Certain Spices Could Lower Your Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease

Research from the UK reports there are things we can do that may influence our risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s Research UK states some of the things that shape our risk like our age and our genes can’t be changed. “But others, like our diet and the things we do to challenge our brains, can be.” They go on to say the latest evidence suggests up to 40% of all cases of dementia are linked to factors we may be able to influence.

A tasty way which could decrease our risk is to enhance our daily meals with the addition of several spices. The first of these spices is turmeric, which research shows has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric contains an active, natural compound (polyphenol) called curcumin and is part of what gives turmeric its yellow hue. Mary-Eve Brown, an oncology clinical dietitian/nutritionist at Johns Hopkins Medicine, says some research shows a decrease in pain for patients with osteoarthritis when eating turmeric in recipes. Doctors suggest getting turmeric naturally in your diet is healthier than taking supplements.

The world’s most expensive spice, saffron, is also associated with health benefits including reducing depression symptoms and improving cognitive function; and gives food seasoned with it a golden hue color. The commonly used pepper is another spice on the list of beneficial foods as it may improve brain function and lower depression symptoms. Its value increases when used with turmeric as it “improves the bioavailability of nutrients in other foods, meaning your body absorbs more of the good stuff from what you eat.” Studies find another common spice, sage, may improve memory in low amounts.

At Morningstar at Bear Creek, a dementia care community in Colorado Springs, we offer individualized care of those with mild to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Every aspect of our care is tailored to serve the needs of our residents from a team of exceptional caregivers to meals, wellness programs and services. Please visit our website to learn more about our home, our staff and the philosophy that guides our care.

MorningStar at Bear Creek brings a unique vision to dementia care with our mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing seniors and investing in a staff with a felt calling to serve, we offer loving, compassionate care within a beautiful home-like setting. Contact us for more information about the finest dementia care in Colorado Springs.

Sources:

huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/these-spices-could-lower-your-risk-of-developing-dementia_uk_661d1ca4e4b0f8e522db5d3d
hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/turmeric-benefits