4 Spices for Your Brain

Scientists used to think that you were born with all the neurons you’d ever have. If you drank alcohol and killed brain cells, well, good luck. Then in 1998 researchers discovered the birth of new neurons in individuals who were near death. Turns out your brain–no matter how old or young–can generate new neurons.

One key to brain growth? Diet. What you eat helps generate healthy neurons with bushels of dendrites (nerve receptors). It also keeps nerve endings firing and allows you to maintain brain flexibility. Even if your memory’s so fried you can’t remember your spouse’s cell phone number, food still provides brain sustenance.

We’ve been in food information overkill ever since scientists discovered that you are what you eat. Contradictory studies analyze every type of food, vitamin, mineral, herb, and combination thereof. Even so, research does reveal old-time wisdom: what you swallow makes you smarter and happier (or slower and more blue).

Next: Boost brain power with these four spices

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Read more: Eating for Health, Food, Health, Mental Wellness

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Marsha P.

10:59PM PST on Jan 15, 2012

Thanks for the great information...This is really helpful for good health!

send a green star

Audrey K.

2:56AM PST on Jan 13, 2012

Thank you all so very much! I really admire and appreciate all the healthy, helpful tips and info you bring to us all! :)

Ann F.

12:38AM PST on Jan 13, 2012

Thank you for the very informative article

Kerin W.

4:53PM PST on Jan 12, 2012

thank you so much for the information. I'm always looking for natures treasures for our health.

Maria Cristina A.

5:22AM PST on Jan 12, 2012

Nice to know our kitchen counter can be a great help to our body. :)

Margie B.

11:12PM PDT on Aug 1, 2011

Thank You - Good Info

Chris R.

7:20AM PDT on Jul 25, 2011

I take sage and turmeric everyday as a supplement, and used to take 9-10 saffron threads a day, and it did help my overall well being, but it is expensive! Thanks Melissa!~

Eternal G.

7:17PM PDT on Jul 20, 2011

You forgot cayenne!

Lika S.

1:26AM PDT on Jul 15, 2011

I'm so mad about saffron, saffron's mad about me....

I love toast with peanut butter and cinnamon.

Barb G.

10:13AM PDT on Jul 14, 2011

thank you!