Best Spices for Your Brain

Rebecca Lewis March 01, 2017

Your brain is your treasure. And you should do everything to maintain its optimal condition. The good news is that it doesn’t take so much effort to do that. Sometimes, nourishing your brain is as simple as eating healthy, nutritious and delicious food.

You know that spices are meant to make your food taste much better. But more than everything, spices bring abundance of health benefits, especially to your brain. So the next time you cook or prepare your lunch, try adding one or more of these spices. It’s an easy, inexpensive and flavourful way to boost your brain health:

Basil

Basil makes every pizza and pasta wonderfully delicious and aromatic. And once inside your body, its antioxidants boost the blood flow in your heart and brain. Brain has anti-inflammatory properties that offer protection against Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Oregano

Stocking up on dried oregano in your pantry is an easy way to ensure that you’re getting your daily dose of antioxidants and other essential nutrients. Did you know that dried oregano has between 30-40 times the brain healing antioxidant power of raw blueberries, 46 times more than the quercetin found in the skin of apples, and 56 times that of strawberries? Yes. This makes oregano one of the most powerful foods for the brain.

Rosemary

Did you know that just the aroma of rosemary can already provide health benefits to your brain? In folk medicine, this wonderfully fragrant herb has been associated with better memory. New research suggests that rosemary helps in reducing cognitive decline in people with dementia. And yes, fresh or dried will do the trick.

Garlic

You’ve probably heard that garlic boosts heart health. But aside from that, it can also benefit your brain health! This spice has inflammation-reducing properties that boosts blood flow to the brain. Narrowing of arteries can lead to free radical damage and inflammation, which all affects cognitive functioning. A 2005 study published in The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging suggests that garlic may provide potential alternative treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, although additional research is warranted.

Ginger

This spice can make you potentially make you smarter, according to a study. It is beneficial for people who have Parkinson’s disease and those who suffer from migraine.

Cinnamon

Many people love cinnamon in their coffee, baked goods, dessert, and just about anything else. Cinnamon has a lovely aroma and really good, herby flavour. Not only that, cinnamon has been shown to aid in regulating focus and attention, and hunger pangs. Additionally, it helps stabilise blood sugar levels.

Thyme

Thyme is perfect for meat rubs and marinades. And it’s so good for your brain too! Thyme helps boost the production of DHA - an essential fatty acid in the brain. Thus, pregnant and lactating women are advised to add thyme in their diet as it helps promote adequate brain development of their babies.

Turmeric

Popular in Indian cuisine, turmeric has gotten so much buzz lately for its amazing health benefits. Research has shown that this spice contains a chemical that reduces plaques and tangles in the brain thought to be responsible for the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

Saffron

It may be expensive, but the health benefits totally worth it. Various studies show that saffron may be as effective as medications in treating major depression, and various anxiety disorders.

Despite our genetic blueprint, a lot of what makes our health really lies in our hands. By adopting a healthy diet and lifestyle, you can greatly boost your brain power and live healthier and longer!

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