Once considered exotic, golden yellow turmeric is easy to get your hands on these days.
You can grab some of it in the spice aisle at your favorite supermarket. Pick up a supplement at the local drugstore. Order up some Indian curry for an extra blast. Or even slather some American mustard on your sandwich.
But no matter how you consume your curcumin—the active ingredient in turmeric—researchers say you’re taking a huge step towards protecting your memory for many years to come.
Now if you’re a regular Healthier Talk reader, there’s a good chance you’re already taking a curcumin supplement. After all, you’ve seen us sing this extract’s praises many times before.
Studies show that curcumin contains powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, I take it regularly to reduce inflammation in my own bum knee.
And truthfully, as the evidence continues to roll in, I’m close to declaring curcumin something we ALL should be taking. Because, it turns out, those same inflammation calming benefits that soothe my knee could calm an enflamed brain too.
Boost memory and mood with supermarket spice
Is your memory not quite, what it used to be? Or perhaps your doctor has declared you’re suffering from common, mild, age-related memory loss?
If so, this new UCLA study could contain the memory-saving answers you’re seeking.
Because, according to the study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, this affordable supermarket spice extract can help you keep your thinker firing on all cylinders.1
And it can give your mood an extra boost at the same time.
All of us experience some memory loss as we age. But no matter how slight, it can be terrifying. Plus experts say around 10 to 15 percent of adults over 65 has a faster than normal decline, a condition known as mild cognitive decline (MCD).
Many folks with MCD may not even be aware they have the problem. But it isn’t something any of us can afford to ignore. Because scientists say, around half of people with MCD go on to develop Alzheimer’s or dementia within five years.
UCLA scientists examine brain benefits of curcumin
In the new double-blind, placebo-controlled study, the UCLA scientists examined the effect of an easily absorbable curcumin supplement on the brains (and memory) of two different groups…
- Dementia-free folks with minor memory complaints
- People with Alzheimer’s disease with the hallmark plaques and tangles
The volunteers randomly received either a look-alike placebo or a real-deal 90 milligram curcumin supplement. They took the supplements twice a day for 18 months.
Each volunteer took a cognitive assessment before the start of the study and again every six months.
Everyone had their curcumin levels checked prior to the start of the study and again at the end of the 18 months. Plus 30 of the participants also had a PET scan to measure the amount of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in their brain at both the start and the end of the study.
And the stunned scientists were simply blown away by the results.
Boost memory 28% and REVERSE Alzheimer’s symptoms
Folks taking the curcumin had an incredible 28 percent improvement in their memory. Plus the volunteers taking the spice extract had mild, but significant, improvements in their mood.
But that’s not all.
As impressive as a nearly 30 percent improvement in memory is, it isn’t even—arguably—the most significant finding. Because those PET scans revealed yet another stunning fact.
The researchers report there were far less amyloid and tau signals in the areas of the brain that control a number of memory and emotional functions. In other words, the curcumin appeared to REVERSE some of the signs of Alzheimer’s disease in the brain.
In fact, one of the normally sedate scientists even declared that taking curcumin “could provide meaningful cognitive benefits over the years.” Which, coming from a reticent researcher, is high praise.
And don’t forget, curcumin provides bunches of other health benefits too, from soothing aching backs and joints to supporting a healthy heart.
You can add more turmeric to your favorite dishes. But to raise your curcumin levels even higher, consider taking a supplement too. They’re very affordable, and easy to find online and in stores. Look for one with piperine, a black pepper extract that will help with absorption so you get the most from your supplement.
Reference:
1. “Memory and Brain Amyloid and Tau Effects of a Bioavailable Form of Curcumin in Non-Demented Adults: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled 18-Month Trial,” The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 2017; DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2017.10.010
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