FIR Episode 53: The power of culinary herbs and spices.

From anti-inflammatory and antioxidant to having a profound effect on the gut microbiome, the properties of herbs and spices are various and broad.

“I’ve been inspired by a paper that came out this week on the effect of culinary herbs and spices on the gut. This paper inspired me to put together a full episode of the health benefits of adding more herbs and spices to your meals.”     

Learn about the significant differentiation between the medicinal herbs used in clinical practice and the culinary ones we add to food.

For example, let’s look at the well-known compound from Turmeric, Curcumin. Curcumin has an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant action but not in doses you would find added to foods.

The types of herbs used in medicinal herbal medicine clinics are manufactured specifically for their therapeutic effects, such as those in Curcumin.

This difference between the effects of professional clinic herbs and culinary herbs and spices doesn’t mean there aren’t massive benefits.

Learn about the current consumption standards and why the USA, UK and Australia recommend increasing dietary herbs and spices.

Could an increased amount of herbs and spices in your diet reduce your sugar intake?

Discover the results of a study examining this question and the interesting results that might surprise you!

For example, did you know that flavouring your food could increase the pleasure you derive from eating?

This increased pleasure then decreases the need to sweeten what you’re eating.

Discover the potent compounds that could have an anti-inflammatory effect on the cardiovascular system.

For example, learn about a study that assessed the daily effects of just a few extra teaspoons.

It doesn’t stop there; learn more about how they can positively affect diabetes and even your microbiome!

The effects are widespread, and you could miss out on these by simply not adding a few teaspoons of herbs and spices to your meals! 

Discover the agreed cooking methods that help you get the best of your herbs and spices.

For example, did you know that some cooking methods increase their antioxidant quality?

Discover which ones help and hinder and a lot more in this week’s episode of Free and Inspired radio.