by Florence Silverstein
There are a variety of spices available for use in cooking that can reduce not only inflammation in the body, but also decrease plaque in the brain (one of the primary factors in Alzheimer’s). Lowering plaque in the brain is seen as one way to protect against dementia and may also lessen the risk of Alzheimer’s.
I was born and raised in India where I learned about all of the different types of spices, which can both prevent and treat many health conditions and diseases, often times turning them around permanently. In fact, a recent article in Healthy Holistic Living Magazine says that Indian spices may reduce Alzheimer’s symptoms by up to 30%.
Easily accessible spices like Turmeric, Black Pepper, Ginger Root, Cloves and Cinnamon are all good for your brain health & fitness! How great is that?
TURMERIC
One of the most commonly used spices in Indian kitchens is Turmeric, which has innumerable benefits for the human body. It not only adds a hint of flavor and color to your meals, but also helps to keep the brain alert and happy! Cur cumin is one of the chemicals present in Turmeric that also helps in prevention of Alzheimer’s disease, improving memory, and has anti-depressant qualities.
BLACK PEPPER
Piperine is one of the chemicals present in the spice we all refer to as black pepper. Black pepper is also known to reduce inflammation when used together with turmeric. This chemical helps in boosting the stimulation of beta-endorphins which are known to work wonders on our cognitive abilities. Black pepper helps the body and mind to relax, and is also used to treat mood disorders. So, spice up your moody, gloomy days with some black pepper!
GINGER ROOT
If Alzheimer’s or Dementia runs in your family, or you are just worried about coming down with Alzheimer’s or dementia disease, you should think about incorporating more ginger into your diet and daily routine. Research has shown that ginger helps to slow down the loss of brain cells that typically is the originator to these diseases.
CLOVES
Cloves are used often in Ayurvedic medicine as they have medicinal properties. They’re packed with antioxidants and are good sources of minerals (especially manganese), omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and vitamins. Cloves are also anti-inflammatory which help with brain health.
CINNAMON
Cinnamon has been shown to Boost memory and protect the brain. Chewing cinnamon flavored gum or just smelling the sweet spice has been found to improve brain activity. Research led by Dr. P. Zoladz for the Association for Chemoreception Sciences in 2004 concluded that cinnamon enhances cognitive processing and was found to improve test subjects scores related to attention, memory and visual-motor speed when working at a computer.
Another study in 2011 suggested that Cinnamon may have a role in reducing the kind of chronic inflammation that leads to various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, brain tumor, and meningitis.
BENEFITS OF THESE SPICES
Besides giving your food great flavor, the above spices offer many healthy benefits, reduce inflammation, increase brain health, and generally boost the human immune system.