By Lana Nasser | Instagram: @l4n4n
Have you ever thought about the health benefits of fresh oregano? Or steeped cinnamon in your tea? Or cumin and coriander on your chicken filets? Spices and herbs offer more than layers of taste, a burst of colour and a pretty presentation. Your spice rack is actually a nutritional wonderland, and there are many ways they can be added into your diet to promote a stronger disease-fighting lifestyle. Here are 10 superpower spices and herbs:
- Sage: Sage boosts memory and has been shown to benefit mild Alzheimer’s sufferers with word recall. It’s rich in rosmarinic acid which reduces inflammation in the body and has potent antioxidant action. It also helps lower cholesterol and ease hot flushes of menopausal women.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon improves circulation and also has cancer fighting properties, such as the super antioxidant glutathione. So next time you have oatmeal for breakfast, consider sprinkling a good dose of cinnamon.
- Oregano: I love the smell of oregano! Oregano is rich in antioxidants and vitamin K, which strengthens the body’s power to fight off infections, improve bone density and blood clotting.
- Coriander: Coriander helps stimulate insulin secretion to lower blood sugar levels making it the perfect herb for diabetics. Coriander lowers cholesterol by reducing the ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol, while increasing ‘good’ HDL’s. It also acts as a natural antibiotic, effective against salmonella.
- Rosemary: Rosemary leaves pair so well with lamb, roast beef and turkey stuffing. It has traditionally been used to boost memory and concentration and to relieve stress, making it the perfect cup of tea for students.
- Cayenne Pepper: This spice is used in detox programs because it helps stimulate circulation and improve digestion by increasing stomach acids and enzyme secretion. It’s rich in vitamin A, B and C and helps fight off colds, clear mucus congestion, and ease sore throats and coughs.
- Aniseed: Bouillabaisse soup with tomato and aniseed is what summer is all about; the flavour of the aniseed is what makes this soup so special and rich. Besides improving digestion, aniseed can help enhance the milk supply of breastfeeding mums and dampen nervousness.
- Thyme: Thyme has a strong anti-bacterial and anti-microbial action, beneficial in the treatment of bacterial respiratory infections, acne and candida. It may help reduce high blood pressure, and offer protection from breast and colon cancer.
- Cloves: Cloves will always remind me of the dentist, as my mother used them as the perfect remedy to alleviate my toothaches. The name comes from the French “clou” meaning nail. Cloves come from Madagascar, Indonesia and Sri Lanka and are used in spice cookies and cakes. Cloves aid in digestion as well as have an antimicrobial action, which helps rid the digestive tract of unwanted parasites and bacteria.
- Cumin: A member of the parsley family, Cumin has a distinctive flavour and warm aroma. It is a major ingredient in chili powder and curry powder. It’s rich in iron and vitamin C and helps strengthen the immune system to fight off colds and infections. Besides improving digestion, it has anti-fungal properties, can help detoxify the liver and relieve insomnia. Studies have shown that cumin may have cancer fighting properties.
