Dr. Mercola August 22 2006 2,393 views
Curcumin, 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.
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.
Some other natural steps you can use to reduce your Alzheimer's risks without a drug: