Dementia is a degenerative disease that affects our brain’s cognitive abilities, impairing thinking, memory, and behavior. It can affect our day-to-day life and severely reduce our quality of living. With no known cure, prevention is key.
While one can take a range of precautionary measures, consuming spices has been found beneficial in warding off dementia and keeping our brain agile and healthy.
1. Turmeric
Turmeric is the spice that gives traditional Indian curry dishes their yellow color. It is a member of the ginger family, and its active ingredient curcumin is what benefits our brain.
Curcumin is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent which helps to reduce oxidative stress on our brain, aiding neurogenesis. Studies have shown that the regular and adequate ingestion of curcumin increases memory and cognitive function.
2. Rosemary
Rosemary is an evergreen herb that is native to the Mediterranean region, now widely used in cooking and herbal medicine.
Recent studies suggest that it contains carnosic acid, which can protect us against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Carnosic acid also acts as an antioxidant, combating oxidative damage to our brain and reducing inflammation.
3. Sage
Sage is another culinary herb that is widely used, especially in the Mediterranean cuisine. It has shown promising results in warding off dementia as it positively impacts memory retrieval.
A study conducted at the University of Newcastle found that sage caused significant enhancements in immediate word recall as well as mental awareness in participants. Moreover, it has anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce oxidative stress and improve brain health.
4. Cinnamon
Originating from Sri Lanka, cinnamon has been a popular spice for thousands of years, valued for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
A study conducted by Tel Aviv University suggests that cinnamon has the potential to reduce inflammation in the brain, improve brain function, and improve memory. Cinnamon helps in reducing oxidative stress in the brain, protecting neurons and thereby helps prevent the onset of various neurodegenerative disorders.
5. Ginger
Ginger has long been a popular spice, both in cooking and as a remedy for illnesses.
It has been found that the combination of gingerol and shogaol has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that can protect against various neurodegenerative disorders that cause cognitive decline. Moreover, gingerols are known to increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels, improving brain function.
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6. Black Pepper
Black pepper is a spice that is commonly used in almost all cuisines of the world. It is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Research suggests that black pepper contains piperine, a compound that has shown to help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. Piperine is known to boost cognitive function by improving the neural pathway that helps recall memories.
7. Cloves
Cloves have been used for centuries in traditional medicine as a remedy for various ailments. They contain high levels of antioxidants that protect our brain from various diseases that cause cognitive impairment.
Additionally, studies suggest that clove extract can help prevent the accumulation of amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease, which helps in delaying the onset of this disease.
8. Oregano
Oregano is an herb that is native to the Mediterranean and is commonly used in various cuisines worldwide.
It contains the compounds carvacrol and thymol, both of which have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help protect our brain’s cognitive abilities. Further studies suggest that oregano can boost our cognitive function by increasing the production of brain chemicals such as acetylcholine which is essential for learning and memory.
9. Nutmeg
Nutmeg is a popular spice derived from the seed of the nutmeg plant, native to Indonesia and the West Indies, and it is used in various sweet and savory dishes.
It contains a compound called myristicin, which has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that help protect against damage to the brain’s neurons. The myristicin in nutmeg can also increase the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and enhances cognitive function.
10. Thyme
Thyme is an herb that is widely used in Mediterranean cuisine and has various medicinal benefits.
It contains terpenoids, a group of beneficial compounds that have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and have been linked to protection of our brain. Moreover, the high levels of vitamin C in thyme protect our brain cells from damage.
In conclusion, spices are beneficial to our brain health in a variety of ways, ranging from reducing inflammation and oxidative stress to boosting cognitive function.
By including these spices in our diet, we can reduce our chances of developing dementia or other neurodegenerative disorders.
