Variety may be the spice of life, but spices themselves hold the key to a healthier, longer life.
More than just a dash of flavor, spices provide much-needed benefits to the brain, improving memory recall, focus, energy levels and cognitive function.
Dr. Brandon Crawford, a neurologist specializing in brain health, offered up his spicy insights to SheFinds about what five spices are best for boosting energy levels and overall well-being.
Black pepper
Perhaps the most common spice on the list, black pepper contains piperine, a compound that improves memory and cognitive function by increasing neurotransmitter activity in the brain. Piperine has also been shown to aid the body’s absorption of other nutrients, from both food and supplemental sources.
As Crawford explained, combining black pepper with turmeric in a Goop-approved golden milk latte, for example, is a one-two punch for overall health.
“Piperine, the active compound in black pepper, can enhance curcumin absorption (from turmeric) by up to 2,000%. This synergy not only amplifies the benefits of curcumin for the brain but also helps in improving digestion and nutrient absorption, indirectly supporting cognitive health,” he revealed.
Cinnamon
The Post reported that a daily dose of cinnamon may help ward off diabetes. Easily incorporated into smoothies, savory dishes, yogurt parfaits, coffee, or tea, cinnamon helps balance blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity and reducing insulin resistance.
Crawford notes that stabilized blood sugar is crucial for optimizing brain function throughout the day and preventing neurodegenerative diseases from developing in the future.
Ginger
Used in Chinese and Indian medicine for thousands of years, ginger comes from the roots of the Zingiber officinale plant. It contains the compound gingerol, proven to have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
“Ginger can help improve cognitive function by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress,” Crawford said. “It also aids in neurotransmitter balance, which is essential for focus and cognitive agility.”
As The Post reported, ginger neutralizes free radicals, which cause oxidative stress and contribute to cellular damage and aging. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties also enhance the body’s ability to burn calories, making the spice a boon to dieters.
Nutmeg
Derived from the seeds of the Myristica plant native to both Africa and Eastern Indonesia, nutmeg contains the compound myristicin which is noted for its neuroprotective properties that enhance memory recall and stave off the degeneration of neural pathways.
“Nutmeg also has mood-boosting effects, which can contribute to a more focused and positive mental state,” Crawford noted.
Nutmeg is antioxidant-rich, helping the body neutralize free radicals and decrease oxidative stress, the imbalance between the production and accumulation of oxygen-reactive species (ROS) in cells and tissue. A staple ingredient of problematic pumpkin spice, nutmeg has been shown to benefit the body in other ways. According to Healthline, nutmeg boosts libido, improves blood sugar and enhances heart health.
Per The Post, nutmeg can also get you high as a kite or baked as a pie and is sometimes “abused for its narcotic and hallucinogenic properties.”
Turmeric
Turmeric is derived from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, a type of ginger. This root contains curcumin, a compound rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Known as the “gold” of the plant kingdom, turmeric also supports liver detoxification and serves as a natural pain killer.
By reducing inflammation and oxidative damage, curcumin shields the brain from stressors that lead to cognitive decline. “Curcumin boosts levels of the brain hormone BDNF, which increases the growth of new neurons and fights various degenerative processes in the brain,” Crawford explained.
In addition, and as The Post reported, turmeric has been shown to ease symptoms of indigestion, lower the risk of heart disease, fight depression, prevent cancer, improve memory, and lessen the pain from arthritis and other conditions.
