelium and, in turn, brain health expressed clearly in a single, satisfying bowl.