Curry to Cure Dementia

[Julnar]

Studies indicate that eating curry regularly may reduce the risk of developing dementia as chemicals within the spices prevent the build up of the plaque proteins responsible for the degeneration.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8080630.stm
Is it possible that simple dietary adjustments could really be the answer to combat this devastating disease?

[Gromit]

The Healing power of Turmeric have been well known for centuries. This latest medical study appears to confirm some of its benefits.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/32379 /the_healing_power_of_turmeric.html?cat=5

[Julnar]

This could wonders for the curry trade and save a fortune on future prescriptions for dementia drugs. How I hope it's true.

[Gromit]

From wikipedia....

iIn Ayurvedic practices, turmeric is thought to have many medicinal properties and many in South Asia use it as a readily available antiseptic for cuts, burns and bruises. Practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine say it has fluoride which is thought to be essential for teeth. It is also used as an antibacterial agent.

It is taken in some Asian countries as a dietary supplement, which allegedly helps with stomach problems and other ailments. It is popular as a tea in Okinawa, Japan. Pakistanis also use it as an anti-inflammatory agent, and remedy for gastrointestinal discomfort associated with irritable bowel syndrome, and other digestive disorders.

It is currently being investigated for possible benefits in Alzheimer's disease, cancer and liver disorders.

Turmeric rhizome
In the latter half of the 20th century, curcumin was identified as responsible for most of the biological effects of turmeric. According to a 2005 article in the Wall Street Journal, research activity into curcumin is exploding. In that year supplement sales increased 35% from 2004, and the U.S. National Institutes of Health had four clinical trials underway to study curcumin treatment for pancreatic cancer, multiple myeloma, Alzheimer's, and colorectal cancer. Curcumin also enhances the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF, which supports nerve growth.

There is evidence that piperine, found in black pepper, improves the absorption of turmeric. In 1998 researchers at St. John�s Medical College, Bangalore, India found that curcumin taken with 20 mg of piperine increased the absorption of curcumin by 2000%, with no adverse effects. This means that a low dose of curcumin (or turmeric for that matter) could have a greater effect in terms of health benefits when combined with piperine than a large dose of curcumin or turmeric would.

[LazyGun]

The results of good quality trials in evidence based medicine are worth getting excited about - I would view speculation based upon the results of animal trials with a large dose of scepticism personally :)

[Julnar]

Oh Lazy Gun don't bring me down, I'm on a euphoric high over this.

[paraffin]

I can only "hack" ultra mild curries, therfore would it still work?

[Gromit]

paraffin

The ingredient here that seems to have the beneficial effect is Turmeric. It often just used as colouring, giving the dish a yellowish colour (or orany if mixed with tomatoes. It is not especially hot as it is from the same plant family as Ginger.

[warpig3]

Paraffin, Gromit is correct. Try putting some tumeric into the water when you are boiling potatoes, rice etc, gives a nice flavour and colour. Right, I'm heading back to food and drink section where I belong.

[keyplus90]

I eat that almost every day. So I guess I am Ok then.

[tamborine]

Have given up curry after several bouts of IBS - cleared up now!

[tamborine]

I do suffer dementia - 'cause too much useless info.