How to live longer: The best herbs and spices to extend longevity
Mrs Hinch reveals easy hack for preserving herbs
As well as adding flavour to your food, herbs and spices can also provide numerous protective qualities that can help you live longer. This is a much better alternative to condiments loaded with salt that can cause health problems.
Research nutritionist for the John Hopkins University School of Medicine, Diane Vizthum, commented on the subject matter.
“Spices are concentrated sources of antioxidants,” Vizthum said, noting their “therapeutic properties”.
People who wish to lower their blood sugar levels would benefit from sprinkling cinnamon onto their porridge.
More on the sweet side, “studies indicate it can lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes,” explained Vizthum.
In addition, cinnamon can reduce high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
This is especially helpful for people who would like to reduce their risk of heart disease – the world’s biggest killer.
Cinnamon can also be used in stews and chillis, and can be rubbed onto meat before cooking.
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Another spice recommended by Vizthum is turmeric – ideal for curry dishes, tacos and on roasted vegetables and meats.
Hailed a super spice for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric has been linked to a reduction in brain disease.
Referencing a study, Vizthum stated participants who consumed curcumin – a component of turmeric – reported improvement in memory test scores.
“Scans of their brain indicated significantly fewer markers associated with cognitive decline,” added an impressed Vizthum.
Vizthum advises people to simmer or stew foods with spices to “heighten the antioxidant levels”, instead of frying or grilling.
Dietician Monica Auslander Moreno also recognises the health benefits of herbs and spices.
“Herbs and spices fight inflammation and reduce damage to your body’s cells,” Moreno added.
“That’s because each one is rich in phytochemicals, which are healthful plant chemicals.”
Moreno recommends adding chilli peppers to your food, as they can “help keep blood vessels healthy”.
The Mayo Clinic warns of the dangers of damaged blood vessels, which includes raising blood pressure and potentially causing a stroke.
One herb Moreno recommends is cumin – another great addition to curries – as it can promote weight loss.
One study involving 88 overweight women who ate less than a teaspoon of cumin daily lost more body fat and weight than those who didn’t; both groups were put on the same low-calorie diet.
The NHS points out the health hazards of carrying too much weight, as it can increase your risk of the following health conditions:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Coronary heart disease
- Breast cancer
- Bowel cancer
- Stroke
Rosemary is another herb recommended by Moreno, as it’s rich in antioxidants that prevent cell damage.
To summarise, cinnamon, turmeric, chilli peppers, cumin and rosemary are the herbs and spices you need in your home.
Out of these five herbs and spices, which ones do you have? And what are your favourites? Please put your recommendations below on which spices and herbs go well with what dishes.
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