Who says being healthy can’t be tasty?
Today I want to tell you about a delicious spice that could help protect your brain.
Hey, it could help you have less of those embarrassing “senior” moments later in life, where you forget where you put the car keys, or walk into a room and forget why you’re there …
Fall is just around the corner.
That means most folks will start turning their attention to sweets and other delicious, seasonal foods.
And now, I’ve found a study that may give you reason to “indulge” in a seasonal favorite.
Apple pie.
It turns out, a tasty spice used in apple pie could have the power to help fight off Alzheimer’s disease.
What is it?
Cinnamon!
Researchers from the University of California have found certain compounds in cinnamon can help protect against clumps of tau protein (one of the believed causes of dementia).
The compounds – cinnamaldehyde and epicatechin – are thought to help protect against the oxidation that causes the clumps or “tangles” from forming in the first place.
One of the researchers put it this way:
“Take, for example, sunburn, a form of oxidative damage … If you wore a hat, you could protect your face and head from the oxidation. In a sense this cinnamaldehyde is like a cap.” [1]
Of course, more research needs to be done. So don’t go crazy on the apple pie!
But it certainly wouldn’t hurt to get a little more of this tasty spice into your everyday diet.
Here are a few ideas:
Sprinkle it on apple slices. This is a tasty snack that will satisfy a sweet tooth. Plus, it’s healthy. You get vitamin C and fiber from the apple, plus the positive effects of cinnamon.
Have it with oatmeal. Again, you get a powerful one-two punch. Oatmeal has plenty of fiber which will leave you feeling full. And, it’ll help balance your blood sugar – making sure you don’t have any major energy dips throughout the day. Better yet, cinnamon adds nice variety to what is normally a pretty “plain” breakfast option.
Mix it in with your tea or coffee. It can add a nice flavor “twist” to your regular morning coffee. And can be a welcome taste in tea.
Finally, what do you do if you don’t like the taste of cinnamon?
Simple. You can take it in capsule form and still get all the benefits.
Make sure it contains Cinnamomum cassia – as that’s the one studies show having the most potent health benefits.
Do your brain a favor, and find at least one way to get more cinnamon into your diet this fall.
Years from now, you’ll be glad you did!
Oh and by the way, if you’re serious about taking your overall health and fitness to the next level before the year ends, why not take advantage of your FREE Fitness Consultation? (an $87 value)
During this consult, you’ll receive detailed information on how to get fit and trim that’s tailored to YOUR body.
There’s no obligation and it’s totally and completely free. To sign up, click here.
References:
1.George RC, Lew J, Graves DJ.Interaction of cinnamaldehyde and epicatechin with tau: implications of beneficial effects in modulating Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis. J Alzheimers Dis. 2013 Jan 1;36(1):21-40. doi: 10.3233/JAD-122113.