Try these turmeric-flavored recipes for brain-boosting deliciousness!

August 7 is National Mustard Day and the perfect time to share the benefits of turmeric, the plant that gives mustard its bright yellow color, and curcumin, an important compound in turmeric. 

There’s plenty of research indicating that turmeric in general (an curcumin specifically) has anti-inflammatory properties. In animal studies, turmeric has been shown to reduce inflammation in the brain. It also slows the development of amyloid plaques, which dementia. That’s certainly not to say that there’s proof turmeric can reverse Alzheimer’s, but it does point to the herb’s ability to improve memory and cognitive function.

And there’s more good news for older adults. Scientists have found that turmeric appears to improve both mood and memory. Before you gulp down a bottle of mustard or stock up on bottles of turmeric pills, it’s important to talk to your doctor or a registered dietician. In the meantime, it can’t hurt to try out some curry recipes. After all, turmeric is what gives curry its golden color and it may be why senior citizens in India (where turmeric/curcumin is a dietary staple) have a lower prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and better cognitive performance.

Need some recipe ideas to get started? The BBC shared some turmeric-enahanced recipes on its Good Food page:

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/turmeric-recipes