Photo: Jrwooley6 / Flickr

Scientists used to say that you were born with all the brain cells you’d ever have. If you had a head injury or drank too much, neurons would be killed – forever. In 1998, though, they realised they were wrong. The good news is that your brain, no matter how old you are, can rebuild itself. There are plenty of ways to help your brain grow, and eating healthily is one of the easiest. By including certain herbs and spices in your cooking you can boost your brain power significantly.

Think risotto

Saffron, included in some risotto recipes, may be expensive but it’s very good for fighting depression and can improve memory and learning. A 2005 study found it to be as effective in treating mild and moderate depression as Prozac.

Cook up a curry

Almost every curry contains turmeric, as does the yellow rice that often comes with it. It’s the chemical curcumin that makes turmeric both yellow and good for your brain. It works because it’s an antioxidant, preventing inflammation throughout the body as well as in the brain. At the same time it prevents plaque build-up in arteries, a major cause of stroke.

Salads, pizza and stews

Sage is also a powerful antioxidant that fights inflammation. Sage root, used medicinally in China, has compounds similar to drugs used in treating Alzheimer’s. Just .001690 fluid ounces of sage oil has been found to improve memory. Sage tastes best fresh and can be used in salads, on pizza or in hearty stews.

Pancakes

There’s a reason the smell of pancakes with cinnamon and lemon is irresistible. Just a whiff of the spice will boost your brain. It’s been found that even cinnamon-flavoured chewing gum can do wonders: it enhances attention, recognition, focus, memory and motor speed. Besides these benefits cinnamon also helps keep blood sugar levels stable, reduces the growth of some cancer cells, reduces blood clotting and contains manganese, iron and calcium. For a healthier way to use cinnamon than indulging in pancakes, add a little to your oats in the morning.

Find ideas for cooking with sage here and a step-by-step recipe for perfect pancakes here.

Tags: eating healthily, Keeping Healthy