| Since 2001, over a dozen studies have been | | | | you may know, antioxidants neutralize free radicals |
| conducted concerning the benefit of turmeric for | | | | and repair oxidative damage caused by them. There |
| memory problems. Many of the studies were | | | | are many different antioxidants in plant foods. Some |
| conducted using animal models, which means that | | | | of the most potent include the catechins found in |
| clinical trials would need to be conducted before | | | | green tea, the resveratrol found in red grapes and |
| authorities like the US Food and Drug Administration | | | | the proanthocyanidins found in grape seeds. |
| would allow a health claim concerning this benefit. | | | | Some of the plant extracts that have been |
| But since there is no doubt that the plant is safe, | | | | recommended for memory and brain function include |
| because it is also a food, and other benefits are | | | | green tea and gingko biloba. But, more and more |
| known to be associated with eating it, there's no | | | | research supports the use of resveratrol, |
| reason not to try it. Here's what the studies that | | | | proanthocyanidins and curcumin. |
| have been conducted to date have told us. | | | | The advantage of curcumin and resveratrol is that |
| One of the many negative side effects of HIV | | | | they have chelating activity. The means they break |
| infections is a condition called HIV associated | | | | down heavy metals and help the body rid itself of |
| dementia, or HAD, which is accompanied by impaired | | | | them. It is believed that exposure to small amounts |
| memory and problems with spatial relationships. A | | | | of lead, mercury and other heavy metals throughout |
| study conducted in China using laboratory animals | | | | a person's life may lead to age-related dementia and |
| infected with the disease indicates that that dietary | | | | Alzheimer's disease. |
| supplementation of curcumin (the active component | | | | So, you might consider taking resveratrol and |
| of turmeric) may help treat and prevent HAD. | | | | turmeric for memory problems, but you need to be |
| A similar study was conducted in Turkey, only this | | | | sure that the supplement is well designed. If it does |
| time the condition being studied was a type of | | | | not include an enteric coating, the nutrients will not be |
| Alzheimer's disease. The researchers concluded that | | | | absorbed into the bloodstream. If they don't get into |
| taking turmeric for memory loss and cognitive | | | | your bloodstream, they cannot provide the benefits |
| impairment in Alzheimer's could be beneficial. | | | | to the brain. |
| Another study conducted in South Africa indicates | | | | Some supplements contain a number of different |
| that there is benefit for nerve damage and cognitive | | | | antioxidants and chelating agents, instead of just a |
| impairment caused by lead exposure. At least eight | | | | single one. It makes more sense from a financial |
| other studies have been published concerning the | | | | standpoint to get as many antioxidants as you can |
| benefit for preventing or treating Alzheimer's and for | | | | for your money. |
| reversing the effects of heavy metal exposure. | | | | More studies may be coming concerning turmeric for |
| The benefits of turmeric for memory are due to the | | | | memory. One is underway concerning |
| anti-oxidant and chelating activity of the nutrient. As | | | | Alzheimer's. I'm sure the results will be positive. |