by Page Remick

© Page Remick – All Rights reserved
www.purezing.com

Spices and herbs are actually classified as fruits and vegetables, and surprisingly, they pack an even bigger antioxidant punch than their water-laden cousins.
While other cultures have often used spices and herbs medicinally, we are only now discovering just how these flavorful additions can not only improve a meal, but impact our health in positive ways.

While there are dozens of herbs and spices, these seven spices are the most outstanding in terms of health improvement:

CINNAMON improves and regulates blood sugar and cholesterol as well as possessing antimicrobial and anti-clotting properties. Sprinkle cinnamon on your oatmeal or morning cereal, sprinkle it over a fruit salad, grind it with your coffee beans and add it to your tea with honey. To realize all cinnamon’s health benefits, all you need is ¼ - ½ teaspoon of cinnamon per day.

OREGANO has as much antioxidant power as 3 cups of broccoli as well as possessing anti-fungal properties. Sprinkle on salads, on tomatoes with olive oil, add to sauces, soups and stews and use it generously when you make your own homemade pizza.

GINGER packs the antioxidant punch of one cup of spinach! Ginger helps digest high fat foods and breaks down proteins which are why people the world over favor it for nausea and as a digestive aid. Some consider ginger a great arthritis soother also. Simmer fresh cut ginger in water to make an after dinner tea. Mixed with honey or butter, ginger is a wonderful seasoning for salmon or carrots and it gives zing to sauces and marinades.

DRIED RED PEPPERS such as paprika, crushed red pepper and cayenne stimulate the circulatory as well as the digestive system while their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects may also lower the risk of cancer. If that is not enough, these three spices also increase metabolism, stimulate fat burning and increase satiety. To zing up popcorn, mix 1 ½ teaspoons of paprika with ½ teaspoon ground red pepper and ½ teaspoon of ground thyme. Spice up cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, marinades, dressing and hummus with a dash of any of the spicy three.

ROSEMARY reduces inflammation, aids in heart health and stops gene mutations that could lead to cancer. For a great chicken, rub rosemary, thyme and seasoning salt all over a roasting chicken before baking. Add it to stews and even look for recipes for cakes and sweet breads that contain this healthy spice.

THYME is thought to cure some sore throats, aid in reducing cramps and help respiratory function. Its antioxidant capabilities are terrific, and when added to sauces, dressings, soups, vegetable juices and dips, it’s even better! Don’t forget to season fish and vegetables with it, and try it in stir-fries too.

TURMERIC has a triple whammy: reduces cognitive decline, fights cancer and helps protect your heart. Usually found in curry, be sure and use it often: add it to egg and chicken salad, to rice, dips and created flavorful vinaigrettes with it for steamed vegetables. Or, just go to your favorite Indian restaurant and order any of their curry dishes!

Other spice and herb tips:

• Need calming? Use lemon grass, nutmeg, bay leaves and saffron to soothe your mood.
• Depressed? Try coriander, cayenne, allspice and even black pepper for a mood lifting meal.
• Dull skin? Introduce more basil and thyme into your diet.
• Getting forgetful? Try spicing up your memory with cumin and sage.

Happy Trying!

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