Spices do not just add flavour to our food, but they also promote a lot of health benefits. One such major health benefit that we can avail of from many spices is good brain health. The brain is the most critical organ of our body, and to keep it healthy, one should consume food that is good for the brain. So, here I am discussing four Indian spices that improve brain functions.
Once, an American Essayist, Ralph Waldo Emerson, said, “The first wealth is health.’’
I don’t think I could ever disagree with this. Everything you eat affects your body. And so eating right is of the highest priority to keep your body healthy. Because without good health, no wealth or material things will bring you any happiness.
Anything you eat directly affects your body, and similarly, it affects your brain too. You can keep your body fit through exercise and daily diet, but what if your brain is not working on its best potential? You need to eat well for your brain also. And to your surprise, instilling herbs and spices in your food are great for your brain health.
Yes, you read that right. Indian spices that enhance the taste and aroma of your meal are actually beneficial for your brain health. Accordingly, I am discussing here four spices that are good for your brain functions, and you must include them in your daily diet.
Four Indian spices that are good for brain health:
- Turmeric
- Cinnamon
- Black Pepper
- Ginger
Turmeric
The first one on the list of spices that improve your brain function is the golden spice; turmeric. Turmeric is a spice having its usage in Ayurveda for long now. The active ingredient present in turmeric named curcumin is high in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which are beneficial for the brain and overall body health.
Research suggests that turmeric is good for boosting brainpower, and it prevents and fights Alzheimer’s disease. It also protects brain health by restraining the breakdown of nerve cells. Turmeric reduces inflammation in the brain and inhibits it.
However, make sure you use turmeric from a brand like Vasant Masala; because even if you consume turmeric regularly, but if it isn’t of a good quality brand, then there’s no point. I have been using Vasant’s turmeric masala for years now and haven’t found a brand that gives such pure turmeric powder.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is the super spice that is used in Indian cooking, baking and making chocolates. One of the most compliant spices that can be used almost everywhere has also got numerous health benefits. A small study suggests that smelling some amount of cinnamon helps improve performance in memory-related tasks.
Consuming cinnamon has proved to improve memory and attention span. Two teaspoons of cinnamon provide half the RDA of manganese that is crucial for brain health. One can consume cinnamon in their daily diet by sprinkling it in coffee, tea, toast, oatmeal etc.
Cinnamon is used in a wide number of dishes; hence invest in a brand that gives organic and pure quality cinnamon powder; so it does not affect the health. I prefer using cinnamon powder from Vedaka or Keya. I think both brands give qualitative products.
Black Pepper
Black pepper is a staple in Indian households that adds sharp flavour and aroma to the dishes and also has health-promoting benefits. One such benefit is that black pepper is good for brain health. This small and mighty spice is high in antioxidants that remove free radicals harmful to brain health.
Black pepper can enhance cognitive function and memory in the brain. Several studies suggest that black pepper is helpful in the prevention of Alzheimer as it is beneficial in healing the damaged nerve, which improves memory.
To buy black pepper powder, I would recommend you to try out black pepper powder from Everest masala or Vasant masala. I have used black pepper powder from both brands, and I find them both imparting a great aroma to the dishes.
Ginger
Another popular spice used worldwide is ginger. It has to be the healthiest and flavourful spice ever. Along with its excellent culinary uses, ginger works wonderfully in curing health ailments. Alzheimer disease and dementia are caused due to chronic inflammations and oxidative stress and ginger helps prevent them. Many studies found that ginger prevents inflammation in the brain and enhances brain functioning.
Recent studies suggest that ginger can help cure Parkinson disease and migraine. Apart from that ginger works excellent to cure digestion, nausea, morning sickness, bloating etc. Add the dry ginger powder to warm water with a pinch of salt in the morning. Drink it on an empty stomach as it is helpful to prevent inflammations.
These were some of the wonderful spices that are great for brain health and improve its functioning.
Try spicing up your meals with these spices a little more so that your brain functions to the best of its abilities!
