Curcumin is the name given to a collection of compounds called curcuminoids, which are the active anti-inflammatory compound found in the super-spice turmeric.
Turmeric is the best known curry spice with brain benefits. This yellow, ginger-like plant plays an essential role in curry spice blends. A variety of studies using turmeric have suggested that it slows cognitive decline and benefits cognitive function. The challenge is that it is generally poorly absorbed, and the quantities needed to show a benefit are big, as in youâd need to eat about 3 heaping tablespoons of turmeric every day. When I lived and worked as a volunteer in various hospitals in India, including at a leprosarium near Calcutta, I likely ate this amount daily. That was when I ate curry- flavored meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.