Using spices for health

Before we had antibiotics and over-the-counter medications for every ailment, our predecessors looked straight to spices to increase their health. Many of us have heard about the brilliant healing properties of spices, but are often a little perplexed as to how to incorporate them into our diets. So here are some tips (thanks to Charlotte’s Book for the inspiration) to begin using spices for health, and start reaping the benefits.

Turmeric
Without question, turmeric is today’s superfood. Thankfully, you can get your dose in a turmeric latte at any good health cafe, because it’s a strong antioxidant and has amazing anti-inflammatory properties. There are even studies at the moment showing the healing role turmeric can play in helping to treat a range of diseases (from heart disease to depression). If a turmeric latte isn’t your thing (or your local cafe is firmly offering coffee only), here are some tips to incorporate it into your day:

• Add it to scrambled eggs or omelettes
• Add a tablespoon to your daily green smoothie
• Sprinkle it on your avocado toast
• Pop some into a veggie based soup (we love it with pumpkin)

Cinnamon
Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants and has beautiful anti-inflammatory properties – which can help your body to fight against infection and repair tissue damage. There’s not much in the dessert realm that doesn’t benefit from a sprinkle of cinnamon, but if you want some more ideas, here they are:

• Sprinkle some on orange slices
• Add to a smoothie (we love banana, almond milk, dates, cacao and cinnamon)
• Add a teaspoon to your morning coffee (yes, really!)

Cayenne Pepper
Yep, it has a kick, and with that comes cayenne’s fabulous metabolism boosting properties. Here are some ideas to work it in to your day:

• Create a morning elixir of warm water, lemon, cayenne pepper and apple cider vinegar. Not for the faint of heart but will really get your system moving.
• Sprinkle it on grilled corn
• Add a kick to your avocado toast
• Add to lomemade lemonade (made with lemons, honey, water, ice and cayenne)
• Sprinkle on top of watermelon for an amazingly refreshing and cleansing dessert

What other spices do you love? Tell us in the comments below!