#WellnessWednesday - Which Spices are Good for Your Health? October 28 2015

Spices and herbs have been used for thousands of years to add flavor and aromas to food as well as for medicinal purposes. See below to learn what your pantry staples can do for improving your overall health:

  1. Sage - The chilly weather is on its way which means the coughing season will tag along with it. Sipping on tea paired with some sage has been recommended to help soothe sore throats and upset stomachs. In other studies, the enzymes found in sage have been linked to improved brain functionality, memory, and moods.
  2. Rosemary - Similar to sage, rosemary has also been linked to improved memory and alertness. When cooking with rosemary, most people will use it to season their meats before cooking. Studies have shown that meats that have been seasoned with rosemary extracts will produce less heterocyclic amines - a cancer causing compound produced when meats are grilled, broiled, and fried.
  3. Turmeric - Turmeric is another spice that can help soothe a cold and breathing issues. It’s anti-inflammatory effects are what make turmeric so popular. Pain from injuries and arthritis can be relieved by ingesting turmeric because of the compound curcumin. Curcumin has been studied more in recent years because of its connection with slowing down the growth of tumor and cancer cells.
  4. Parsley - The most used garnish in the kitchen has made the list, and for good reasons. Not only does parsley make a dish complete with its signature look, but it has been linked to slow down the growth of breast cancer cells. Apigenin is a compound found in parsley that helps raise your tolerance against developing tumors. Garnishing your meals used to be for show, but now they’re for health!

While spices haven’t been proven to be a miracle cure for serious diseases, they have been known to help relieve certain pains or symptoms. Start spicing up your diet and reap the benefits the above herbs and spices have to offer.

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