Turmeric can give you a better memory and a happier life, study says - Los Angeles Times
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Turmeric can give you a better memory and a happier life, study says

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The Daily Meal

If you’ve ever used turmeric, you know that stuff can stain. The spice gets its strong hue from curcumin, which, according to a recent study, is powerful enough to brighten more than just the spice’s color. Eating curcumin can lift your mood and improve your memory.

Turmeric has been on our radar before; it’s rumored to have miracle benefits such as curing cancer, preventing inflammation, and boosting the immune system. Now, we can add two more to the list.

The study followed a group of adults for 18 months, monitoring their cognitive abilities and emotions. Those who took a daily curcumin supplement reported a better mood and an improved memory.

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“Exactly how curcumin exerts its effects is not certain,†Dr. Gary Small, lead author of the study, said in a statement, “but it may be due to its ability to reduce brain inflammation, which has been linked to both Alzheimer’s disease and major depression.â€

Alzheimer’s and depression are two momentous health problems in America. Approximately 5.5 million Americans were living with Alzheimer’s in 2017 and around 16.1 million were living with a diagnosis for major depression. Millions of cases of depression go undiagnosed every year.

The supplement may not be for everyone, however - some participants in the study experienced uncomfortable side effects such as stomach pain and nausea.

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But for those looking for natural remedies to boost their brain, curcumin could be an appealing choice. You can take a curcumin supplement or consume curcumin by using turmeric in a delicious dinner recipe.

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