We all know there are supplements and spices which are actually really good for us, but do we really take the time to learn them properly. We’ve created a short list of the most important ones to help you along the way.
Turmeric
Anyone who reads sporty magazines will have had loads of information about turmeric thrown at them. For the rest of us, it’s all about being sensible, and adding a little spice to our life. Get it….. Ok, being sensible, Turmeric has an anti-inflammatory compound in it, which helps us to recover from activity and exercise. It is also said to help with pain levels.
Ginger
Always one of my favourites, I add Ginger in powder or root form to many soups, stews and salads. It’s versatile and even goes well in a coffee or pudding. Tiramisu and Ginger anyone? Ginger is another of the spices with anti-inflammatory purposes, and tastes absolutely amazing in almost everything I make with it. It’s said to help with nausea, and even morning sickness, although I’d clear it with a doctor before taking any supplements at any stage in pregnancy. This is also another spice which might actually help with musclepain and general aches and pains.
Cayenne Pepper
Never a spice to sit on its laurels, Cayenne Pepper is a warm pepper that helps to curb the appetite. It’s also yet another spice said to help with pain relief. It can help ease upset stomachs, ulcers and sore throats, as well as relieve coughs and diarrhoea, although I doubt it’s scientificically proven.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a well known blood glucose regulator. This helps by improving sensitivity to glucose and also is said to help lower blood pressure. It can reduce the risk for heart disease, but make sure to get Ceylon cinnamon or use Cassia very wisely, in very small doses.
This is another of my favourites, and possibly my all time favourite spice, which I’ve left until last today. Used for thousands of years, and as far back as Ancient Egypt. With double purpose for scented products, it’s a well-used favourite for Christmas time, in everything from candles, wine, scented cones and even soups and puddings. It used to be a gift fit for kings, but is now cheap and cheerful, and available almost anywhere there’s a food shop.
Yet another anti inflammatory spice, it helps us to fight infections with the anti oxidant properties. It’s said to be protective against cancer, but you’d have to research this for yourself.