Dr. Daniel Amen writes in the May/June issue of AARP Magazine about the spices that are good for our brains. (Learn more about Amen.)1. Cinnamon. Amen says studies show that this spice can speed the rate at which your brain processes visual cues, which could come in handy in, say, tennis. One possible explanation is that cinnamon regulates blood sugar levels, which can help you stay focused.
2. Garlic. A study in 2007 the journal Cancer noted that garlic compounds can eliminate brain cancer cells, Amen says, adding that some experts predict garlic-based treatments will be created.
3. Ginger. More than 80 percent of migraine-prone people with mild headaches were able to stave them off with a combination of ginger and feverfew, Amen says.
4. Saffron. Amen says the pungent herb, saffron may make more sense to try before popping an antidepressant for a case of mild to moderate depression.
5. Turmeric. The Alzheimer's disease rate in India, where people eat curry almost daily, is one-fourth the rate in the United States. The turmeric effect may be because of curcumin, the active ingredient. In research using mice, it was able to break up brain plaques of amyloid beta, the protein buildup that is a hallmark of Alzheimer's.
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