Turmeric and Memory

Turmeric is the golden yellow spice that is used extensively in Indian cooking. Traditionally it was called "Indian saffron". It is used as a dye for fabric and has been used in both Chinese and Indian medicine since ancient times. Turmeric is anti-inflammatory, and is used for flatulence, toothache, jaundice, arthritis, diabetes, anti-ageing and more.

Turmeric is a spice that many folks turn to for memory problems. India has the lowest rate of Alzheimer's disease in the world. Many scientists think that it is the turmeric in the Indian diet that is responsible for this. Turmeric has a constituent called curcumin. Curcumin is the major yellow pigment in turmeric.

There was a study done in 2008 that tested the effects of curcumin on Alzheimer's disease. The study showed that curcumin has a potential role in the treatment of Alzheimer's and that the overall memory of Alzheimer's patients improved.

Professor Mark Wahlqvist of Monash University tested memory in people 60 years of age and older. The subjects were given one gram of turmeric with breakfast. Memory was tested before and after a meal. The results showed that working memory improved for over six hours in older people with prediabetes.

Curcumin is available in capsule form but there seems to be some a problem with the body absorbing it. This can be remedied by taking it with black pepper. The black pepper increases the bioavailability of the turmeric, allowing it to be absorbed more easily. There are supplements on the market that have both the turmeric and black pepper mixed together. They are inexpensive and can be ordered online or from supplement catalogs.

Turmeric milk is a tasty way to take turmeric. Here is the recipe:

1 teaspoon coconut oil
1 teaspoon turmeric paste
1 cup almond milk, or milk of choice (rice, soy, dairy, etc.)
Sweetener of choice

Mix ingredients together over medium heat. Do not boil. Drink when it cools down.
How to make turmeric paste.

1/2 cup turmeric powder
1 cup water
1 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper
5 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil

Mix together to form a paste.

The information in this blog is for educational purposes only. Be sure to check with your health care practitioner before trying any new substance like herbs or supplements.

http://draxe.com/turmeric-health-benefits/
http://alzheimer.neurology.ucla.edu/Curcumin.html
http://www.annalsofian.org/article.asp?issn=0972-2327;year=2008;volume=11;issue=1;spage=13;epage=19;aulast=Mishra
http://nutritionfacts.org/2015/02/05/why-pepper-boosts-turmeric-blood-levels/
http://monash.edu/news/show/spice-up-your-memory

Be sure to check out my website at www.valerielull.com

Valerie Lull
Author
Ten Spices for Health and Longevity
valerielull923@gmail.com