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Scientists think the spice turmeric could help the brain to heal itself. This is good news for those with brain diseases. Researchers from Germany's Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine examined the effects of turmeric on rats. They injected rats with chemicals from turmeric. They scanned the rats' brains and found that nerve cell growth in the rats' brain was quicker. They say the spice could lead to new drugs for treating strokes and brain diseases. Dr Adele Rueger said it was possible turmeric could "boost the effectiveness" of our brain cells, and help repair our brain.

Research is still in its early days and more trials are needed. Alzheimer's specialist Dr Laura Phipps told the BBC that it was too early to know if the research will be groundbreaking. She said: "It is not clear whether the results of this research would translate to people or whether the ability to generate new brain cells in this way would benefit people with Alzheimer's disease." She added: "We'd need to see further studies to fully understand this compound's effects….Until then, people shouldn't take this as a sign to stock up on supplies of turmeric for the spice rack."