Stock Your Pantry With These 5 Anti-inflammatory Spices

by Liat  - August 13, 2021

We are all familiar with the comfort of turmeric spice in our curry dishes, tea, milk, and latte. But have you ever wondered what’s inside turmeric that makes it so tasty and healthy?

It’s the curcumin!

Curcumin has the power to soothe your inflammatory responses, relieving depression, arthritis and preventing heart problems, Alzheimer’s, and cancer.

What is inflammation?

Inflammation is your body’s alarm system. When something is wrong, it goes off, and you start experiencing symptoms such as chills, weakness, headache, and painful, tender skin. Inflammation can occur anywhere in your body — from the roots of your hair to the bottom of your feet.

The Fantastic Five Anti-inflammatory Spices

What does nature have in store for us to fight inflammation? Let’s explore the fantastic five warrior spices that will kick your inflammation to the curb!

1.   Cayenne

If you have a moderate spice threshold, cayenne is the way to go. Its heat comes from capsaicin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. You can:

  • Apply it directly onto your skin.
  • Make a refreshing summer drink out of it. Cayenne turmeric ginger lemonade, for one, is my favorite!
  • Pair it with the yummy Low Carbs Zucchini Fritters.

2.   Black Pepper

Black pepper, also known as the king of spices, contains peperine. It fights inflammation, and when you take it with turmeric, the absorption of the anti-inflammatory agent curcumin increases 20-fold!

You can consume it in the form of a milk-based golden latte! Which, by the way, also helps you fight depression. All you have to do is heat almond milk, turmeric powder, raw honey, and black pepper together in a saucepan and sprinkle nutmeg over it.

3.   Sumac

Sumac owes its inflammation-fighting power to the anti-oxidants that reside in it. This spice keeps your heart problems and cancers at bay!

You can mix sumac with thyme, sesame seeds, and salt in a small bowl while putting together the skin-glowing, anti-bloating sweet potatoes and kale dish,

4.   Nutmeg

Who knew that nutmeg, which has been sitting on our kitchen shelf for years, has anti-inflammatory powers? Thanks to its monoterpene compounds: sabinene, pinene, and terpineol.

One tablespoon of nutmeg has just shy of 40 calories, 1 gram of fiber and B-vitamins like thiamin, B6 and folate. You’ll also find minerals like copper, iron and potassium. Enjoy it as a sweet Pumpkin Smoothie or as a healthy Pumpkin Pie Granola on your breakfast!

5.   Cinnamon

If black pepper is the king, then the gorgeous cinnamon is the queen of spices! I recommend the Ceylon variety of cinnamon because it’s safer for the liver, as opposed to the coumarin-loaded Cassia cinnamon.

You can enjoy the anti-inflammatory powers of cinnamon in the form of these serene All-natural Muffins

The Ultimate Anti-inflammatory Spice Blend

In order to get the most out of your anti-inflammatory pantry spices, you can try the 7-spice recipe featuring a blend of cumin, coriander, turmeric, smoked paprika, cayenne, black pepper, and sumac — basically, all anti-inflammatory spices in one! Use this blend to spice up your veggies and soups. Feel free to experiment with other dishes as well!

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Liat

Passionate about the science of nutrition and its practical applications, Liat brings a wealth of expertise to unravel the complexities of wellness, providing insightful guidance for your journey to a healthier lifestyle.

  • Liat…..you never fail to inspire me. All your articles are so informative. Thank you.

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