3 Top Herbs that Turn Down the Inflammatory Heat Within
Mother nature is certainly taking care of us by providing us with condiments or spices that not only taste wonderful but help us to create super health as well.
Many spices are loaded with the antioxidants, those helpful molecules that inhibit oxidation of our cells and protect them by gobbling up free-radicals that lead to inflammation..this means optimal health for us.
Low-level inflammation is the core cause of most illness, disease, faster aging and weight gain.
Adding nutrient dense herbs, despite the small amounts used, reap an enormous amount of anti-inflammatory benefits.
Here are 3 top herbs to help reduce, reverse and protect against inflammation:
Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a key player in balancing blood sugar. Balanced blood sugar means less inflammation, less hunger and cravings for you. Cinammon also increases the amount of three critically important proteins involved in insulin signaling, glucose transport and the inflammatory response. This yummy and sweet herb also can help prevent and diminish pain from arthritis, provide protection from heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease due to its anti-inflammatory properties. You can find cinnamon in stick, powdered or supplement form.
A great way to add cinnamon to your diet is by adding 1/2 to 1 teaspoon in your coffee grinds before brewing.
Ginger: Ginger has been used as an herbal medicine for thousands of years and for good reason. Ginger can help prevent and relieve a myriad of conditions such as nausea, indigestion, pain , arthritis and inflammation. Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory that suppresses the production of proteins that promote inflammation. You can find ginger fresh, powdered, crystalized or in supplement form. Ginger is delicious added to foods, as a beverage or tea.
Add ginger to many dishes such as broiled salmon fillets, herbed carrots and more. Ginger also livens up marinades and sauces.
Turmeric: Tumeric is a member of the ginger family and hails from India, where is used in many dishes. It is the spice that give curry its obvious yellow color. The anti-inflammatory properties of Turmeric are now well-documented and is a must have in your arsenal of super foods. Like ginger, it is highly effective in reducing the pain and inflammation of arthritis. But most importantly is its ability to help protect from all-over low-level inflammation that can lead to devastating illness and diseases such Alzheimer’s Disease. You can find Turmeric as a spice or as a supplement.
A yummy way to add turmeric into your diet, stir the spice curry (it contains turmeric) into egg salad, chicken salad and tuna salad mixes for lunch. Add curry to simmer sauces for poultry.
It is a win-win when when we can add ingredients that not only taste wonderful, but also increases the health benefits of what we are eating and ultimately creating better health for us.
~Lori Shemek