Long Lost Treatment For Memory Loss… (And It’s As Close As Your Pantry)

For centuries, civilizations revered certain spices not only for their rich flavors but also for their potent medicinal properties. Yet, in the fast-paced evolution of modern medicine, some of these ancient remedies have been left behind—forgotten like whispers in the wind. But what if one of these overlooked spices held the key to protecting and even restoring brain health? A natural elixir that could combat memory loss, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease? Scientists are now rediscovering the astonishing potential of a once-precious spice: cinnamon. And the findings are nothing short of remarkable.

Key Takeaways

• Cinnamon’s Brain-Boosting Power – Research suggests that cinnamon enhances brain function by reducing blood sugar levels, oxidative stress, and inflammation, all of which are linked to cognitive decline.

• Neuroprotective Benefits – Compounds in cinnamon, such as cinnamic acid and CEppt, may help neurons survive injury, potentially slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and extending life expectancy.

• Counteracting the Effects of a Poor Diet – Studies indicate that cinnamon may mitigate the brain damage caused by high-sugar and high-fat diets, providing a protective shield against the cognitive effects of unhealthy eating habits.

The Forgotten Spice That Could Save Your Brain

It often seems to me that modern medicine suffers from a bad case of amnesia when it comes to remembering important and effective traditional ways to treat disease. A great example is one forgotten natural way to help memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Here’s the story…

In the ancient world, early healers turned to spices to heal maladies of the body, nervous system, and brain. One of the most important was cinnamon. But unlike today, the spice cinnamon was considered uncommon and as valuable as gold.

The ancient Egyptians imported cinnamon from India so it could be used medicinally and in their embalming practices. The high cost of cinnamon was linked to its function as an essential medicine – used as a treatment for cancer, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer's disease, and high blood pressure.¹ But while conventional medicine has largely turned its back on cinnamon, medical researchers are finally starting to wake up to cinnamon’s surprising health benefits.

Supporting Better Brain Function

It is well-known that cinnamon can be consumed to help the body be more sensitive to the effects of insulin. That’s why many doctors believe it may be useful in helping people with diabetes keep their blood sugar under control. This has been demonstrated in research at the University of Iowa and other institutions.² And researchers are especially interested in how this venerated spice helps control blood sugar in the brain.

Research in Asia shows that a compound in cinnamon called cinnamic acid can influence the brain’s hypothalamus in ways that reduce brain inflammation and help brain cells absorb and use glucose more effectively.³ (The hypothalamus is a part of the brain that is involved in regulating hunger, thirst, the body’s temperature, sleep, and emotional activity.) Studies show that when the brain’s neurons don’t take in blood sugar very well, the resulting hyperglycemia in the brain – as blood sugar levels remain high – can impair memory and thinking powers.⁴ But researchers believe that cinnamic acid improves the function of neurons by reducing blood sugar, reducing oxidative stress, and preventing what’s called cholinergic dysfunction.⁵ (This type of dysfunction occurs when signaling among neurons with the neurotransmitter acetylcholine is disrupted causing memory problems and other issues.)

Keeps Neurons Alive

Other researchers in Israel have found evidence that cinnamon bark extract may help neurons survive injury and can help fend off Alzheimer’s disease.

Researcher Michael Ovadia, PhD, says he became motivated to study cinnamon after reading in the Bible that high priests used the spice as a holy ointment to keep them from contracting infectious diseases during sacrifices. In this research, the Israeli scientists extracted a compound called CEppt from cinnamon bark and lab tests showed it has the potential to slow the development of Alzheimer’s and may also extend life expectancy.⁶ "The discovery is extremely exciting,” says Dr. Ovadia. “While companies are developing synthetic Alzheimer’s inhibiting substances, our extract would not be a drug with side effects, but a safe, natural substance that human beings have been consuming for millennia.”

In other tests, Dr. Ovadia’s team has shown that cinnamon extracts can potentially help the brain’s neurons survive after a traumatic brain injury – preventing the death of neurons in the brain’s temporal cortex (where memories are encoded) and the dentate gyrus (a part of the brain that helps interpret what our eyes and ears see and hear.)⁷

Pushing Back Against A Junk Food Diet

For those of us who eat too much fast food and junk food, a study involving researchers in the U.S. and France shows that including cinnamon in your diet may at least partially offset the harm to the brain and memory caused by poor food choices.

In these laboratory tests the researchers found that having some cinnamon can shield the brain from many of the negative effects caused by consuming high-fructose corn syrup and eating foods high in the unhealthy fats often included in fast food.⁸ Obviously, having some cinnamon in your food is probably more effective for helping brain health if you also eat a diet filled with fresh fruits and vegetables.

Summary

While modern medicine often overlooks traditional remedies, cinnamon is emerging as a powerful natural tool for brain health. Research shows that cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar levels, reduce brain inflammation, and support neuron survival, which may slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Compounds like cinnamic acid and CEppt show promise in improving cognitive function and preventing memory loss. Additionally, cinnamon may help counteract the negative effects of a high-sugar, high-fat diet. With these findings, it’s clear that this once-revered spice deserves a comeback in the medical world.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does cinnamon help improve brain health?

Cinnamon contains compounds like cinnamic acid and CEppt, which help reduce brain inflammation, regulate blood sugar, and protect neurons from damage.

Can cinnamon really help prevent Alzheimer’s disease?

Research suggests that cinnamon extracts may slow Alzheimer’s progression by protecting neurons and reducing harmful brain inflammation.

How much cinnamon should I consume for cognitive benefits?

While there is no official dosage, studies suggest that incorporating small amounts (about half a teaspoon daily) into your diet may provide health benefits.

Can Cinnamon help if I already have memory issues?

Some research indicates that cinnamon can improve memory and cognitive function, but it should be used as part of a holistic approach to brain health.

Are there any risks to consuming too much cinnamon?

Yes, excessive consumption of certain types of cinnamon (like Cassia) can lead to liver toxicity due to high coumarin content. Ceylon cinnamon is a safer option for regular use.