Ever feel like you need a little extra spice in your life? A little more zing to your day? Not just about adding a little flavour to your plate, these humble everyday spices bring with them a STACK of health benefits, with NO extra effort required.
By Mama Disrupt®
Chili peppers
If you want to add a little spice to your plate, grab a chili. Because chili peppers contain capsaicin, a substance that has many medical benefits including heart health, pain relief, stopping ulcers and fighting prostate cancer.
Cinnamon
Half a teaspoon of cinnamon every day can reduce factors for heart disease and diabetes, keeping arteries healthy, managing blood sugar levels and lowering cholesterol. Sprinkle cinnamon on oatmeal or into coffee, or a dash on sweet potatoes or carrots. Delish.
Cumin
Cumin is earthy, and has flavours that instantly whisk you off to the Mediterranean. One tablespoon can provide 22 percent of your daily iron needs. Which is something essential for energy and keeping your immune system in tip-top shape.
Oregano
One teaspoon of oregano contains 6 micrograms of vitamin K and the same amount of antioxidants as three [yes three!] cups of spinach. Add to grains such as rice and quinoa, or sprinkle on veggies and scrambled eggs.
Garlic
Garlic is well known throughout history for its medicinal properties, combatting sickness, reducing the risk and severity of colds, supporting heart health and reducing cholesterol. It is incredibly versatile, and it can be added to many meals, stews and soups, particularly Italian and Mediterranean dishes.
Ginger
Ginger is very popular in several forms of alternative medicine. And as many mamas know, it can successfully treat nausea, morning sickness. Ginger also has strong anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce pain. Have as a tea, or add to Asian dishes. Yum.
Nutmeg
Despite its sweetness, nutmeg can actually help prevent cavities by fighting germs with its antibacterial compound. Nutmeg is also rich in anti-inflammatory elements, slowing tumour growth and helping with pain. Stir it through veggies, add it to stews, or sprinkle it into your daily cuppa.
Parsley
This humble little leaf is thought to help prevent build up in the arteries, help pass kidney stones and fight bad breath. Add a pinch to stews, veggies, salads and eggs.
Peppermint
Peppermint relieves IBS pain and reduces. It has been known for many years as an alternative medicine and aromatherapy. You can have it as a tea, or use it as an aromatherapy oil [just make sure you check usage if you are pregnant].
Rosemary
Marinating meat in a mixture that contains rosemary can prevent the formation of heterocyclic amines – the harmful free radicals that may cause cancer that are produced when grilling meat with little or no added fat. So it’s a must-have for your next marinated meat dish.
Sage
Sage comes from the Latin word “to save” and was well known in the middle ages for its healing properties. It was even being used to help prevent the plague. Today, it is thought to improve brain function and memory, particularly in Alzheimer’s sufferers. Sprinkle in stews, or on eggs.
Turmeric
Turmeric is definitely the spice of the moment. It contains curcumin, a substance packed with anti-inflammatory effects and a powerful antioxidant. It has also been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer, relieving arthritis and improving brain function. Turmeric is available in every shape and form – in your morning lattes, or add to soup and curries. Check out the gorgeous peeps at Golden Grind who specialise in teas containing turmeric.
