Healthy Spices

Just as many herbs are used for prevention or relief of common ailments, so too can spices be used to benefit health. If you’re not cooking with healthy spices, you’re missing out on many wonderful phytochemicals, essential oils, anti-oxidants, and of course, diverse flavors.

Some Terrific Healthy Spices

Coriander – The seeds of the cilantro plant, known as coriander, can reduce symptoms of IBS, lower blood pressure, and reduce susceptibility to metabolic syndrome.

Fennel Seeds – The licorice-flavor spice often found at Indian restaurants, fennel seeds can relieve indigestion, reduce menstrual pain, and potentially prevent cancer, Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Turmeric – Bright yellow root common to south and Southeast Asia, turmeric is potent anti-oxidant that improves blood circulation, relieves menstrual cramps, reduces common cold symptoms, and inhibits cancer development.

Cinnamon – A favorite of healthy spices for baked goods, cinnamon is too healthy to be restricted to the bakery, though its most important function is to stabilize blood sugar. Cinnamon eases menstrual bleeding disorders, can help prevent diabetes and obesity, and warms the body by improving blood circulation.

Ginger – Simultaneously warming and soothing, ginger is one of the stars of healthy spices and can help prevent the common cold, ease motion sickness and vomiting, and relieve an upset stomach.

Make sure you’re including as many of these healthy spices in your diet as often as possible for the full health benefits. Use healthy spices in cooking or make herbal tea drinks out of them.

Guest author: Toffler has certificates in both traditional Chinese and Indian (Ayurveda) medicine. She is a Phoenix-based health coach and wellness blogger who can be reached at WorldVitae.com

Healthy Spices