THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF SPICES, AND WHAT BENEFITS CERTAIN SPICES

HAVE ON SPECIFIC AREAS OF HEALTH

Turmeric

Turmeric contains curcumin compound with anti-inflammatory features that improve brain health. A certain study of more than 50 participants who used curcumin supplements for 1.5 years showed improved memory. They also demonstrated uplifted spirits and less markers of cognitive decline. People with arthritis can also benefit from curcumin for pain and swelling reduction.

Ginger

Traditionally, ginger was known for reducing diarrhea, stomach issues, and nausea. Researchers suggest that ginger is helpful in reducing nausea in pregnant women. They also suggest that it can reduce stomach upsets following surgery. Even people with chemotherapy-induced nausea or vomiting can use ginger to reduce the problem. You can eat it in candies, teas, or salad dressings to get the benefits.

Garlic

Garlic is another spicy herb known for alleviating heart disease. It functions by increasing flexibility of blood vessels, making it easier for passage of substances. This reduces the risk of plaque buildup that may cause high blood pressure or heart disease.

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Anastasia Filipenko is a health and wellness psychologist, dermatolist and a freelance writer. She frequently covers beauty and skincare, food trends and nutrition, health and fitness and relationships. When she's not trying out new skincare products, you'll find her taking a cycling class, doing yoga, reading in the park, or trying a new recipe.

Ieva Kubiliute is a psychologist and a sex and relationships advisor and a freelance writer. She's also a consultant to several health and wellness brands. While Ieva specialises in covering wellness topics ranging from fitness and nutrition, to mental wellbeing, sex and relationships and health conditions, she has written across a diverse range of lifestyle topics, including beauty and travel. Career highlights so far include: luxury spa-hopping in Spain and joining an £18k-a-year London gym. Someone’s got to do it! When she’s not typing away at her desk—or interviewing experts and case studies, Ieva winds down with yoga, a good movie and great skincare (affordable of course, there’s little she doesn’t know about budget beauty). Things that bring her endless joy: digital detoxes, oat milk lattes and long country walks (and sometimes jogs).

Barbara is a freelance writer and a sex and relationships adviser at Dimepiece LA and Peaches and Screams. Barbara is involved in various educational initiatives aimed at making sex advice more accessible to everyone and breaking stigmas around sex across various cultural communities. In her spare time, Barbara enjoys trawling through vintage markets in Brick Lane, exploring new places, painting and reading.

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