If you’re seeking a healthier brain and boosted energy levels, you may already be implementing healthy habits like completing daily brain exercises and ensuring you’re staying hydrated. However, one of the most important things you can do for your brain is maintain a brain-healthy diet. There are plenty of foods to add to your plate for increased energy, a better memory, and a lifted mood. As it turns out, some of the best ingredients include simple spices—including a few that taste great in your morning bowl of oatmeal.
Oatmeal is already one of the best options for your overall health. By adding the right spices to the mix, you can really kick things up a notch and help your brain thrive. To discover two of the best options out there, we spoke to Dr. Joanette Weisse, MD, a brain health expert. She told us that cinnamon and nutmeg are two delicious, brain-healthy choices you can add to your bowl every morning, offering a flavorful pathway to enhance brain function, improve memory, and guard against age-related cognitive decline. Learn more about the benefits of each of these tasty spices below.
1. Cinnamon
Cinnamon isn't only one of the tastiest spices around, offering a dash of sweetness in place of unhealthy refined sugar. It's also great for your noggin. Dr. Joanette cites cinnamaldehyde, the active compound in cinnamon, as a scientifically proven substance supporting brain function. She notes, "Cinnamaldehyde is a naturally occurring component in cinnamon that has been found to enhance memory and improve focus."
"Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon on your morning oatmeal and give your brain a flavorful boost," she advices. Beyond its delightful taste, cinnamon's prowess in memory enhancement makes it a simple yet potent addition to daily breakfast rituals.
2. Nutmeg
Dr. Joanette sheds light on tasty nutmeg, a spice with a warm and nutty flavor, and its key compound, myristicin. She explains, "Myristicin in nutmeg enhances mood and reduces feelings of stress and anxiety, which are key factors in neurodegenerative diseases."
To harness the benefits of nutmeg, Dr. Joanette suggests, "Grate some whole nutmeg onto overnight oats or add a pinch to your morning oatmeal. It not only enhances the flavor but also promotes a healthier mood and mind." By incorporating nutmeg into the breakfast routine, individuals can elevate both taste and contribute to a positive mental state, setting a tone of well-being for the day ahead.
Yum!
The bottom line
Of course, if you want to keep your brain in the best possible shape, you should commit to an array of healthy habits; nutmeg and cinnamon are not miracle-workers. However, it certainly doesn't hurt to add them to your breakfast. When you make these spices a regular part of your balanced diet, you'll certainly be taking one step towards a healthier mind!
