Bolster Your Memory
Curcumin + Black Pepper
Curcumin may be known for its anticancer properties, but this compound (found in the spice turmeric) is also making waves in Alzheimer's disease research. A recent study found that, compared with those who got a placebo, Alzheimer's patients who took 1 g of curcumin either as a supplement or mixed with food reduced the buildup of plaque in their brains. However, curcumin tends to be poorly absorbed, so you'll need to mix it with black pepper to increase its absorption up to 2,000%.
Spice up your palate: Turmeric has been used for centuries in Indian curries but may taste strong to an American palate. Start with 1/2 teaspoon daily, suggests Bharat B. Aggarwal, PhD, professor of cancer medicine at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. Once you get used to the flavor, mix it with black pepper to make a great rub for fish or chicken.