A New Study Says Eating This Spice Could Improve Your Memory and Mood

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(Image credit: Stocksy)

Sun damage, fine lines, and wrinkles aside, our main priority when it comes to aging is maintaining a healthy lifestyle—one that's centered around wellness for our bodies and minds. That's why we're sure to stock up on brain-boosting foods and research wellness practices, whether that's something traditional and ancient in origin, like acupuncture or pretty much brand-new like sensory deprivation therapy.

Much of it, as we all know, comes down to your diet. Eating well is the key to aging well, right? Well, according to The Independent, a new study found that a certain food, more specifically a spice, can help boost mood and memory. We're talking about turmeric, the vivid orange spice traditionally associated with Indian cuisine.

For the study, researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, enrolled 40 participants between 40 and 90 years old. Each of these participants had mild memory complaints—saying their memory was declining with age. Half were given 90 milligrams of curcumin (turmeric's main anti-inflammatory ingredient) while the other half were given a placebo. They ingested either the curcumin or the placebo twice daily for 18 months.

After cognitive assessments, PET scans, and blood tests, the results were clear. The participants who took the curcumin saw significant improvements in their memory and mood. In fact, in memory tests, the people who took curcumin improved their score by 28% over 18 months. "Exactly how curcumin exerts its effects is not certain, but it may be due to its ability to reduce brain inflammation, which has been linked to both Alzheimer's disease and major depression,” said Gary Small, director of geriatric psychiatry at UCLA's Longevity Center and the study's author.

There you have it. Maybe switching out our daily espresso for a turmeric latte could improve our memory and mood over time. And hey, every little wellness boost counts.

Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in the place of advice of your physician or other medical professionals. You should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider first with any health-related questions.

Kaitlyn McLintock
Associate Beauty Editor

Kaitlyn McLintock is an Associate Beauty Editor at Who What Wear. Although she covers a wide range of topics across a variety of categories, she specializes in celebrity interviews and skincare and wellness content. Having lived in Los Angeles and Austin, Texas, she recently relocated back to her home state of Michigan where she works remotely. Prior to Who What Wear, she freelanced for a variety of industry-leading digital publications, including InStyle, The Zoe Report, Bustle, Hello Giggles, and Coveteur. Before that, she held a long-term internship and subsequent contributor position at Byrdie. When she's not writing, researching, or testing the latest and greatest beauty products, she's working her way through an ever-growing book collection, swimming in the Great Lakes, or spending time with family.