Dementia scientists say four spices in your kitchen cupboard can boost brain health and limit Alzheimer's risk
Health experts have identified four everyday spices that could boost your brain health and lower your risk of Alzheimer's disease. Doctors and scientists looking into the prevention of dementia and Alzheimer's disease have conducted studies into the health benefits of black pepper, ginger, cinnamon and turmeric.
These are all items you are likely to have in your kitchen cupboard and you probably use black pepper every day. They have all been used for generations for both flavouring food and for their health benefits.
However, it is only in recent years that scientists have started to look more closely at the chemical compounds they include and the potential these have for limiting neurological decline as we age. They have found encouraging signs that cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper and ginger could contain elements that could help prevent the onset of dementia.
READ MORE How your vision can predict dementia 12 years before it is diagnosed
READ MORE Dietician says taking 3p a day pill can stave off dementia and help memory
Black pepper
A staple in kitchens worldwide, black pepper is not just a flavour enhancer but also a fantastic spice for brain health. Its main medicinal ingredient, piperine, is packed with potent antioxidants. These antioxidants protect healthy brain cells from harm. Additionally, black pepper boosts cognitive function and memory by stimulating chemical pathways in the brain.
In June 2023, a team of scientists at KonKuk University, in Korea, published a study that looked into black pepper and its potential to protect against neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. They found that black pepper improved memory function, albeit in mice.
Ginger
Ginger is not only great for digestive health but also has potent properties beneficial for brain health. Thanks to its wealth of phytochemicals, ginger acts as a protective barrier against oxidative stress, reports the Express.
This type of stress is known to speed up the ageing process and is thought to play a significant role in the development of Alzheimer's disease. Dr Pallavi Suyog Uttekar has written about the medical benefits of ginger and they go far beyond brain health though there can be side effects if you either have too much or are taking medicines such as such as warfarin or heparin or drugs to lower blood pressure or manage blood-sugar levels.
Turmeric
Turmeric is another powerful spice packed with nutrients. Its main component, curcumin, has neuroprotective qualities that help maintain brain sharpness. Turmeric can aid in improving memory function, reducing brain fog, and enhancing cognition.
Research has been carried by the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center into the role that curcumin plays in helping clear amyloid plaques in the brain. Amyloid plaques are proteins that form in the brain and are believed to contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Side effects of taking turmeric include an upset stomach but usually only at high doses.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon, a traditional spice, is rich in antioxidants that are thought to prevent the build-up of proteins in the brain linked to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. In addition to aiding neurons in forming new connections, thus supporting learning and memory formation, the high antioxidant content of cinnamon protects the brain from the harmful effects of stress.
In an overview of studies into the impact of cinnamon on brain function published in the National Library of Medicine, a team of scientists found that most research found it had a positive impact, stating: "Most studies reported that cinnamon might be useful for preventing and reducing cognitive function impairment. It can be used as an adjuvant in the treatment of related diseases. However, more studies need to be done on this subject."
The NHS website has a lot of information about the prevention of Alzheimer's disease and the lifestyle choices that reduce the risk of dementia.