- Make It Yourself Lavender Heart-Shaped Bath Bombs!
- 20 Things You Never Knew About “Down There”
- 12 Best Foods For Those Suffering From Arthritis Pain
- 12 Personal Hygiene Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes (Mom Never Told You About #4!)
- 15 Medicinal Plants And Herbs From The Cherokee People
- 12 Mind-Blowing Benefits Of Drinking Coconut Water During Pregnancy
- 12 Outstanding Winter Foods That Won’t Fatten You Up Like A Christmas Turkey
15 Herbs And Spices To Supercharge Your Brain (#4 Is The Absolute Best!)
Photo credit: bigstock.com
11. Thyme
As in parsley, sage, rosemary and … yes, that one! This is a terrific spice when it comes to supporting brain health. The volatile oils in thyme increase the omega-3 fatty acids in the brain, especially the DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). This protects the brain from age-related decline and dementia. Omega-3s are also important for the proper functioning and development of new brain cells. Thyme will improve both learning and memory skills due to its antioxidant capacity. Feel free to add more thyme to your meals.
12. Sage
Sage contains carnosic acid, which stops the damage that free radicals cause to brain cells. Sage also stimulates the production of the powerful antioxidant glutathione, which is often used to treat numerous brain problems including autism, Alzheimer’s, and more. These powerful compounds will also prevent the breakdown of an important neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, which is vital to learning and memory. Sage extracts contain terpenoids compounds, which also improve cognitive function. Add more sage to your meals and drink some sage tea every day.
13. Oregano
You probably have this spice in your kitchen spice rack right now! This extremely popular spice is very effective when it comes to fighting free radicals. The British Journal of Nutrition published a study that found that oregano extracts improved mood and overall mental well-being. This is because certain compounds in oregano inhibit the reuptake and degradation of neurotransmitters that are in charge of your mood, feelings of anxiety, and cognition. You can use oregano essential oil as aromatherapy to improve your mood and relieve feelings of stress. You can also add more of this spice to every Italian dish you make!
14. Rosemary
Sweet smelling rosemary is very potent when it comes to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds. This spice can really fight off free-radical damage in brain cells. Rosemary is full of carnosic acid, which is a powerful phytochemical that protects the brain from neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s. This herb will also stimulate nerve growth factor synthesis, which can reverse nerve cell damage. Rosemary also improves overall circulation, which will send more oxygen to the brain.
15. Holy Basil
Sometimes called Tulsi, holy basil is a powerful herb that contains eugenol, nerol, camphor, flavonoids, and various terpenes. Studies done with lab animals show that the methanol extracts from this herb can reduce brain damage that is due to decreased cerebral circulation. Holy basil is best known as a potent adaptogen that improves the body’s stress response. It also relieves feelings of stress by inhibiting the production of stress hormones such as cortisol. You can also use holy basil oil as aromatherapy to improve concentration and memory.
READ ALSO: 15 Herbs To Increase Your Feelings Of Happiness (Got To Love #8)
Of course, consuming more herbs and spices won’t help you much if you continue to indulge in an unhealthy lifestyle and poor dietary habits. When you understand that your brain is a part of your human ecology, you will naturally think about its needs as well as the needs of the body. Make these herbs and spices a part of your overall health plan to live a longer, healthier life.
References:
