The 7 Anti-Aging Spices You Need To Eat! - Heal The Body & Stop Inflammation | Deanna Minich

Added: Apr 18, 2024

Historical Significance of Spices

Minich speculates that ancient civilizations may have intuitively known about the healing properties of spices in protecting the body. Spices were highly valued and traded for their medicinal benefits, flavor enhancement, and aroma. The use of spices in modern times may be crucial in combating inflammation, food allergies, and promoting overall health.

Top Spices for Health

Minich highlights seven essential spices that everyone should have in their kitchen for their health benefits. These include chilies, turmeric, ginger, oregano, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt. Each spice offers unique properties that can aid in reducing inflammation, supporting the gut microbiome, and promoting overall well-being.

Chilies and Paprika

Chilies and paprika are red spices that can enhance the flavor of dishes. While some individuals may be sensitive to these spices, they have been shown to help reduce inflammation and cardiovascular disease risk. Incorporating them into various cuisines, such as Mexican or Thai, can provide a flavorful boost to meals.

Turmeric & Curry Powder

Turmeric, known for its vibrant orange color, is one of the most well-studied spices with numerous health benefits. It contains curcuminoids that have anti-inflammatory properties and may help in reducing pain and inflammation.

Minich highlights the benefits of curry powder, which typically contains a blend of 11 different spices, including turmeric, coriander, cumin, and mustard. Curry powder not only adds flavor to dishes but also provides a range of health benefits, such as reducing advanced glycation end products and offering antioxidant properties.

Turmeric and black pepper work synergistically, with black pepper containing piperine that enhances the bioavailability of curcumin in turmeric. Adding a little black pepper and oil to dishes with turmeric can maximize its health benefits and improve digestion. Incorporating turmeric in various forms, such as the root or powder, can provide a diverse range of phytochemicals and fiber.

Minich discusses the potential cognitive benefits of turmeric, citing studies that suggest a link between turmeric consumption and reduced rates of cognitive decline, especially in rural areas where traditional cooking practices are prevalent.

Spice Diversity and Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet, rich in spices and plant diversity, is associated with lower rates of cardiovascular disease. Spices like fennel, fenugreek, garlic, and onion powder are commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine. Incorporating a variety of spices in the diet can provide a range of health benefits and support overall well-being.

Benefits of Spices

Using spices in cooking can elevate the flavor of dishes, making homemade meals more appealing than restaurant or processed foods. Spices can also help reduce the need for excessive salt in dishes, promoting healthier eating habits. Learning how to use spices effectively can lead to a greater appreciation for home-cooked meals and a healthier lifestyle.

Tips for Making Spices a Regular Part of Your Diet

Minich recommends incorporating spices into cooking by marinating meats, adding spices to vegetables before cooking, and using spice blends to enhance flavor. She suggests using a spice holder to keep spices visible and easily accessible in the kitchen. She encourages starting with a few key spices, such as cinnamon, black pepper, turmeric, and ginger, to gradually introduce new flavors and health benefits into meals. By focusing on one new spice each week and experimenting with different ways to incorporate it into dishes, individuals can develop a habit of using spices regularly.

The Benefits of Ginger

Ginger, a close relative of turmeric, is another powerful spice with anti-inflammatory and digestive properties. Minich showcases a fresh ginger root, emphasizing its versatility in cooking and its potential health benefits. By incorporating ginger into smoothies, salads, or other dishes, individuals can experience the unique flavor and medicinal properties of this spice. She mentions that ginger can help with gut motility and upper gastric complaints. She also shares a tip on making ginger juice ice cubes for easy incorporation into drinks.

Garlic

Garlic is associated with heart health and has been shown to have blood lipid-lowering effects. Minich explains that garlic can help with cardiovascular health and mentions the importance of letting chopped garlic sit for 10 minutes to enhance its potency.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is linked to blood sugar regulation and insulin sensitization. Minich recommends choosing organic, fair-trade cinnamon from Sri Lanka over cassia cinnamon to avoid potential hepatotoxicity due to coumarin content. She advises splitting the cinnamon dose throughout the day for better absorption.

She explains that spices like cinnamon have a half-life and should be consumed in divided doses throughout the day for optimal absorption. She recommends starting with small amounts of spices and gradually increasing intake over time to reap their protective benefits.

Spices for Children

Minich shares that children are often drawn to the taste of spices like cinnamon and suggests incorporating spices into children's meals to encourage vegetable consumption. She mentions a study showing that adding spices to vegetables can increase children's intake by up to 18%.

Spice Blends and Gift Ideas

Minich introduces spice blends as a thoughtful gift idea, such as hot curry, Jamaican, Thai, Greek, and Moroccan blends. These blends can add depth and complexity to dishes, making them a perfect gift for food enthusiasts or those looking to explore new flavors. She also suggests pairing spice blends with high-quality olive oil as a gift set for enhancing culinary creations.