The bright yellow compound found in the spice turmeric - known as curcumin - has been shown to improve working memory and attention span in older adults, researchers have found.
Turmeric is one spice you will find in every Indian household. Traditional medicine swears by its medicinal properties and science is now beginning to discover its utility as a pharmaceutical agent.
Most of its biological properties are due to a group of compounds called curcuminoids. They are great antioxidants and impart a yellow orange hue to the spice. Curcumin is the most important curcuminoid.
In an animal model of aging, curcumin was tested for its effect on age related changes in memory. Curcumin reduced the decline in neurogenesis. It also proved improved the pace of learning and increased the level of chemicals and proteins required for survival and growth of neurons.
One of the ways by which curcumin increases learning and spatial memory (memory required for purpose of navigation) by altering brain chemicals like serotonin and corticosterone.
These are responsible for transmitting brain signals. It also modulates certain factors that are involved in neural development, memory and learning.
It also reduces oxidative stress in brain and increases the level of antioxidant enzymes. Oxidative stress is characterized by imbalance between prooxidant and antioxidant agents in the body and this is a causative factor of many age related diseases.
NOTE 1: Turmeric is in Super Superfood Greens 2% by volume, in Super Superfood Reds 3 % by volume, and in Super Superfood Gold it is 2% by volume.
NOTE 2: While these above are amazing reports, our super superfoods do not include high volumes of turmeric. If you are ill, please go to a physician. If on the other hand, you want good health by a cross selection of good nutrition, with an associated long life, our super superfoods are available for you.