Curcumin Boosts Your Brain Health

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http://www.mercola.com/2006/aug/22/curcumin_boosts_your_brain_health.htm

 

 

Curcumin Boosts Your Brain Health

 

 

 

CurcuminCurcumin, the chemical found in the curry spice turmeric,

could both boost brain power and help prevent the onset of Alzheimer's

disease.

 

A study tested the brain power of more than a thousand Asian people

aged between 60 and 93 using a standard test called the Mini Mental

State Examination. Those who ate curry even just once every six months

had better results than those who said they " never or rarely " ate it.

 

Previous research has suggested that curcumin inhibits the build-up of

the harmful protein deposits called amyloid plaques that occur in the

brains of Alzheimer's patients. Curcumin is also reputed to have

antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties that are

still being investigated.

 

American Journal of Epidemiology July 26, 2006

 

New Scientist August 4, 2006

 

The Scotsman August 3, 2006

 

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

 

Recently, I posted a study on how curcumin, the yellow pigment in

turmeric and curry powders, fights colon cancer. Now it looks like,

astonishingly enough, even a small dose of it twice a year can improve

your brain health. The next step in confirming the benefits of

curcumin will be a controlled clinical trial offering a side-by-side

comparison between a placebo and the yellow spice.

 

It really is amazing to me how powerful these natural antioxidants, in

their naural form, are.

 

Alzheimer's disease is rapidly becoming an epidemic in the United

States. Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia, is one of the

most costly disorders among the elderly. The number of diagnosed

patients is staggering: Over 4 million people are affected by

Alzheimer's, a number estimated to increase to 7.7 million by 2030!

 

Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging, and there are ways

to reduce your chances of getting this detrimental disorder, including

curcumin.

 

However, as I've said before, remember that your body may not react

well to curcumin, no matter how many studies prove otherwise. You

really do want to honor what your body tells you, as that is the best

indication of whether or not something is truly good for you.

 

If any food or spice does not taste good or " feel right, " stay away

from it -- no matter who is telling you how good it is for you. Your

body is a far better judge of that than anything you will ever read.

In other words:

 

Listen to your body.

 

Your body is designed to give you all the feedback you need to make

the right food and lifestyle choices. Unfortunately, most of you do

not tune in to this important feedback system and do not fully utilize

the benefits it can bring you.