Herbs and spices are always knocking around in kitchen drawers. But if you’re always honest with yourself, how often do you use them?
If you’re like most people, the answer is “not much.” While they can be fun to add to recipes, the amount of cooking the average person does with them is far less than in the past.
This trend is a pity because science is finally catching up with ancient medicine and highlighting just how critical these plants are for wellness. People who eat more herbs and spices seem to be dramatically healthier than their non-herb-eating counterparts, to the point where the effects show up in longitudinal trials.
But what makes these natural supplements so special? That’s the topic of this post. We explore some of the wellness superpowers of herbs and spices, and why you should want to include them in your stack.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
The anti-inflammatory properties of herbs and spices are considerable. Gram-for-gram they have a greater ability to modulate immune response than any other food category.
For example, turmeric is a famous spice known for reducing joint inflammation. Ginger, which is related to this spice, reduces muscle soreness after exercise. And even cinnamon may have an anti-inflammatory effect, helping cells to better metabolize sugar.
Digestion Aids
Research also indicates that herbs and spices may aid digestion. Fennel seeds, for example, are well-known for cutting down on bloating and increasing the speed food moves through the gut to the intestines.
Mint is another soothing aid. Many people take it in essential oil form to calm the peristaltic movements of the colon in irritable bowel disease and other inflammatory disorders.
Even cumin can be effective for gut health. Research shows it cultivates stomach bacteria and reduces the pain associated with cramps and bloating.
Blood Sugar Reduction
Some herbs also potently reduce blood sugar levels. These increase the body’s insulin sensitivity, putting less stress on the pancreas and reducing the overall quantity of insulin flowing through your system. Ultimately, they may help prevent the onset of diseases of civilization, like type II diabetes.
Fenugreek is a blood sugar super star. It can reduce levels substantially within a few hours of ingestion, immediately making patients feel better.
Cinnamon is another example, as mentioned earlier, as is garlic.
However, the king of blood sugar-lowering goes to amla, an Indian-derived powdered gooseberry. Research shows that it can reduce blood sugar levels from pre-diabetic to normal after just a few days of use.
Immunity Boosting
Some herbs and spices may also promote wellness by increasing the body’s capacity to fight off infection. Many of these plants contain powerful anti-viral and anti-bacterial compounds.
For example, ginger can ward off some infections if consumed in sufficient quantities. The same is true of turmeric and echinacea. These plants have compounds that can get into the blood stream and assist the immune system in combating pathogens that shouldn’t be there.
So there you have it: some of the wellness superpowers of herbs and spices. Which will you add to your food?
