Skin-Boosting basil
Herbs traditionally used in Italian cooking contain very high levels of antioxidants. Basil, the main ingredients in Italian herb mixes, is particularly high in antioxidants which can protect you from harmful free radicals – the damaging molecules that not only age our skin but also said to lead to degenerative conditions including many cancers, osteoporosis, heart disease and even neurological conditions including Alzheimer’s.
Soporific Marjoram
A good night’s sleep is essential to your overall health and wellbeing. Research shows that adding marjoram to your diet may well improve digestion, which can lead to better sleep at night. You might also like to consider pouring a couple of drops of marjoram essential oil in a warm bath before going to bed. This oil is a great stress reliever and can really help you relax.
Thyme on your side
Frequent infections can really take a toll on your general health causing us to age biologically. Studies have shown that thyme may disable the MRSA bacteria, which can lead to deadly infections. Essential oil of thyme also makes a particularly effective mouthwash, treating inflammation, gum disease, and sore throats naturally.
Sage for inflammation
The underlying reason why our bodies age faster than they should? Inflammation! Sage is a superb anti-inflammatory and can fight the problems caused by autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and inflammation-led health conditions such as asthma and atherosclerosis.
Cockle-warming ginger
The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger keep your heart young and your arteries clear. It improves immune system function and has been shown to lower cholesterol levels and prevents the formation of oxidized LDL (AKA bad cholesterol)
Antibiotic Oregano
The active constituent of oregano is called rosmarinic acid this helps eliminate free radicals that age us and contribute to disease. Oregano is also especially effective at treating candida (yeast) infections.
Face-lifting allspice
With its complex and intriguing mix of flavors, allspice resembles cinnamon, juniper, cloves, and nutmeg. It’s a potent spice that hails from Jamaica and has the life-altering property of helping to keep blood sugar under control. Elevated blood sugar levels are one of the primary causes of premature aging, as excess sugar floating around our bodies links to protein and causes them to stiffen in a process known as glycation. This leads to the formation of incredibly toxic chemicals called advanced glycation end-products or AGEs.
Cloves: spice superhero
Cloves beat other spices hands down because they have the highest ORAC score meaning that they contain a lot of antioxidants. Many of us are familiar with clove oil being used as an anesthetic for a toothache, gum pain and sore throats, however, cloves also offer relief from respiratory problems including bronchitis and asthma. And, did you know they can also be used to fight intestinal parasites, bacterial overgrowth, and fungal infections?
Queenly cinnamon
Why do I call cinnamon the queen of anti-aging spices? Well, to begin with, it contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can aid pain relief, but one of the most exciting benefits this delicious spice gives us is helping our bodies deal with sugar better. In fact, just a quarter of a teaspoon of cinnamon a day can reduce blood sugar dramatically. Cinnamon is also a caloric restriction mimetic (CRM), meaning it has the ability to mimic the effects of a very low-calorie diet, which has been shown in research to extend lifespan.
Anti-ageing gold: Turmeric
Turmeric is the spice that gives curries that beautiful yellow color. In India, where it is extensively used in cookery, the incidence of the four of our developed nations’ most common cancers is 10 times lower. It is thought this phenomenon may be partly due to the consumption of curcumin, one of the most widely researched spice extracts. Studies strongly suggest that this substance, found in turmeric, can protect us against cancer, and even instigate the programmed death of a variety of cancer cells, a process known as apoptosis Curcumin also protects against Alzheimer’s, coronary artery disease and any condition where chronic inflammation is the underlying cause.
