The Spice of Life

Herbs and spices have been a staple of the human diet since the beginning of time. Early people no doubt quickly discovered that things like cinnamon, basil, oregano, and garlic could enhance the flavor and experience of all meats and veggies.

But our ancestors didn’t stop there. Herbs and spices have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, too, and for good reason. And science is now validating what we’ve known (or at least suspected) for centuries—that they are one of the most potent tools at our disposal for boosting the immune system.

Here are five reasons why you should add herbs and spices to your foods whenever possible!

They Can Lower Your Blood Sugar Levels

Let’s start with a mind-blowing fact. Did you know that cinnamon can help stabilize blood glucose levels and improve blood lipid levels? It’s true!

Researchers think that cinnamon’s impact on blood glucose might be due to its insulin-sensitizing effect. One study found that consuming 1–6 grams of cinnamon per day for 40 days lowered participants’ fasting blood glucose levels, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.

But believe it or not, cinnamon is not the only food that offers this amazing benefit. Curcumin—one of the biologically active properties of turmeric—has also been shown to decrease blood glucose levels and may even play a role in preventing & reversing diabetes.

They Aid with Digestion

Your body naturally produces enzymes, bile, and acid, among other things, to break down your food and extract the nutrients, but insults like stress, poor sleep, and a bad diet can knock your system out of whack. As many of us know all too well, this can lead to issues like constipation, bloating, pain and indigestion.

Herbs and spices, such as ginger, peppermint, and fennel, have been traditionally used to remedy these issues and aid in digestion. Research has begun to back up these practices with data. One study involving lab rats found that feeding them a spice mix that included turmeric, black pepper, and cumin, benefited the digestive system. The data to date suggests that spices like these aid digestion in two ways: first, by stimulating the liver to produce bile, and second, by stimulating the activity of enzymes responsible for digestion.

They Have Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Our modern diets and lifestyles have created an environment of chronic inflammation, and is now known to be the root cause of many, if not all, chronic conditions.

But just because we likely all have some degree of inflammation just by the nature of when and where we live, it doesn’t mean we’re helpless. There are things you can do to reduce inflammation by dealing with common root causes—and eating herbs and spices can help.

Herbs and spices such as ginger, garlic, and turmeric all contribute to healthy inflammation levels and support the immune system. In fact, curcumin has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to be beneficial in mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress in various chronic conditions.

They Can Improve Brain Function and Memory

If all that weren’t enough, certain herbs and spices have even been linked to improved brain function and memory.

Rosemary, for example, improves circulation in the body and the brain, which can help enhance concentration and focus. Researchers have even found that inhaling rosemary oil improves tasks related to thinking, concentration, and memory. This study found that volunteers were able to perform various cognitive tasks faster and more accurately when they performed them in a room with a rosemary oil diffuser.

Studies have also shown that cinnamon could help prevent cognitive decline by enhancing insulin sensitivity (see above) and reducing plaque buildup in the brain, which is associated with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

They Are Rich in Nutrients—and Taste Great Too!

At the end of the day, the most basic reason we have to use more herbs and spices in our foods is the same reason our ancestors had: they are a winning combination, jam-packed with both nutrients and flavor.

Using herbs and spices like garlic, turmeric, cilantro, parsley, and basil when you cook can turn any food into great-tasting food. Plus, these ingredients are chock full of nutrients that provide a host of health benefits—in addition to those already mentioned above—including:

• Antioxidants that help conditions like depression, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and headaches (oregano)

• Cardioprotective, anti-aging, and antimicrobial effects (rosemary, cinnamon)

• Phytochemicals that help with lymphatic function (echinacea, astragalus, cilantro, parsley)

• Adaptogens that help you adapt and balance your response to stress (ginseng, Rhodiola rosea, ashwagandha)

• And many more

At this point, you can see why I'm recommending spices, herbs, and derived supplements as a routine part of preventive health care. When we understand that food is medicine, it follows that herbs and spices go a step further—they are super-potent medicine that tastes great!

There are so many health benefits to all herbs and spices, I'd have to write a book to list them all. But I hope your are motivated to spice up your meals.... Your body (and your tastebuds) will thank you!

Looking for new recipes that incorporate many of the herbs and spices shared above?

Grab a copy of any of my recipe guides, with over 100 delicious and nutritious meals, snacks, drinks, and of course dessert!

Have Your Cake (And Eat It Too!)

Buy Now