SPICE UP YOUR MEALS AND YOUR HEALTH: 10 SPICES AND HERBS AND A LOOK BEYOND THE FLAVOUR
Experimenting with various herbs and spices will no doubt add some savoury and interesting flavours to your meals but there are some important facts beyond the flavour that you may want to consider. The addition of herbs and spices can also provide us with some important health related benefits as well, read below to find out what herbs and spices you may want to consider for your next meal.
BASIL
Helps relieve digestive upset
Can be used as a disinfectant
Immune stimulant
Contains Vitamins A, C, B1, B3, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, zinc
Sweet and pungent, minty taste
BAY LEAVES
Antibacterial properties
Can help to aid relaxation and lower stress
Can provide migraine relief
Beneficial effect on the stomach and intestinal tract
Contains calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, manganese, folate and fiber, Vitamins A, C, B2, B3, B6, E
Has a woody flavour with a slight mint aroma
Be sure to remove the leaf after cooking, they are quite tough and very strong tasting
CAYENNE PEPPER
Member of the nightshade family
Powerful antioxidant
Anti-inflammatory properties
Expectorant and decongestant
When used topically is helpful in relieving arthritic pain and may be helpful with psoriasis
Contains Vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B3, B6, E, calcium, iron, folate, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, manganese, zinc and fiber
Adds a spicy “zip” to meals
CINNAMON
A powerful antioxidant
Contains anti-inflammatory properties
Contains anti-microbial properties
Has antiseptic qualities and can be used topically on cuts and scrapes
Helpful for digestive upset
Among others it contains Vitamins A, E, K, dietary fibre, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, lysine, tryptophan and thereonine
Heart health benefits
Can help lower blood sugar levels
Has a sweet spicy taste
You should not ingest cinnamon oil or use topically as it is very strong and can be irritating
GARLIC
Belongs to the lily family and related to leeks, onions, chives, shallots
Contains vital nutrients, flavonoids, selenium, sulphur
Anti-oxidant
Anti-fungal properties
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-viral properties
Immune booster
One of the most popular natural remedies of all time
GINGER
Helpful for the digestive system
Contains anti-inflammatory properties
Has natural pain fighting qualities
Antiseptic qualities
Antioxidant
When used as aromatherapy it can help relieve anxiety
Has a strong, spicy yet sweet taste
Avoid large amounts if taking anticoagulant medications
OREGANO
Powerful antioxidant
Anti-microbial properties
Anti-bacterial properties
Helpful for digestive upset
Helpful for loosening, expelling mucous
Has been shown to double the potency of insulin (less required to process sugar)
Used as an oil for bathing can help relieve aches and stiff joints
Contains calcium, potassium, phosphorous, iron, magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper, selenium, Vitamins a, C, B6, E
Has a peppery flavour with a slight hint of sage and thyme
Is widely used as an oil for it’s anti-bacterial properties and may destroy bacteria associated with pneumonia
PARSLEY
Strong diuretic properties; can stimulate the kidneys and can be beneficial for kidney stones and other kidney disorders
Helps ease digestion
Beneficial for the adrenal and thyroid glands
Contains Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, E, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, manganese, selenium, copper, zinc, folate and fiber
Has a mild, pleasant taster
Not recommended for use in large quantities in juices due to it’s powerful diuretic properties
SAGE
Antioxidant
Has been shown to double the potency of insulin (less is required to process sugar)
Can help to retard food spoilage
Sage tea can be gargled to soothe sore throats and help with canker sores and sore gums
Contains calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, manganese, selenium, Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, E
TURMERIC
Powerful antioxidant
Anti-inflammatory properties
Anti-bacterial properties
Useful as a digestive aid and liver stimulant, to reduce swelling associated with arthritis
Good for people with arteriosclerosis, carpel tunnel syndrome, gallstones, cataracts, tendonitis, eczema, endometriosis, bursitis
Contains calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, C
It is a close relative to ginger and has a slight peppery taste
Not recommended for people with clotting disorders or on anticoagulant medications
Generally spices and herbs are safe for most everyone when used in small quantities as savoury additions to our meals; caution is advised however for those who may be pregnant, nursing, ill or on certain medications (especially when being used in a therapeutic manner)
Sending A Wish Your Way For A Well BALANCED Day
Jenny
