Hi friends! You are in the right place if you’ve come to spice things up. We learned in last week’s instagram post that spices are full of nutrients and have several health benefits. I want to keep this short and sweet, so let’s jump right in!
Turmeric
- Anti-inflammatory
- Decreases LDL cholesterol
- Promotes weight loss
- Fights against Alzheimer’s Disease
- Top anti-cancer spice!
- Enhances the ability of the body’s natural immune system to kill cancer cells
Check out our previous post, The Tea on Turmeric, for more on the health benefits of turmeric. It’s a great read and goes into much more detail!
Cinnamon
- Decreases:
- Blood sugar levels
- Triglycerides (blood fats)
- LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol
- Promotes weight loss
- Anti-inflammatory
- Improves insulin function
- Can be used as treatment for digestion issues and diarrhea
- Potent antimicrobial (fights bacteria, fungus, viruses) and astringent
- Antioxidant
Cayenne (red chili peppers)
- Potent anti-inflammatory (great for arthritis!)
- Great source of Vitamin C
- Anticoagulant (decreases clotting of blood)
- Pain reliever (often used in topical pain relieving creams)
- Osteoarthritis and nerve pain
- Improves circulation
- Increases release of mood-boosting endorphins
Ginger
- Anti-inflammatory (great for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, and pain from old injuries!)
- Relaxes the gut and improves digestion
- Treats and prevents nausea
- Relieves heartburn, lower gut pain, and colic
- Pain reliever
- Muscle cramps, menstrual cramps, and headaches
- Fends off stomach bugs, colds, flu, and fever
- Antimicrobial
- Makes blood less sticky for improved circulation and less plaque buildup
- Fights respiratory infections
Garlic & Onion
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anticoagulant
- Lowers cholesterol
- Supports heart health and digestive function
- Fights cancer
- Over time garlic can strengthen the cardiovascular system, thin blood, improve the lining of your blood vessels, and regulate blood sugar spikes
- Antioxidant and antimicrobial
- Improves your body’s ability to detox and remove waste
- Boosts IMMUNE SYSTEM
- Remedy for chest congestion and cough
- Garlic protects against Alzheimer’s Disease
Note: It is important to eat garlic when the odor is strongest in order to get the full health benefits, which is usually 10-15 minutes after pressing or chopping it. The longer you cook garlic, the less beneficial it is.
Cumin
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Provides immediate relief for most GI distress
- Indigestion, gas, IBD, bloating, colic, IBS, intestinal cramps, and constipation/diarrhea
- Relieves muscle cramps, menstrual cramps, tension, and headaches
Curry
Curry shares the same benefits as turmeric, cayenne, cumin, and ginger due to it being a mixture of these spices along with a spice called coriander.
What’s life without a little spice?! Spice things up for a healthier, happier, longer life!
Jalecia Faison
DISCLAIMER: Please check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet. Also, the effects from turmeric can take weeks to months for improvement in pain and inflammation. However, you may notice small changes prior to that time frame.
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Published by Jalecia Faison, CHC
Certified Holistic Health and Wellness Specialist | Student Physical Therapist | Health and Wellness Blogger View more posts
The Wellness Queue 