6 Ways to Spice Up Your Life
Herbs and spices have been prized by cultures around the world for thousands of years. Although the studies are sometimes inconclusive, research on the centenarians (individuals living to 100 years or older) living in global “Blue Zones” has found that many of these herbs are staples in their diet.
In fact, keeping these six items on hand could help prevent cancer, reduce pain and even ward off mosquitoes!
Chili Peppers
The capsaicin in chili peppers are loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C and beta carotene. Researchers have discovered that capsaicin:
- can help with aches and pains from inflammation
- reduce insulin spikes after meals
- slightly increase metabolism
Garlic*
Garlic’s anti-viral, anti-bacterial, antifungals and antioxidant capacities may make it useful for the treatment of:
- the common cold
- reducing blood pressure
- managing cholesterol
What’s more, this powerful spice is a natural mosquito repellent.(1)
Ginger
Gingerol, the active ingredient in ginger, has been shown to significantly help with nausea, vomiting and morning sickness. For some individuals, it’s also been found to be twice as effective as Dramamine in preventing motion sickness. As a powerful antioxidant, ginger is thought to:
- relax blood vessels
- stimulate blood flow
- relieve pain
- be a digestive aid and useful for people suffering the side effects of chemotherapy
- be useful in fighting heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's disease and arthritis
Oregano
Is truly a functional herb that gained popularity after WWII, when it was introduced into pizza. Thymol and carvacrol are two of oregano's most potent antibacterial components. It also has four times the antioxidant properties of blueberries. Its oil and leaves are used medicinally in treating:
- cough
- fever
- congestion
- body aches
- lowering cholesterol
Turmeric
The National Institutes of Health lists 24 current studies on the effects of turmeric and its chief active component, curcumin. Curcumin has been shown to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and anticancer activities. Thus, it has the potential to treat:
- various cancers
- diabetes
- allergies
- arthritis
- Alzheimer's disease
- other chronic illnesses (2)
Rosemary*
This spice has been found to stop gene mutations that could lead to cancer or reduce heart attack risk by preventing blood vessel damage. In addition, other studies support rosemary for:
- slowing memory loss
- preventing migraines
- improving digestive health
- reducing pain
- reducing inflammation
- fighting bacteria like Staphylococcus
- increasing hair growth
- reducing congestion from a cold
Talk with Your Doctor
Some people may experience side effects when consuming these herbs and spices. As with any natural supplement it's best to talk with your doctor first before making significant changes to your diet.
*Garlic and Rosemary can have an effect on anti-coagulants, so its best to avoid these before surgery.
(1) The Journal of Nutrition
(2)
Advanced Experimental Medical Biology 2007
