Healthy FOODHealthy
Words Laura Potter. Photograph Getty
We already knew turmeric was a winning ingredient, but it’s just acquired a new string to its bow. Researchers split a group of participants with mild, age-related memory loss in half and either gave them a 90 milligram curcumin supplement twice daily for 18 months, or a placebo. Those who took the curcumin – which is found naturally in turmeric – had 28 per cent better memory function and mild improvements in mood. Scans also showed they had significantly less damage to the regions of the brain that control various elements of memory and emotion. The group taking the placebo showed no change. Pass the turmeric porridge!