Turmeric, the Wonder Spice

According to new studies, an antioxidant in the spice turmeric, which is common in many Indian dishes, could prevent Alzheimer's disease.

By Kathryn Hawkins. Posted on June 13 2009

Wondering what you should have for dinner tonight? We’d recommend heading to an Indian restaurant—and not just for that tasty naan bread.

Delicious though it is, Indian cuisine has an even better benefit, according to psychiatry professor Murali Doraiswamy from Duke University Medical Center: the antioxidant circumin, which is in a common Indian spice called turmeric, may be able to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, in addition to a host of other health issues.

(We must admit, it’s a much more enjoyable way to stave off the disease than our previous suggestion of delaying retirement.)

Alzheimer’s disease occurs when plaques accumulate in the brain, blocking electrical signals between brain cells. But in a study, when mice were given high doses of curcumin, the antioxidant dissolved the plaques that had formed in the brains of older mice, and prevented plaques from ever forming in young mice. A human trial, involving copious amounts of Indian food, is now underway.

“Studies seem to show that you need only consume what is part of the normal diet – but the research studies are testing higher doses to see if they can maximize the effect,” Professor Doraiswamy told The Telegraph. “It would be equivalent of going on a curry spree for a week.”

Although results from the human trials aren’t available yet, it’s not too hard to find anecdotal evidence that supports the theory. “Indian communities that regularly eat curcumin have a surprisingly low incidence of Alzheimer’s disease,” said Dr. Susanne Sorensen, Head of Research at the Alzheimer’s Society.

As if that isn’t benefit enough, turmeric has also been shown to help protect against arthritis, heart disease, and cancer. “Turmeric is often referred to as the spice of life in ancient Indian medical lore,” said Professor Doraiswamy.

Curcumin is available in pill form, but if you enjoy Indian food, it’s easy enough to spice up your diet with some curries to gain all of the benefits associated with the antioxidant. Pick up some take-out from your local Indian restaurant, or try your hand at some simple and delicious dishes with an Indian cookbook, such as Madhur Jaffrey’s An Invitation to Indian Cooking—and when it comes time to add the turmeric, don’t hold back. You never know how it might help you one day.

Filed under: General Interest, Health and Wellbeing, Science,

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