Does eating turmeric improve memory?

Many families have been using turmeric as a daily spice in their meals, but not everyone knows about the following amazing health benefits of turmeric, especially for the brain.

Turmeric helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, stabilize heart rate, prevent blood clot formation, and lower levels of bad blood sugar and cholesterol. In addition, this common root has anti-inflammatory properties, reduces pain from arthritis, acts as an antioxidant, protects the stomach lining, and may even reduce the risk of cancer. Some studies have also shown that turmeric effectively reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Turmeric has many beneficial uses and is often used as a spice or incorporated into everyday dishes.

Supports memory, prevents cancer.

According to Dr. Truong Le Luy Na, Deputy Head of the Nutrition Department at the Tropical Diseases Hospital (Ho Chi Minh City), turmeric contains curcumin, which helps improve memory and is beneficial for the cognitive function of the elderly.

Even in adulthood, brain neurons are capable of forming new connections in certain areas of the brain, proliferating and increasing in number. One of the main drivers of this process is brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which plays a role in memory and learning ability and can be found in brain regions responsible for eating and body weight.

Many common brain disorders are linked to reduced levels of the protein BDNF, including depression and Alzheimer's disease. Studies have found that curcumin in turmeric can increase BDNF levels, effectively delaying or even reversing the progression of many brain diseases as well as age-related cognitive decline, according to the health website Healthline (USA).

In addition, many different forms of cancer appear to be affected by curcumin supplements. In fact, curcumin has been studied as a beneficial herb in cancer treatment. Studies have shown that it may contribute to the destruction of cancer cells; reduce angiogenesis (the growth of new blood vessels in tumors); and reduce metastasis.

Furthermore, there is evidence suggesting that curcumin may prevent cancer from occurring in the first place, particularly digestive system cancers such as colorectal cancer. Specifically, Healthline suggests that combining turmeric with black pepper is even more beneficial because black pepper contains piperine, a natural substance that enhances the absorption of curcumin found in turmeric.

Doctor Luy Na advises: Unless there is a specific medical condition to treat, people should use turmeric as a common spice, avoiding excessive use as it can have many adverse health effects.

People with anemia or those taking medication should be cautious when consuming turmeric.

Dr. Luy Na advises that people with anemia should limit their turmeric intake because curcumin in turmeric can bind to iron, hindering iron absorption and worsening anemia. Turmeric can also interact with certain medications such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, so caution is advised or a doctor should be consulted when using turmeric with these medications.

“Unless there are specific medical conditions, people should use turmeric in amounts similar to their daily spice intake. Currently, there is no official consensus on the effective dosage of turmeric or curcumin. Users can refer to the daily amount of fresh turmeric, which ranges from 10 to 60 grams, and turmeric powder, which is about 1 to 10 grams, equivalent to half a teaspoon to one teaspoon. Additionally, if using turmeric to support the treatment of bone and joint problems or stomach ailments, patients should consult a doctor for professional advice to ensure safety,” emphasized Dr. Luy Na.

When turmeric is consumed in large quantities and for extended periods, it can cause adverse effects such as bloating, gas, indigestion, constipation, intestinal obstruction, and elevated liver enzymes. Therefore, turmeric should be consumed in moderation to avoid harming the user's health.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/an-nghe-co-tac-dung-cai-thien-tri-nho-18524120221515078.htm