I am Dr. Monique, Board-certified Family Physician and Founder of Physician in the Kitchen. With my NEW best-selling cookbook, Doc Fix My Plate! The Physician In The Kitchen’s Prescriptions For Your Healthy Meal Makeover, my other best-selling book, MealMasters: Your Simple Guide to Modern Day Meal Planning, my online course, Vegan-ish: How To Plant-Base Your Pantry and online cooking classes, I help busy households enjoy healthy plant-based eating without impacting their hectic schedules.
Improve your health by adding spice to your life! Spices are known to enhance the flavor of foods we eat. But did you know eating them can also help improve your health? These five super spices – turmeric, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, and ginger – all have health benefits that may entice you to find new recipes to include in your meal-planning repertoire.
Turmeric
Used primarily in Indian cooking, turmeric is a root that is dried and ground into a powder. Turmeric’s active ingredient curcumin is currently being studied for possible health treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and liver disorders. Turmeric has been recognized for thousands of years as a safe anti-inflammatory product. Curcumin is also believed to be a powerful pain reliever and is currently being studied for the treatment of arthritis patients. The spice contains potassium, manganese, iron, and vitamins B6 and C.
Coriander/Cilantro
Coriander and cilantro come from the same plant but from different parts, which makes it both an herb and a spice. Coriander is the seed and cilantro comes from the leaves and stems. You may recognize both of these as being used in Mexican, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cooking. They may help control blood sugar and lower cholesterol. They are also believed to help fight cancer and aid digestion. They contain manganese, magnesium, and iron as well as several essential oils which are good as an anti-diarrheal, antiseptic, and for reducing menstrual disorders.
Cumin
Cumin is another common herb used in curry. It aids digestion and can help relieve insomnia, asthma, respiratory problems, and bronchitis. Breastfeeding mothers will also benefit from eating curry as it can help with lactation, as well as beefing up your immune system and helping to fight cancer. It is recognized as an anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and antispasmodic product.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a common spice that is used around the world. It has been proven to be beneficial for those with diabetes as it may help to control blood sugar and regulate insulin. It is also believed to lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It is an antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory product and has been proven to be helpful in preventing gout and some arthritis problems. It contains manganese, fiber, calcium, and iron.
Ginger
Ginger contains the phytonutrients gingerols and shogaols, which give ginger its flavor. Ginger is known to aid digestion, calm motion sickness, and is often called a pregnant woman’s best friend as it calms morning sickness. It is often used in Chinese medicine to combat rheumatoid arthritis and has been used to treat those suffering from migraine headaches, chronic pain, and muscle aches. Please note, however, that self-medicating with ginger is not recommended for those taking blood thinners or those suffering from gallstones.
Besides tasting great, these five super spices can be used for their health benefits. Although they have been touted for thousands of years, it is a good idea to talk with your primary care physician before using them in large quantities. You may want to do further research into these spices to see other benefits, as well.
See you in the kitchen!
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