Brain Spice: Turmeric
Turmeric is a member of the ginger family and can be used whole but is most commonly sold as a ground spice which resembles a fine mustard powder.
This antioxidant and powerful anti-inflammatory is used regularly to season food in India where researchers found that the risk of developing Alzheimer’s is 25 percent lower than in the U.S. In lab studies, mice that were fed curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric) developed fewer amyloid plaques, associated with Alzheimer’s, than rats that weren’t.More recent research published in Stem Cell Research and Therapy suggests it may boost your brain proliferation or its power to repair itself!
How to use turmeric in your diet?
Incorporating this powerful anti-inflammatory in your diet can be is as simple as brewing it in boiled water with fresh ginger and lemongrass or having a quarter spoonful with milk in the evening, a routine in the home of one our lovely team members, Shirin Vanat. Or, you can try something more creative like this recipe for tumeric almond milk, courtesy of Tasty Yummies. This drink is great served chilled and even better warmed up and served as a hot, comforting beverage to cure all that ails. Boost turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties by adding a some healthy fat and/or black pepper when consuming.Turmeric Almond Milk makes 1 quart1 cup organic raw unsalted almonds4 cups filtered or purified waterpinch of himalayan sea salt (optional)1 tablespoon local raw honey or other sweetener (optional) 1-2 tablespoons turmeric powder (I find turmeric to have a mild flavor, so I go with 2 tablespoons)1) Soak your almonds in filtered water for 8-12 hours.2) Discard soaking water and rinse your almonds.3) Place soaked almonds, honey (or other sweetener), turmeric powder, a dash of sea salt and 4 cups of water in a blender. Cover and blend on high for 1-2 minutes. It will be milky and have a bit of foam on the top.4) Strain milk through a nut bag, doubled-up cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer. Enjoy! Sources: Brain repair ‘may be boosted by curry spice’, BBC News4 Best Herbs for the Brain, Readers Digest