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What comes to mind when you think of curry? Exotic places like India? Food so spicy it can clear your sinuses with one bite?
How about protecting your brain from the advances of Alzheimer's and dementia?
A recent study from Duke University suggests that regular curry consumption, in addition to its known abilities of improving cancer, arthritis, and obesity, may be able to lower the risk of developing various forms of dementia.
How? Scientists believe that curcumin, which is an ingredient in the curry spice turmeric, binds to dangerous plaques that may contribute to the brain damage that leads to dementia. When the curcumin is bound to the plaques, it can dissolve them.
The study involved modifying young mice so that their brains were full of the harmful plaques, and then feeding them a curcumin-rich diet. The spice appeared to assist in the destruction of the existing plaques, as well as preventing new plaques from forming.
The Duke researchers' findings were presented at the Royal College of Psychiatrists' annual meeting.
Currently, the University of California Los Angeles is working on a clinical trial to see if curcumin offers the same benefits to humans as it did to the rodents in the Duke study. So far, the evidence seems to indicate that people should eat two or three curry-rich meals every week to reduce chances of getting a form of dementia.
Scientists are hoping to develop a pill form of the curry essence, as people would have to take in over 100 grams of the spice blend to get the necessary amounts of curcumin that would significantly increase brain health.
Additionally, curry spices are easy to add to a number of healthy dishes. Because curry spices are often an important ingredient in Indian cuisine, several of the recipes are vegetable-laden, another health bonus. This is because the majority of the people in India observe vegetarian diets as a part of their Hindu religion.
The following list of ingredients can easily be mixed together with curry to make a fast, tasty, and nutritious meal any night of the week:
Steamed rice (basmati rice is excellent and traditional with Indian food, although brown rice is the healthiest option)
Peas
Carrots
Onions
Chick peas (best when soaked and rinsed; canned will do in a pinch)
Cashew nuts
Tomatoes
Small amount of cottage cheese
If you wish to make an easy sauce that will add substance and flavor to the dish, use condensed tomato or cream of mushroom soup. However, these items may be somewhat high in fat, sodium, and preservatives. As an alternative, consider using plain yogurt, which is a common sauce base in Indian cuisine.
Remember that even more than a curry-rich diet, habitual exercise and a healthy diet are the first line of defense against degenerative diseases. Curry is a great way to keep your healthy diet interesting and help you feel confident about taking care of your brain health.
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