Don't Just Spice it Up, Spice it Out Anti-Inflammatory Power in Your Pantry
The Six Best Spices For Inflammation
Spices pack a powerful punch beyond flavor and have tremendous healing properties. Their ability to lower chronic inflammation is number one on my list.
What is Inflammation?
Inflammation is the natural response, essential to fight and repair with injury or infection. However, chronic inflammation happens when the problem continues, and the immune system senses that something else is at bay.
An overactive immune system results in an overload of defense from the immune cells and damages blood tissue, which leads to illness and disease.
Chronic inflammation is associated with a variety of health issues and diseases like arthritis, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, depression, cancer, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's.
Lucky for you, eating an anti-inflammatory diet will decrease your risk for these diseases.
Look straight into your Kitchen Pantry to find these healing foods.
What are they?
Spices
Here are the top 6 spices for reducing inflammation.
1) Turmeric
The golden spice turmeric is most well-known for its antibacterial and inflammation-fighting compounds. This yellow spice provides powerful immune healing with five times the strength of Vitamins C and E. It is also proven to fight cancer and diabetes, improve mood, provide pain relief for osteoarthritis, and support brain health.
2) Black Pepper
The Piperine compound in black pepper is full of antioxidants, which have been shown to increase your body's absorption of nutrients, decrease symptoms of inflammation, like pain and swelling, and decrease free radical damage that contributes to disease.
3) Ginger
Ginger is at the top of the charts as the best root on the planet. Why? Ginger has antioxidant and antibacterial compounds shown to reduce inflammation and infection. It may best be known to improve digestion and to help those with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Studies show that ginger can reduce inflammation in the intestines and relieve nausea. Pick up a ginger root today and use it in teas or a small slice before your meal.
4) Cinnamon
Cinnamon contains potent compounds that block inflammation, act as an antioxidant, help fight diabetes and cancer, improve cardiovascular health, and are antimicrobial. It has also been shown to block inflammation linked to neurological diseases.
Choose Ceylon Cinnamon, as cassia cinnamon is toxic to the liver and is a potential carcinogen.
5) Cayenne Pepper
Add some heat to a meal with a little Cayenne. Cayenne comes from the anti-inflammatory chemical compound capsaicin. With its proven power to reduce inflammation and pain, Capsaicin is used in many topical ointments to ease muscle and joint pain.
Add some heat to a meal with a little Cayenne. Cayenne comes from the anti-inflammatory chemical compound capsaicin. With its proven power to reduce inflammation and pain, Capsaicin is used in many topical ointments to ease muscle and joint pain.
6) Garlic
Technically, garlic is not a spice, but let's face it: Garlic enhances the flavor of many recipes. It is a root that is known to lower high blood pressure, boost immune health, benefit gut health, fight inflammation, and fight cancer.
Imagine finding relief through the use of healing spices.
What is your favorite spice?
Tell us about one of your favorite recipes with use some of these spices.
Here are two of our favorites:
Pad Thai Salad with Grilled Flat Iron Steak
Spiced Chickpea Stew with Coconut and Turmeric
Eat Well, Move Well, Breathe Well, Live Well
Be Well
Are you curious how inflammation is impacting your health? If so, reach out.