Did you know that you can actually eat yourself younger? There are many herbs and spices that you may already have in your pantry that can help fight the signs of aging and fend off disease. Incorporating just a teaspoon of these herbs into your daily diet can help you stay healthier and younger while improving the flavor of your favorite meals.
Opt for fresh herbs whenever possible as they are more potent. You can still benefit enormously from dried herbs, but ensure that they are stored in airtight containers away from direct sunlight.
Basil
Widely available in stores, basil is also easy to grow in containers. Basil has a wide range of positive attributes, not least of which is a really high level of antioxidants which protect cells from free-radicals and help preserve the elasticity of the skin. Antioxidants also protect against cancer, heart disease and osteoporosis.
Basil contains the volatile oil, eugenol which prevents swelling and provides welcome relief to those suffering from arthritis pain. Basil has anti-bacterial properties that fight the growth of bacteria in the body.
Sage
Inflammation of the cells accelerates aging and this is where sage comes in; the rosmarinic acid in sage helps to combat inflammation at the cellular level. The inflammation-busting properties of sage help with rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and atherosclerosis. Sage enhances memory, reduces sweating caused by menopause and its anti-bacterial properties make it great as a mouthwash or tea.
Oregano
Also a super antioxidant, oregano is a regular addition to pizzas, roasts and pasta dishes. Oregano contains rosmarinic acid and its ability to combat free radicals is second to none. Perhaps its most attractive feature is its effectiveness as a broad-spectrum antibiotic and antifungal; it can kill everything from a yeast infection to a fungal nail infection. Oregano is a vital source of vitamin K, Omega-3 oils, iron and manganese.
Cloves
Cloves are the superheroes of the spice world. In fact, there’s not much that cloves can’t do! They are fantastic for easing muscle pain and arthritis. They’re spectacular for dental ailments; relieving dental pain, preventing cavities, easing tooth ache, sore throats and aching gums and curing mouth ulcers. Cloves have antibacterial properties and they can be used to clean cuts, cure athlete’s foot and fungal infections, reduce bruising, and heal insect bites and stings. Of all the herbs and spices, cloves have the highest ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) Scores which mean that they contain the most age-busting antioxidants. Not only will cloves help you look younger, they can also make you lose weight by increasing your metabolism. Cloves help to purify the blood and can stabilize blood sugar levels which prevent hunger pangs and help with diabetes.
Cinnamon
If you like a little sprinkle of cinnamon on your apples or morning coffee, you’re doing yourself a real flavour favour. Cinnamon improves you metabolism and helps you to lose weight. Cinnamon’s anti-inflammatory properties provide relief from arthritis, while its antibiotic properties help prevent urinary tract infections, tooth decay and gum disease. Cinnamon has been shown to kill harmful E.coli bacteria. In recent studies at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Maryland, cinnamon was shown to reduce the growth of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.
Herbs and spices can enhance your meals, and help you to look younger and stay healthier. It’s a small change in your diet that can make a huge change in your life.
