THE HIDDEN PHARMACY IN YOUR SPICE RACK?! 📺
Yesterday I spoke live on @packedlunchc4 with @stephlunch about the potential magic of adding more spices (plants!) to your diet. Watch above or read below for a little summary!
NB using spices should not replace the advice from your doctor - the advice below is for information only.
🧡 Turmeric - Turmeric contains curcumin, which has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which can be good for joint pain. Our ability to absorb curcumin is poor but can be enhanced by when ingested with black pepper due to the piperine.
💛 Ginger - Gingerol is the main bioactive compound in ginger. Ginger is often promoted as a cure for motion sickness and nausea as it binds to brain receptors, though research is limited or inconclusive. Ginger shots can be expensive and contain added sugar; you can add ginger to your own spinach smoothies, stir fries and fragrant curries.
🪴 Sage - Sage contains over 160 distinct polyphenols that act as antioxidants. Sage may help to relieve symptoms associated with the menopause, which present due to a drop in oestrogen levels, as sage contains phytoestrogens, which mimics the hormone oestrogen and may help alleviate the frequency of hot flushes.
❤️‍🔥 Paprika - Paprika is made from dried red peppers, and is rich in antioxidants, vitamins (A & C) and minerals. Well known antioxidants found in paprika is beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin which have been suggested to improve eye health through regulation of oxidative stress.
🥣 Cinnamon - Contains compound called cinnamaldehyde, which slows down carbohydrate digestion so sugar enters bloodstream slower. Add cinnamon to porridge, as oats include insoluble fibre which is good for gut bacteria
🍃 Peppermint - Menthol, a compound found within peppermint oil is a muscle relaxant and can dull pain receptors within the bowel which alleviates common IBS symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramps and flatulence.
🧄 Garlic - The compound in garlic is called allicin, and regular consumption may help to support a healthy immune system. Research suggests that allicin has both antimicrobial and anti-viral properties.
🤔 Do you eat spices?