Top 10 Spices to Boost Brainpower

 

You may have heard suggestions like using meditation, deep breathing, brainwave entrainment, visualization, and several other exercises to harness your brain’s potential and promote mental clarity.
But did you know that diet plays an important role in how well your brain works? What you eat influences your cognitive functioning. In fact, the herbs and spices in your kitchen spice rack can be very helpful in enhancing your memory and brainpower.

1. Turmeric

Adding turmeric to your food can help keep your brain sharp. Turmeric contains a chemical called curcumin that reduces plaques in the brain that are linked to Alzheimer’s disease. It also slows the progression of Alzheimer’s disease due to its potent antioxidant properties.
Curcumin also improves memory and has an antidepressant effect. Moreover, a recent study in India indicates that this active ingredient also protects against alcohol-induced brain damage.

2. Thyme

Thyme is great for supporting brain health. Studies have revealed that the volatile oils in this herb increase the levels of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in the brain.
Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for the brain because they protect against age-related cognitive decline or dementia. They also improve learning and memory.
Plus, DHA ensures proper functioning and development of the brain cells. Thyme also contains flavonoids that increase its antioxidant capacity.

3. Oregano

Oregano is highly effective in neutralizing free radicals due to its high concentration of antioxidants. A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that taking an extract from oregano leaves can help enhance mental well-being and regulate mood.
The study demonstrated that the compounds in this herb inhibit the reuptake and degradation of monoamine neurotransmitters, which are involved in modulating your mood, anxiety, cognition, sleep and appetite. Thus, oregano can help decrease anxiety and improve learning and concentration.
Apart from including this spice in cooking, you can use oregano essential oil as aromatherapy to relieve stress and calm your nerves.

4. Rosemary

Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, rosemary helps fight off free-radical damage in the brain. Carnosic acid, a phytochemical present in this herb, is particularly good for protecting the brain from a stroke and neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
It also stimulates nerve growth factor synthesis, thereby reversing nerve cell damage. In addition, it improves brain functioning by increasing circulation in the brain.

5. Sage

Sage is excellent for better brain functioning and boosting memory recall. It also contains carnosic acid that stops free-radical damage in the brain.
Plus, it increases the production of the anti-aging antioxidant glutathione, which is used to treat a number of neurological disorders including Alzheimer’s, autism, and others.
Furthermore, the compounds present in this herb prevent the breakdown of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine that is involved in memory and learning.
Extracts of sage with terpenoid constituents have been shown to improve cognitive function. So, to boost your brainpower, add more sage to your soups, stews, and salad dressings, or simply drink sage tea.

6. Black Pepper

Black pepper and other plants in the Piperaceae family contain a pungent compound called piperine that increases beta-endorphins in the brain and boosts cognitive function. Beta-endorphins have neurotransmitter qualities that improve your mood and promote feelings of relaxation.
This active compound also inhibits an enzyme that breaks down serotonin. Thus, it is believed to be helpful in the treatment of mood disorders. Plus, researchers believe that black pepper can help prevent and treat Parkinson’s disease as well because piperine inhibits an enzyme that degrades dopamine.
 
How To Help An Overtaxed BrainLifestyle choices make a big difference in your mental resilience. Poor food and unhealthy daily practices are an unnecessary burden to your body including your brain – like trying to jog with 50 pound weights.
However, we all know that our circumstances are less than ideal and that we cannot always make ideal choices
Medicinal herbs can overcome excessive amounts of stress and lifestyle challenges to help you function at your best. Here is a list of herbs for the brain that will help you get rid of those 50 pound weights.

6 Top Brain Herbs

1. Brahmi is the top herb for rejuvenating the brain and nervous system. It helps the left and right sides of the brain to work together. Brahmi improves all aspects of mental functioning including the ability to learn new information, to retain what we learn and our ability to remember.Brahmi packs a double whammy of benefits because it supports our intelligence while reducing the effects of stress on the brain. It offers 4 primary benefits:
   • improved capacity for attention and focus,
   • improved ability to withstand emotional stress
   • reduction in nervousness and anxiety
   • improved immune system function.
   Brahmi also helps with insomnia, helps prevent senility, and heals adrenal grands debilitated by stress which can lead to adrenal burnout. Although brahmi is sometimes called gotu kola in english, gotu kola is actually a different herb.
2. Gotu kola is another herb that has high impact on brain functioning.  Known as mandukaparni in sanskrit, it also balances the brain and helps all aspects of brain functioning, but is best known for its ability to improve blood circulation and memory.
3. Ashwaghandha is another top herb for the brain. It reduces the effects of overwork and is one of the best for promoting mental clarity and cognitive functioning. It boosts the brain’s memory and is very helpful in supporting the immune system.Ashwaghandha does wonders for nervous exhaustion and protects the brain against brain cell deterioration.  It is an important protective herb.
4. Vacha which means “speech” is an important herb for the brain.  It promotes better concentration, clarity and speech. It has a stimulating effect which means that it treats depression and mental sluggishness. Vacha promotes mental clarity and a strong memory at the same time it detoxifies brain tissues.
5. Tagara known as Indian valerian helps emotional and nervous conditions.
6. Tulsi oxygenates the brain and improves circulation which improves feelings of well-being and mental cognition.