Hints from Humans that Turmeric Protects Memory

One provocative report from the  American Journal of Epidemiology in 2006 suggests that increased curry consumption in human populations is associated with a lowered risk for developing cognitive impairment, including memory loss, as one ages. Although this was a retrospective study using a population from Singapore these results are exciting, in part since most curries in Singapore are yellow curries which contain turmeric. Therefore, there is evidence that consuming turmeric prevents memory loss. In fact, people who ate curry “often” (once a month or more) were nearly half as likely to have cognitive impairment than were people who ate curry “rarely” (once every 6 months). Though more research needs to be done, these are encouraging results.

The spice tumeric has amazing health benefits

More and more, science is finding that many of the things we can easily consume on a regular basis have tremendous health benefits. It is so encouraging to see that natural foods can be amazingly beneficial for the heart, brain, and body. Taken in moderate quantities, they can provide a safe and effective way to improve health and nutrition.

Recently, I came across an article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution listing several spices that have documented health benefits. My favorite of these is tumeric, which gets its color from curcumin, and is used traditionally in many Thai and Indian dishes. Curcumin has been linked to improvements in heart disease patients, improved brain nutrition, brain health, as well as data that shows it may protect against Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. No wonder than that Indians, who traditionally eat more than 1 curry meal a week containing curcumin, have some of the lowest rates of Alzheimers and Dementia in the world.

In the United States we flavor our foods with fats and salt, and continue to use unhealthy levels of both. Imagine if a wholesale shift were to take place within the US, whereby spices and other seasoning became the norm. We would likely have a much healthier society – and the variety of flavors in our foods could be even greater! Do yourself a favor and read about the health benefits of some of these natural spices and try incorporating them into your meals. You heart, brain, and body will thank you for it!