The benefits of the antioxidants in spices include some very powerful protection against many serious diseases like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, macular degeneration, Alzheimer’s and overall aging.
Herbs and spices add tons of extra flavor, and when combined with the nutrition in other foods, they actually exponentially boost the natural antioxidants, phytonutrients, and anti-inflammatory power of the food.
Here are 10 of the most potent super food herbs and spices you can eat:
1.Cinnamon – This spice has one of the highest antioxidant levels of any spice.
Cinnamon is highly effective at helping to stabilize blood sugar levels, making it very effective for those with diabetes (type 1 and type 2). In one study of people with type 2 diabetes, just two teaspoons a day reduced blood sugar as much as 20-30%, as well as lowering LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Fresh Pear and Gorgonzola Salad with Spiced Candied Nuts and our Pear Ginger Finishing Vinegar infused with whole bark cinnamon and spices.
2.Basil – Basil is a very effective anti-inflammatory herb with amazing healing benefits that work for arthritis, allergies, and IBS symptoms, to name a just a few. In addition, basil helps kill harmful bacteria that cause food poisoning.
Basil is also an excellent source of beta carotene, a powerful antioxidant that prevents free radical damage. Free radical damage is the primary cause of heart disease, cancer, and many other serious health conditions, as well as aging. Because of its dark green color, it is an excellent source of vitamin K, calcium and magnesium, which is good for the bones. It is also a great source of iron, manganese, vitamin C and potassium. Use both fresh basil and dried basil generously in your foods to maximize it’s healing benefits.
A fantastic blend of farm grown fresh basil, fresh apple and spices including cinnamon comes in our Spiced Basil Cider Dressing. Apply to all your salad greens or drizzle over pork and chicken. A health boost and delicious.
3.Cloves – Cloves have a unique sweet and spicy flavor, but also contain powerful natural medicine. Cloves have strong antiseptic and germicidal ingredients that help fight infections, relieve digestive problems, and arthritis pain. One of cloves’ best known uses is its ability to relieve tooth and gum pain. Cloves have been noted as having the highest antioxidant level of all spices and herbs.
4.Cayenne – This hot spice not only heats up your dishes, it heats up your body and raises your metabolism, helping you burn fat faster. And an interesting research study showed that when a person consumed an appetizer with red pepper flakes, they ate 15% less food. And for those of you who avoid cayenne because you think it bothers your stomach, cayenne pepper is actually healing to stomach tissues, it stimulates digestive enzymes, and helps prevent stomach ulcers.
5. Cumin – Cumin also high in antioxidants is better known for being especially good for digestion. It stimulates the gallbladder and pancreas to secrete enzymes and bile that break down food into nutrients your body can use. Cumin also helps detoxify the body, and is highly effective for respiratory ailments like asthma and bronchitis.
6. Turmeric – Turmeric yellow-orange pigment, curcumin, is the main active ingredient in this power spice. Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory benefits are actually comparable to drugs like hydrocortisone and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines like Ibuprofen and Motrin. Unlike the drugs, curcumin is not toxic at all.
7. Rosemary – Rosemary contains active ingredients that are both potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Rosemary has long been known to improve concentration, boost memory, and lift mood decreasing depression. Rosemary also strengthens the immune system, improves circulation, stimulates digestion, and fights cancer.
8. Ginger – Ginger is extremely powerful for your health! Ginger contains over 25 different antioxidants, which makes it very effective at fighting free radicals throughout the body. Ginger is best known for its ability to reduce nausea and vomiting, as well as motion sickness. Because ginger does not have harmful side effects like many drugs, it is very good for nausea from pregnancy.
9.Thyme — Thyme’s active ingredient is known for treating bronchitis, sore throats, chest congestion, laryngitis and asthma. Thyme is so effective it is often an ingredient in cough drops and mouthwashes to treat inflammation and infections. Thyme is also effective as a soothing stomach aid to relieve gastritis, indigestion and colic.
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