Curcumin's benefits for the brain

We are not the fastest beings on the planet, nor the strongest, only the sharpest. Nature's principle of survival of the fittest has been interpreted in a somewhat different manner by the human race. We do not readily adapt to their environment by, say, growing a layer of fur or changing their colour to blend in with the surroundings. Instead, we use the things we find around us to help us survive. So, in effect, what sets us apart from other mammals is our ideas and our intelligence. Our brain is the reason that we are still alive.

Curcumin is a component of the Indian spice, Turmeric, which is commonly used in making curries. Curcumin's therapeutic benefits have been known in parts of Asia and the middle-east for the past 5000 years and more benefits are being discovered every day. Curcumin is easily sourced and has no side effects when taken in moderation. Previous research has revealed that it has antioxidant, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It has the potential to benefit the heart, the skin and the liver as well. It fights a number of disorders such as depression, Alzheimer's disease, and obesity. In the past decade, the many memory and brain benefits of Curcumin have slowly been uncovered by scientists, clinicians and gerontologists.

According to a study led by Tze-Pin Ng from the National University of Singapore, Curcumin may be responsible for improved cognitive performance in consumers. In a study, researchers examined the participants' consumption of Curcumin and segregated them into groups based on their consumption. They then compared the groups' scores on the Mini Mental State Examination. The results showed that those who occasionally or often ate curry scored better on the examination, as judged against the group that rarely, or never ate the spice.

Many scientists believe that Curcumin, chemically known as diferuloylmethane, has a multi-modal impact on the brain. It plays a role in combating oxidative damage caused by heavy metals in the brain, such as aluminum and iron. Curcumin has been known to reverse the effects of chronic stress on behavior. There is evidence that it may also protect the brain cells (neurons) against oxidative stress. Countering these deleterious effects has been shown to improve memory retention and slow the aging process of the brain in several animal trials. Curcumin's brain boosting effects have been partially attributed to increased choline acetyltransferase activity.

In addition, Curcumin blocks tumor formation in the brain. Its anti-cancer properties have been known for some time now. The spice ingredient works to eliminate cancer in the cells of a variety of peripheral tissues.

Curcumin is a naturally-occuring and inexpensive dietary supplement and it has shown much potential in protecting brains against the ill-effects of aging. Amyloid build-up is a degenerative process that affects everyone as they age. It has been related to the onset of Alzheimer's disease. The process steadily deposits proteins the brain and consequently decreases our mental acumen and ability to learn new information. It gradually becomes harder to do things that were previously easy. By our early 30s, recall, learning and awareness begin to decline. Eventually, our mental capacity may be so severely affected that Alzheimer's may emerge with advancing age. Although this decline happens to all of us, there are ways to slow down the process so that it does not cause our brain to malfunction. Curcumin intake reduces the build-up of amyloids in our brains. Studies found that elderly people who consume turmeric retain sharper mental agility and experience reduced cognitive decline compared to those who seldom or never eat it.

A close look at the effects of curry showed that Curcumin prompted a disaggregation, or release, of Abeta from the brain and into the bloodstream. An increase in the level of vitamin E was also noted.

Eating Curcumin has a number of positive consequences on the human brain. However, the body may not benefit much from the Curcumin it synthesizes from eating curry and so Curcumin supplements are recommended. The potential advantages of Curcumin can be increased by amplifying its bioavailability in the bloodstream with the help of piperine, a black pepper extract. Taking Vitamin D along with Curcumin also magnifies its benefits.

Curcumin protects the brain against stress and improves cognitive functioning. It stops the formation of tumors in the head and also slows, if not curbs, the onset of Alzheimer's disease and dementia in the aging brain. All in all, eating Curcumin is the perfect way to keep your mind agile and your brain healthy.