New research shows the following five spices are good for the brain.
Cinnamon – A recent study indicates if you want to react faster, chew cinnamon gum to speed the rate at which your brain processes visual cues. Cinnamon regulates blood-sugar levels which help you stay focused. (Suggestion: Sprinkle a teaspoon of cinnamon on your oatmeal.)
Garlic – Garlic has heart-healthy benefits and fights brain cancer. A study, reported in the journal, Cancer, noted that garlic compounds eliminated brain-cancer cells.
Ginger – A recent study found that more than eight out of ten patients, prone to migraines, staved off mild headaches with a combo of ginger and feverfew. After two hours, nearly 48 percent were pain-free; 34 percent suffered only a mild headache. Suggestion: Stir three teaspoons grated ginger into a cup of boiling water, steep 10 minutes, strain and drink.
Saffron – Fighting the blues? A 2007 study discovered that a twice-daily dose of saffron works as well as Prozac in treating moderate depression. Suggestion: Add a half teaspoon of saffron to water while cooking two cups of rice.
Turmeric – The Alzheimer’s rate in India, where people eat curry almost daily, is one fourth the US rate. A University of California study showed that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, broke up brain plaques of amyloid beta, the protein buildup that’s the hallmark of Alzheimer’s. Suggestion: Cook two teaspoons of curry powder with two cups of cubed chicken in olive oil. Add raisens, apples, almonds, celery, and low-fat yogurt to taste.