As we’ve reported in ETR, turmeric has many health benefits, including the ability to reduce the pain and stiffness of arthritis. But you can also use this spice to power up your memory.

Turmeric is what gives curry its yellow color. Its reputation as a super-spice is largely because of its anti-cancer properties and because it is such a powerful anti-inflammatory. But it also helps protect the brain. Scientists investigating Alzheimer’s got interested in it because rates of this disease are so low in India, where curry is a staple. And they have pinpointed a compound in turmeric called curcumin, which has been proven to help prevent mental decline in laboratory animals.

So start adding turmeric to your food. It tastes great in scrambled eggs and in marinades for chicken, and is a great flavoring for bean dishes.

[Ed. Note: Dr. Jonny Bowden is a nationally known expert on weight loss, nutrition, and health. He’s a board certified nutritionist with a master’s degree in psychology, and the author of the best-selling book, The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth.]