Spices That Reduce Inflammation

Spices are generally used to enhance the flavor of food. They take a dish to the next level and help make it extraordinary. The more expansive your spice rack, the more you can explore with a wide variety of tastes. Sweet, savory, spicy… there’s something for everyone when it comes to spices. While spices might seem like they play a supporting role in cooking, they actually have medicinal value all on their own. They play a vital role in health and wellbeing, especially when it comes to inflammation.

The more you study, the more you uncover about the benefits of a wide variety of spices. Some little-known spice facts might surprise you:

• Cinnamon reduces blood sugar and is helpful anti-diabetic
• Peppermint and ginger can reduce nausea and help with headaches
• Basil fights infections and increases immunity
• Sage helps with memory and important brain function

AND

• Turmeric helps reduce inflammation

These common spices and herbs may already be in your spice rack or growing in your garden, which means you can boost your health with your next meal.

Chronic inflammation can be managed with a healthy diet filled with whole foods. You can enhance the effects of these foods by adding some inflammation-fighting spices. Here are some fun ways to anti-inflammatory spices every day. 

Turmeric- Use turmeric in stir-fries. Chop a variety of veggies and sauté with olive oil. Add turmeric for a bang of inflammation-fighting flavor. You can also add turmeric to a smoothie for a flavor boost. Turmeric comes powdered or you can by a piece of it from your local grocer for the best quality. Be sure to add black pepper when using turmeric to activate the healing benefits.

Ginger- Fresh ginger is a pungent and tasty root that can be found powdered or fresh in the produce section of your grocery store. Peeled and chopped, this powerfully tasty root can be used in sweet or savory dishes. It is commonly found in Asian-inspired dishes but can be added to stir-fries, soups, stews, and rice dishes.

Sage- Sage is known for its anti-inflammation properties, especially for dentistry. Cooking with sage is easy when making savory dishes. Add sage when roasting meat and poultry. Add sage to soups, sauces, and savory side dishes like rice, pasta, and stuffing.

Spices aren’t just an afterthought. Spices can be used intentionally to benefit our bodies. If you are looking to reduce inflammation or prevent it from taking hold in your body, use spices everyday to take advantage of their healing properties.