Oh, we do love a satisfying dollop of Dame Maggie Smith. If anyone could make biting sarcasm sound like a blessing, it was her ‘Downton Abbey’ character.
With her cutting wit and mysterious constitution that defied time, one must wonder: what kept Lady Violet Crawley sharp all those years at the Abbey?
While Lady Violet may not have uttered the phrase “brain food,” it’s not a stretch to imagine her insisting on meals that were refined and restorative.
In honor of her formidable presence, we present a menu of foods even she might have approved of. Cue the withering stare that curdles clotted cream.
Breakfast Fit for Nobility
Sensible Start with Oats and Berries
Lady Violet might scoff at anything resembling modern “health food.” However, a proper English porridge could pass muster.
Toss in whole oats and top with a modest spoonful of blueberries.
Oats, rich in fiber, provide sustained energy, while blueberries have been praised for their memory-boosting antioxidants.
Blueberries, in particular, contain anthocyanins, compounds that delay brain aging and improve memory. One might imagine the Dowager tolerating a sprinkle, strictly for medicinal purposes, of course.
Eggs, But Make it Posh
Eggs, ideally poached and served atop buttered toast, are a good source of choline, which supports brain development and memory retention.
Healthline states that choline is essential for the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and memory.
Lady Violet might never admit to needing food to stay “hale and hearty” as you age. Nonetheless, she’d certainly take pride in having the memory of an elephant. Social slights suddenly come to mind.
Luncheon with a Purpose
Salmon à la Grantham
Cold-poached salmon with cucumber and dill sauce was likely a staple at Downton luncheons.
Unbeknownst to the Crawleys, salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, shown to help build brain and nerve cells, and is crucial for learning and memory.
While Lady Violet may have preferred hers delicately sliced with a side of judgment, the nutritional benefits remain timeless.
Walnut Waldorf
American in origin, a refined version of the Waldorf salad (crisp apples, celery, and chopped walnuts) wouldn’t be out of place at a summer tea.
Good Housekeeping explains that walnuts are good for cognitive function due to their high concentration of DHA, a type of omega-3 fat.
Afternoon Tea, Elevated
Dark Chocolate: Decadent and Duly Medicinal
No proper tea would be complete without a chocolate biscuit or two, preferably dark and dusted with propriety.
Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, caffeine, and antioxidants, all of which may enhance memory and improve mood.
It’s quite easy to imagine the Dowager murmuring, “I always find chocolate improves the conversation, especially when the company is dull.”
Rosemary Shortbread: Herb of Remembrance
Rosemary is more than a garnish and has long been associated with memory enhancement.
A study cited by Healthline showed that even the scent of rosemary can boost performance on memory tasks.
Add it subtly into a shortbread biscuit, and you’ve got a brain-boosting bite disguised as high society indulgence.
Dinner Worth Remembering
Leafy Greens in Disguise
Kale might have caused an aristocratic uproar, but spinach, watercress, or chard could be gracefully hidden in soufflés or gratins.
These greens are high in vitamin K, folate, and beta-carotene, all linked to slowing cognitive decline.
Lady Violet might not openly endorse a vegetarian main. However, if it were tucked beneath a creamy béchamel sauce with a hint of nutmeg? She’d never know, and frankly, neither would Lord Grantham.
Red Wine: A Toast to Longevity
Preferably French, a glass of red wine with dinner offers a touch of resveratrol, a compound shown to reduce inflammation and promote brain health.
Of course, Lady Violet would never attribute her keen faculties to wine alone. Yet, she might arch an eyebrow and say, “A day without wine is like a cousin without a scandal, dreadfully dull.”
A Final Note from the Drawing Room
Lady Violet Crawley lived through two world wars, the sinking of the Titanic, and the arrival of the telephone.
Her mind remained as sharp as her wardrobe’s pleats. While genetics and good breeding no doubt played a role, we like to think her diet helped, too.
Incorporating brain-friendly foods and a healthy diet doesn’t mean abandoning flavor or formality. With the right dishes and a sterling teapot in hand, one can eat well, live long, and drink green tea while minding business.
You decrease your risk of health diseases and high blood pressure. Limit processed foods and increase whole grains and fiber intake.
A healthy diet starts with simple staples like brown rice and fatty fish. And dare we say, regular exercise and physical activity?
After all, a healthy lifestyle boosts the nervous system and immune system. Lady Violet would probably scoff at the mention of “cholesterol levels” and “blood sugar.” Then again, she’d take pride in halting the aging process for the pure sake of outwitting the next generation.
And, as the Dowager herself might say: “Don’t be defeatist, dear. It’s very middle-class. Remarkably so, when the salmon is this good.”
