If you want to keep your brain as healthy as possible and reduce your risk of cognitive disease as you age, one of the most important things you can do is add more brain-healthy foods to your daily diet. As it turns out, your diet can play a major role in your cognitive health. While it’s important to limit your intake of processed foods that could have negative impacts on your cognitive function, it’s also a great idea to incorporate antioxidant-rich, brain-boosting ingredients into your meals. And there’s one easy to way to do that first thing in the morning. That’s by sipping on turmeric tea.
You may already know all about the ways that green tea can benefit your brain, but if you’re looking for a way to shake things up at breakfast, turmeric tea is another fantastic option that boasts similar benefits. We spoke to nutritionist Mary Sabat to learn more about how this unexpected drink could help preserve your memory and slow cognitive decline. Find all of her expert insight below.
Turmeric tea for brain health
Turmeric, widely used in curries and other tasty dishes, is one of the healthiest spices out there, thanks to its anti-inflammatory benefits. In addition to being able to do wonders for your body, it can also promote a healthier brain. Experts say that it could even work to improve your memory. That's why sipping on some turmeric tea first thing in the morning is one smart habit to implement.
Many of the benefits of turmeric are thanks to a compound called curcumin. "Curcumin is known for its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties," Sabat explains. "Chronic inflammation is believed to play a role in the development of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. By reducing inflammation in the brain, curcumin may help protect against cognitive decline."
On top of preventing inflammation, curcumin can also help produce brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF for short. "BDNF is essential for the survival and growth of neurons and helps in forming new connections between them. Higher levels of BDNF are associated with improved memory and cognitive function," Sabat notes.
Drinking turmeric tea on a regular basis may even help keep your brain protected on diseases like Alzheimer's, thanks to the fact that it's been shown to reduce amyloid plaque. These are protein deposits that form in your brain. "Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, which are thought to contribute to cognitive decline," Sabat explains. "Some research suggests that curcumin may help clear these plaques from the brain, potentially slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease."
It's also worth noting that turmeric offers up heart-healthy benefits, too. And, as Sabat points out, a healthy heart can contribute to a healthy brain. "Good cardiovascular health is linked to better cognitive function because it ensures a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain," she says. Amazing!
The bottom line
Of course, it's important to remember that drinking one simple beverage isn't going to give you perfect memory or even protect you from disease for the rest of your life. To keep your brain as sharp as possible, it's in your best interest to incorporate a range of healthy habits into your daily routine. But while it may be just one small step to take, sipping on turmeric tea every morning is definitely one great way to move towards a healthy brain for years to come.
