When you’re considering which spices to add to your recipe as brain-boosting supplements, what do you think of? As you know, spices are tasty and easy to add to multiple dishes you cook at home, but it may come as a surprise to you to find out that some of them can also help your brain work more effectively.
They have powerful chemicals in them that can enhance your brain function. From memory to strategic thinking, these brain health supplements can help!
Spices as Brain-Boosting Supplements
Spices are the most concentrated source of antioxidants in our diet, and they can also help boost your mood and memory, working as excellent brain-boosting supplements, which is why they’re often used in traditional medicine. But not all spices are created equal—some are far more effective than others at boosting your brain health.
When you’re looking for a brain booster, here are some of the best spices to try:
Turmeric
Turmeric is one of the most popular spices around the world. It has a chemical known as curcumin that can help your mental function.
Turmeric may help you fight depression, strengthen your memory, and have more positive moods. Turmeric may also help fight the plaque that can build up in your brain over time and lead to Alzheimer’s. Researchers are studying this powerful spice so it can be used to help Alzheimer’s patients.
Oregano
Oregano has multiple health benefits, and one of them is helping your brain. Oregano is a strong spice, but even a little bit in your cooking can make a difference in your brain.
This spice has many antioxidants. It’s well-known for fighting free radicals that can damage your cells and tissues.
In several studies, oregano has shown an ability to help people uplift their moods. It can reduce anxiety and depression. It may also help you concentrate and remember things better.
The compounds in oregano have a direct impact on neurotransmitters in your body and brain. This is why it’s such a powerful way to strengthen your mental function.
Black Pepper
You probably have this in your kitchen cupboard already, but you may want to use it more often. Black pepper has a chemical known as piperine, which can boost your brain power.
The chemicals in this spice can help lighten your mood, strengthen concentration levels, and make you feel more relaxed.
There’s another benefit to black pepper that researchers are focusing on right now. It’s related to Parkinson’s disease and the possibility of using concentrated black pepper to help people fight the negative brain effects of this condition.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg is another great way to get more oxygen flowing through your system, which helps clear up brain fog and make it easier for you to focus on the tasks at hand.
Nutmeg has been used as an ingredient in traditional medicines since ancient times because of its ability to reduce pain and inflammation while improving moods overall! Just add a few drops into soups or stews before serving them up!
How to Use These Spices as Brain-Boosting Supplements
If you’re not used to cooking with turmeric, oregano, or black pepper, it may seem overwhelming. However, you can start off small and increase how much you use over time.
Follow these strategies:
Invest in fresh, high-quality herbs and spices. You may have these spices in your kitchen, but are they fresh? Spices lose their flavor and potency over time, so purchase new supplies if you’ve had them for a while.
Add these spices to your current recipes. Can you add one or more of them to your favorite soup or stew without hurting the classic? It’s sometimes easier to integrate spices into current dishes that you already make.
Discover new recipes. Consider learning to make new dishes that rely on turmeric, oregano, or black pepper for their flavor. This will help you expand your cooking skills and introduce you to new ideas.
Start Reaping the Benefits
Spices are an easy way to help your brain each day. You can add them to your meals throughout the week and watch the benefits increase over time. You may even notice a change right away. Spices are a powerful way to make your body stronger and healthier while making your cooking taste better.
Read more:
The effect of curcumin (turmeric) on Alzheimer’s disease: An overview – PMC
Curcumin improves memory and mood, new UCLA study says
Turmeric for Brain Health: Curcumin Benefits for Memory & Brain Fog – Divinity Nutra
Cancer prevention by antioxidants
The Effect of Black Pepper on the Brain
The Small But Mighty Spice, Black Pepper: Brain Health Benefits, Coffee and More
(PDF) ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF NUTMEG ON MEMORY BOOSTING AND REGAINING IN WISTAR ALBINO RATS