The compound responsible for giving cinnamon its sweet, bright smell could potentially play a role in warding off Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.


Researchers from the University of California, Santa Barbara, found that the cinnamon compounds cinnamaldehyde and epicatechin could help stop "tangles" of tau protein -- notorious in the memory-robbing neurodegenerative disease -- from forming in the brain.


Tau proteins are more likely to form clumps and tangles with age, but people with Alzheimer's are known to have more of these clumps than people without the disease. Researchers found in cell lab research that cinnamaldehyde could help to prevent these aggregations by protecting the tau proteins from oxidative stress.


"Take, for example, sunburn, a form of oxidative damage," study researcher Roshni Graves, an adjunct professor in the university's department of molecular, cellular, and developmental biology, said in a statement. "If you wore a hat, you could protect your face and head from the oxidation. In a sense this cinnamaldehyde is like a cap."


However, researchers acknowledged that they are "still a long way from knowing whether this will work in human beings," Graves said in the statement. Therefore, people shouldn't try to consume high amounts of cinnamon beyond what's typically used in food, in an effort to ward off Alzheimer's disease.


Cinnamon could have uses beyond brain health, too -- other research shows it could help in lowering blood sugar among people with Type 2 diabetes, as a supplement to regular treatment, the Mayo Clinic pointed out.


For more amazing health benefits of spices, click through the slideshow:



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  • Ginger: Fire Up Your Vitality


    Well known in the West for its anti-nausea health properties, ginger is also thought to relieve the aches and pains of arthritis, headaches, sore muscles, and menstrual cramps. Since ancient times, Chinese physicians have regularly consumed ginger tea to keep their vitality fired up. Indeed, its warming qualities will have you sweating in no time!

    Brew yourself some ginger tea by thinly slicing a half-inch piece of fresh ginger root. Drop the ginger into a mug, add boiling water, and steep for 10 minutes. Add lemon and honey for extra flavoring. Ginger is also delicious in marinades, vegetable dishes, and sweets.




  • Garlic: Heart Helper


    Garlic, the spicy favorite in Italian cooking, does more than just whet your appetite. In addition to its antibacterial and antiparasitic properties, garlic has been shown to improve cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and may even prevent cancer.

    According to the National Health and Medical Research Council, consuming half to one clove of garlic daily may reduce cholesterol by nearly ten percent, thanks to garlic's active ingredient allicin. Because the allicin in garlic is damaged by heat, it is best to use raw garlic -- great news for your heart, but bad news for your breath. To balance out the pungency, chew on fresh parsley, mint, or basil.




  • Turmeric: Fight Inflammation And Increase Circulation


    Turmeric, the yellow spice that gives curry its distinctive color, helps improve circulation and prevents blood clots. In fact, did you know that the modern anticoagulant coumadin, which is used to prevent blood clots, originally came from turmeric? The active component in turmeric is called curcumin. If you are a curry fan, you will be happy to know that this substance is associated with anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and antioxidant properties. Its anti-inflammatory benefits make it suitable for treating pain in your joints or muscles.

    In one randomized control study, 107 patients with knee osteoarthritis received either 800 mg daily of ibuprofen or 2 grams daily of Curcuma domestica extract -- and both groups showed improvement in pain on level walking and climbing stairs. Turmeric also combats amyloids, the plaque-like proteins that build up in brain tissue and lead to such diseases as Alzheimer's and rheumatoid arthritis.




  • Cinnamon: Lower Blood Sugar


    Valued for its health benefits since ancient times, particularly in India and Asia, cinnamon has recently enjoyed time in the research spotlight. Many clinical studies have linked cinnamon consumption to lowered blood sugar. Research has demonstrated improvement in insulin sensitivity with cinnamon polyphenols, as well as total and LDL cholesterol.

    Cinnamon is also thought to detoxify the system and stimulate brain function. Its antiseptic properties give it the ability to combat bladder infections, and if taken in the first 48 hours, a cup of strong cinnamon tea may prevent a bladder infection. While mixed study results make it difficult to prove these benefits on paper, it doesn't hurt to sprinkle some on top of your next bowl of cereal!




  • Cardamom: Pep Up Your Energy


    Found in curries, rice dishes, and sweet breads, cardamom is the spice that gives chai tea its characteristic flavor. Cardamom has long been valued medicinally in Asia for its ability to increase circulation and improve your energy level. Considered an aphrodisiac in some cultures, cardamom also helps improve digestion, freshen your breath, brighten a bad mood, and may even increase your mental acuity. A compound found abundantly in cardamom, cineole, has been found to enhance the ability of rats to navigate mazes.




  • Rosemary: Stimulate Your Brain


    Rosemary, the aromatic herb that instantly brings to mind Mediterranean cooking, contains volatile oils that help stimulate brain activities and increase brain alertness. Like cardamom, rosemary contains cineole. Rosemary also aids in digestion and perks up your immune system. It has been used to treat headaches and poor circulation. Steep it as tea, use in your poultry dishes and soups -- or just crush some up to fill your home with its revitalizing scent.




  • Cloves: Tasty And Toasty


    Considered a warming herb, cloves are delicious in cooked fruit, sweet vegetable dishes, roasts, and tea. Cloves have been used since ancient times in India to improve digestive function. You can chew on some to relieve toothaches, sore throats, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. This herb's warming and moving properties are thought to help treat cold hands and feet, tendonitis, and lower back pain.

    <strong>One Word Of Warning</strong>
    Always discuss with your physician before treating conditions with herbs and spices to avoid any adverse interactions; for example, because garlic and ginger possess natural blood-thinning properties, individuals about to undergo surgery and those taking blood thinners should take extra precaution.

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    I hope you make the most of herbs and spices. May you live long, live strong, and live happy!





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