Turmeric, a golden colored superfood spice that is a staple in some of our favorite global dishes. It has been used in India for thousands of years as both a spice and medicinal herb.

A UCLA study has found that daily consumption of curcumin, found in turmeric improves memory and mood in people with mild, age related memory loss. The research looked at memory performance in people without dementia, as well as curcumin’s potential impact in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. Curcumin is also an effective substance that removes plaques from the brain. Ginger is a close cousin of turmeric with similar anti-inflammatory properties.