Eating Turmeric In Curry Could Stave Off Dementia, Study Suggests

"Eating a portion of curry once a week may reduce your risk of developing dementia, new research suggests.

The study, conducted by scientists at Edith Cowan University in Australia, looked at the impact the chemical curcumin has on the brain.

Curcumin is found in the popular spice turmeric, that is used in many Indian curry dishes.

The researchers found curcumin has the potential to improve memory function for adults by blocking proteins that destroy neurones in the brain.

During the study, a group of 96 participants aged between 40 and 90 were split into two groups.

The first group were given a daily placebo pill while the second were prescribed a pill containing 1,500mg of curcumin.

Just six months into the 12-month study, the participants receiving the placebo pill displayed evidence of cognitive decline when completing verbal and memory tests.

In contrast, the group who’d been taking the curcumin-based supplement did not appear to show any change in brain function.

Commenting on the study, Laura Phipps, from Alzheimer’s Research UK, said more research is needed before we can accurately say the chemical may help in fighting dementia.

“While there has been some early-stage research into the effects of curcumin on brain health, there is currently no conclusive evidence it could prevent or treat dementia in people,” she told The Telegraph.
“Some studies have produced limited evidence that very high doses of curcumin – much higher than might be normally found in foods like curry – could have some impact on memory and thinking skills, but large-scale clinical trials will be required before researchers can fully assess any potential benefits.”

She added that the best current evidence suggests that not smoking, staying mentally and physically active, eating a balanced diet and keeping blood pressure and cholesterol in check can all help maintain a healthy brain."

The above article by Rachel Moss

With Alzheimer's affecting so many families, is this food for thought, I wonder? 

If you are looking for a nice low carb curry recipe, using turmeric, why not try this one 

Prawn, coconut and aubergine/eggplant curry

Ingredients

Serves Four

(9.2g carbs per serving)

2 tbsp coconut oil

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves of garlic, finely grated

A thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated

1 red or green chilli, deseeded (if you like) and finely chopped

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground coriander

½ tsp garam masala

½ tsp turmeric

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 aubergine (eggplant), grated or cut into fine julienne

100g cherry tomatoes, cut in half

300ml vegetable stock

250ml coconut milk

200g raw tiger prawns, peeled

A large handful of baby spinach

You can find the cooking instructions using this link here

Perhaps you may enjoy this dish soon

We try and bring a variety of articles, studies etc. plus recent news/views and recipe ideas to this blog, we hope something for everyone to read and enjoy.

Please note, not all may be suitable for you.

If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter.

All the best Jan