Page 57 - EatingWell Special Edition Superfoods 2019

8 SUPERFOOD

SPICES AND

HERBS TO START

EATING

People around the world have known for centuries

about the healing power of herbs and spices.
Here’s the science behind why they are so good

for you, and tips for how to get your fill.

BY KERRI-ANN JENNINGS, M.S., R.D.

A sprinkle of cinnamon in your morning coffee. A handful of

freshly chopped basil over pasta. Herbs and spices can wake

up just about any food. But they can also do a lot to keep you

well. Here are the health benefits of some of our favorite
herbs and spices—plus delicious ways to use them. Important:
some herbs in large doses can cause side effects or interact with medications.

Use moderation and tell your doctor about any herbal supplements you take.

CINNAMON have been mixed, treat a range of health
The American Heart though, so more studies problems, from minor
1Association recom- are needed. toothaches to chronic
mends using sweet conditions like arthritis,
spices like cinnamon TURMERIC heart disease and
to add flavor instead of This golden spice diabetes. Researchers

sugar and other sweet- 2 delivers some are also studying its
eners. Most Americans solid-gold benefits, such potential as a treatment

eat way too much as easing inflammation, for Alzheimer’s disease,
sugar, which can lead to slowing cancer and as well as colon, prostate
obesity, diabetes, heart treating depression and breast cancers.
disease and other serious and other conditions. Results of a small clinical
conditions. Some studies That’s thanks to its high trial, published in 2014,
suggest cinnamon may amounts of curcumin, boosted evidence that
help lower blood-sugar a powerful antioxidant. curcumin may be a safe
spikes in people with Studies show that and effective treatment

type 2 diabetes. Results curcumin can help for depression.

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