As you get older, the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss increases. But don’t despair – researchers at the Mayo Clinic have discovered the primary cause of memory deterioration, and knowing this can help you to reduce your risk factors. These scientists have found that a substance known as tau protein is responsible for the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s.
For years, medical researchers believed that a toxic protein called amyloid was the main cause of the disease’s destructiveness. However, new research shows that it’s actually distortions in tau protein that trigger neuronal dysfunction, leading to significant personality changes, memory gaps, and difficulties relating to your surroundings.
Tau protein plays an essential role in maintaining neuronal health. Researcher Melissa Murray compares it to actual railroad ties that stabilize the train tracks used by brain cells to transport essential cargo throughout neurons. In Alzheimer’s, changes in the tau protein cause these tracks to become unstable in neurons responsible for memory. The abnormal tau builds up in these neurons, eventually leading to their death.
So, how can you protect your brain and reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease? One of the best ways is to add the spice turmeric to your diet or take a turmeric supplement. Research shows that compounds found in turmeric can help the brain defend itself against harmful changes in tau protein.
The power of turmeric
Turmeric doesn’t just help with Alzheimer’s – it’s also been shown to improve memory even in those without the disease, particularly in individuals who are pre-diabetic or at risk for memory loss. A study conducted in Asia found that consuming just one gram of turmeric with breakfast can enhance memory function.
How to prepare turmeric
Turmeric is easy to find and very simple to prepare. Most health food stores carry the dried root and root powder. Turmeric has a slightly spicy, peppery taste that can be offset with something sweet. An excellent way to add turmeric to your breakfast is by blending it into coconut milk and sweetening it with a low-glycemic index sweetener like yacon. Yacon is suitable for diabetics since it contains fructooligosaccharides, a type of sugar that the human body cannot digest, sparing any effects on blood sugar levels.
The benefits don’t stop at Alzheimer’s
Turmeric’s benefits don’t end with improving memory and reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s. It also has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help combat many health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and various forms of cancer.
Inflammation is a common thread in many chronic diseases. It’s a natural process that helps your body fight infections and heal itself. However, chronic inflammation can lead to significant health problems. The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric help to combat this harmful form of chronic inflammation.
Turmeric’s antioxidants also play a significant role in its health benefits. Antioxidants help protect your body from free radical damage, which can cause aging and many diseases, including cancer. Adding turmeric to your diet can give your body a much-needed antioxidant boost.
Adding turmeric to your daily routine
There are numerous ways to incorporate turmeric into your routine, and you don’t have to be a culinary expert to do so. Here are a few ideas for utilizing this powerful spice:
- Add turmeric to your scrambled eggs or a tofu scramble.
- Mix it into your favorite soup or stew recipe.
- Sprinkle turmeric on your roasted vegetables.
- Use it to season rice, quinoa, or other whole grains.
- Create a turmeric-based salad dressing.
- Blend it into your favorite smoothie.
Conclusion
Knowing the primary cause of Alzheimer’s disease – tau protein – can help you make better-informed decisions about how to protect your brain and reduce your risk factors. One of the best ways to keep your brain healthy is by adding the spice turmeric to your diet. Not only will turmeric help reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s, but it also has powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and memory-enhancing properties that can benefit your overall wellbeing. So, spice up your life and incorporate turmeric into your daily routine for a healthier, more vibrant future.
