We have all heard the adage, “The brain is a terrible thing to waste”. With so much being written about dementia and Alzheimer’s, it seems that we are all looking for ways to strengthen this most important muscle. While scientists and researchers once thought that the brain lost elasticity as one grew older, recent research has shown that this is not the case. Our brains continue to expand and grow into our 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, and upward! (Much to my relief).
In the never-ending quest to know more about what lies beneath our skulls, and how to preserve and protect it, recent scientific research has come up with 5 spices that are good for our brain. AARP Magazine of May/June, published the information.
Tumeric
The Alzheimer’s disease rate in India is one fourth that of the US because curry is eaten almost every day. The University of California, Los Angeles has shown that curcumin—the active ingredient in turmeric, brakes up brain plaques of amyloid beta. This is the abnormal protein buildup that is a “hallmark” of Alzheimer’s.
Recipe Idea: Toss 2 teaspoons curry powder with 2 cups cubed chicken. Saute in olive oil until cooked then cool. Add raisins, diced apples, chopped almonds, chopped celery, and low-fat yogurt to taste.
Saffron
Feeling a little “down”? A 2007 University of Tehran study discovered that a twice-daily dose of saffron worked as well as Prozac in treating mild to moderate depression.
Recipe Idea: Add 1/2 teaspoon saffron to water while cooking 2 cups of rice.
Ginger
A recent study found that more than 80% of migraine-prone patients with mild headaches who were treated with a combo of ginger and the herb feverfew, were able to stave off migraines.
“If a headache doesn’t go to full-blown migraine, that’s success”, says Roger Cady, MD, director of the Headache Care Center in Springfield Missouri. After 2 hours 48% of patients were pain free; for another 34%, the headache pain stayed mild.
Recipe Idea: Stir 3 teaspoons grated ginger into 1 cup boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes, strain and then drink.
Garlic
I have always been told that garlic was great for the heart. Now it seems it may also fight brain cancer. A 2007 study in the journal Cancer noted that garlic compounds eliminated brain cancer cells, leading some experts to predict that garlic-based treatments for brain cancer may not be far behind.
Recipe Idea: Mix 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 1-2 clovers fresh garlic with tomatoes and bsil for a great cancer-fighting marinara.
Cinnamon
A recent study found that cinnamon speeds the rate at which our brain processes visual cues. For instance, chewing cinnamon gum not only helps us to stay focused, but may also help us with faster reflexes when we play tennis, baseball, etc.
Recipe Idea: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon cinnamon on oatmeal for a brain-healthy breakfast.
Just a Reminder—
Most spices will last 6 to 12 months if they are stored properly. According to the Supermarket Guru, Phil Lempert, the longer spices sit in the cupboard, the more likely they are to lose their health benefits. Always store spices in glass jars!
