Everyone knows they are supposed to eat their veggies, but did you know that “spicing up” your food also packs a nutritional punch? Spices act as powerful antioxidants {according to nutritionist, Nick Rose, they are even more powerful antioxidants than blueberries and acai berries}. So, next time you add a little dash of this or that for flavor, you can basically pat yourself on the back for improving your overall health.
Since “variety is the spice of life” {pun intended}, it’s important to use a wide array of spices to get the most nutritional bang for your buck. Each spice provides different health benefits.
Cinnamon has one of the highest antioxidant properties. It has been shown to improve blood sugar regulation, prevent/treat diabetes, improve circulation, and lower inflammation–just to name a few. Plus, it’s pretty darn tasty, so adding it into your oatmeal, coffee, tea, etc. isn’t really that difficult.
Chili peppers contain capsaicin, which has been shown to reduce pain {which is ironic, because depending on your tolerance to hot, they can be quite painful going down} and help to suppress your appetite.
Cumin is a great source of iron and has antibacterial properties. Tumeric has such powerful antioxidant properties it has been shown to help fight/prevent cancer. Ginger can help with upset stomach and fight inflammation, so if you have arthritis or general soreness, adding ginger to your daily regiment may help.
Rosemary has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Sage helps with memory {maybe that’s why they call someone a wise sage?} and can help with sore throats. Saffron will cost you a small fortune, but it is great for fighting depression and PMS. Parsley has also been shown to slow down or inhibit breast cancer growth.
As an added bonus, adding spices to your food can help you decrease your overall salt intake. It’s win-win.
So, I guess Hippocrates was right, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”
~Mavis
Kristina says
My mom recently had her orthopedic Dr. (an actual MD!) tell her to take turmeric supplements to help with inflammation in her knee. But he said it would be difficult to actually eat enough to see that particular effect from it. I wonder what quantities we’re talking here for the others?
Rruth says
I take the recommended amount on the bottle – 1cap a day. I use Organic India available at health food stores and on line. Am in no way affiliated with the company, just a satisfied customer.
S. David Brown says
I use their (Organic India) psyllium supplement (loose whole husks). Love them. Never had any problems with the quality. I might have to start the Turmeric therapy as I definitely am having some knee problems.