I love it when a study comes out that touts the benefits of a food I love. As you might guess from the title of this post, today’s topic is curry. Turns out that curry has some secrets hidden in all it’s yellow goodness.
A new trial by Australian scientists suggests that eating curry on a weekly basis may keep dementia at bay as we age.
Published in the British Journal of Nutrition, the study identifies yellow spice turmeric, which contains curcumin – an ingredient used in many curry dishes. It is thought that the curcumin blocks rogue proteins called beta amyloid, which clump together and destroy neurons.
Curry is a dietary staple in India, a country where the rate of Alzheimer’s disease is among the world’s lowest.
According to a story posted by WebMD, researchers say curry’s powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make it a very attractive possibility for treating diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, and heart disease.
My husband and I had learned about the possible benefits of turmeric, so we began the practice of eating a spoonful of mustard, (which contains turmeric) each day. I love mustard, so it wasn’t a problem, but my husband thought it might be nice to see if perhaps it came in pill form. Fortunately, it does!
In light of this finding, we recently went to one of our favorite Thai restaurants to order some yummy, curry-laden dishes. When the food arrived, the waitress asked if I would like some chopsticks. I was feeling adventurous, and (while retaining my fork) I said, “Yes”.
I quickly discovered another brain sharpening feature of eating curry: Using chopsticks. Since I’m not very good with them, it is a good neurobic exercise for me. Neurobic exercises in a nutshell are: Doing the ordinary things in new, surprising and unexpected ways.
I wrote about neurobics in a previous post: “Upside Down and Backwards” Of course, if you are already handy with chopsticks, it may not be that helpful for you, but still fun nevertheless.
If you really want to get a wonderful, dementia bashing benefit from eating curry, then here’s one more tip. Grab a friend – or several to join you for dinner. Studies show that social engagement – talking, laughing and sharing with others is good for your brain.
Are you beginning to feel hungry? Why not make a plan to ‘curry’ some goodness in the near future.
Senia, I have thoroughly enjoyed consuming your blogs and cannot wait to feast on your newly released book! I found with each blog, my mind wandered back to memories of my own sweet grandmother who “finished well” at 96. The information you have shared gives insight and hope to those who have/are/ or will encounter dementia in some way. May God continue His work through you.
Bless you, Dolly! I would appreciate any feedback after you read the book. Finish Well! Senia