Lately, I have been dealing with an injury, and part of healing that is taking some anti-inflammatory medicine. The problem with Advil or any of the over the counter meds is that they have side effects, which over time can wreak havoc on your insides. My biggest problem with Ibuprofen is that it is not easy on my already sensitive stomach. I started investigating some more natural approaches to battling inflammation and discovered that adding some herbs to my diet can help.
Centuries ago herbs were used medicinally and for good reason. The seven best herbs to use, according to Dr. Wendy Bazilion, are oregano, rosemary, thyme, paprika, cinnamon, ginger, and curry. Most of us have at least a few of these, if not all, right in our pantries. The spices, when added to our favorite recipes, can provide an antioxidant boost to our diets. Bazilion who recently wrote, SuperFoods RX Diet, writes about the importance of adding herbs to get health benefits.
Blueberries and pomegranate are," super foods," that are discussed in the book, but did you know that one half of a teaspoon of cinnamon added to your favorite fruit or coffee can give you the same amount of antioxidants as a half a cup of blueberries or pomegranate? Antioxidants work to neutralize free radicals or unstable molecules linked to the development of cancer, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's. While nothing beats a fresh cup of blueberries, sometimes it isn't readily available, so reach for some cinnamon to get some of the same benefits.
Oregano is another herb that most of us have in our cupboards. Did you know that adding a half of a teaspoon of this to your favorite food can have as much of an antioxidant boost as three ounces of almonds, and a half a cup of asparagus? Oregano contains rosmarinac acid, an antimicrobial property that has been shown to fight the growth of bacteria and parasites. Again, I think that nothing beats the real thing, but adding herbs to your already favorite foods can really boost the nutrition and add flavor.
Ginger is a spice that has many healing properties. With my recent injury, I was looking for something to aid my inflammation, and I read that ginger, contains gingerol, an anti-inflammatory. Research has shown that gingerol can reduce muscle fatigue and soreness due to intense exercise. Ginger was used centuries ago as a natural way to aid distressed stomachs. Bingo, by adding ginger to your stir fry veggies or chicken dishes, could really make a difference in your recovery after a hard workout, or aid in repairing an injury.
Turmeric is another great spice. Turmeric's deep yellow color is a result of a compound called curcumin. Curcumin has been linked to having anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric, which also has curry blended in it, has as many antioxidants in it as a cup of red grapes.
I think it is worth adding more of these wonderful spices to your repertoire, if nothing else it will add color and flavor to your dishes, but think of the health benefits as well. As my mother-in-law has often said," I would rather pay the grocer than the doctor or pharmacist."Load up on fresh foods and herbs, and reap the benefits of a healthy waistline and good health.
Tri-On Friends,
Kelly
For more info on spices check out http://www.mccormick.com/spicesforhealth
Time for Timer: You are What You Eat via You Tube
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