So when it comes to Nutrition I am a pretty Plain Jane – I don’t really add spice to stuff and I never use any sauces or anything processed to my food BUT….below I have outline my absolute fav and I wanted to share them with you and also outline some of the amazing Health benefits from using them
All of the below can be bought in any health food shop and most supermarkets or on amazon online! if you can get organic even better
Ginger
- I have Loose Leaf Tea, Fresh ginger and add to cooking, smoothies and juices
- Has a long history of use for relieving digestive problems such as nausea, loss of appetite, motion sickness and pain
- Contains very potent anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols.
- Gingerols, the main active components in ginger and the ones responsible for its distinctive flavour, may also inhibit the growth of human colorectal cancer cells.
- Ginger extracts have been shown to have both antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour effects on cells.
- Warming on a cold day and can help promote healthy sweating, which is often helpful during colds and flus. A good sweat may do a lot more than simply assist detoxification.
- Very effective in preventing the symptoms of motion sickness, especially seasickness
- Anti-vomiting action has been shown to be very useful in reducing the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy
Ginger has been shown to be effective against exercise-induced muscle pain
Ginger appears to be very effective against menstrual pain when taken at the beginning of the menstrual period.Turmeric
- This is strong in colour and flavour and I don’t add much, but I sprinkle on scrambled egg, steamed veggies, add to smoothies and juices!!
- Long been used as a powerful anti-inflammatory in both the Chinese and Indian systems of medicine
- Significant anti-inflammatory activity in a variety of experimental models. Even more potent than its volatile oil is the yellow or orange pigment of turmeric, which is called curcumin and it produces no toxicity.
- Has powerful antioxidant & Inflammatory effects.
- It’s combination of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects explains why many people with joint disease find relief when they use the spice regularly
- Antioxidant actions enable it to protect the colon cells from free radicals that can damage cellular DNA
- Helps the body to destroy mutated cancer cells, so they cannot spread through the body and cause more harm. A primary way in which curcumin does so is by enhancing liver function.
- Amazing effects of turmeric on the liver’s ability to detoxify
- Good source of vitamin B6
- Cholesterol-lowering effects are the result of the curry spice’s active constituent, curcumin,
- Growing evidence suggests that turmeric may afford protection against neurodegenerative diseases.Cinnamon
- I had to my smoothies, porridge oats, herbal teas and any baking…always get that warming feeling from it
- Lower blood sugar levels, reduce heart disease risk factors
- Loaded with powerful antioxidants which protect the body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and the antioxidants in it have potent anti-inflammatory activity
- It helps the body fight infections and repair tissue damage.
- It can dramatically reduce insulin resistance, helping this incredibly important hormone to do its job
- Well known for its blood sugar lowering effects.
- Two compounds found in cinnamon appear to inhibit the buildup of a protein called tau in the brain, which is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease
- Not only does consuming cinnamon improve the body’s ability to utilise blood sugar, but just smelling the wonderful odour of this sweet spice boosts brain activityMaca Powder (or maca root)
- Maca Can Improve Your Mood
- Several studies have shown that maca can enhance your mood.
- It’s been associated with reduced anxiety and symptoms of depression, particularly in menopausal women
- * It May Boost Sports Performance and Energy Maca root powder is a popular supplement among bodybuilders and athletes.
- It has been claimed to help you gain muscle, increase strength, boost energy and improve exercise performance
- It May Help Relieve Symptoms of Menopause
- Menopause is defined as the time in a woman’s life when her menstrual periods stop permanently.
- The natural decline in oestrogen that occurs during this time can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms.
- It’s Highly Nutritious
Maca is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids (20 different kinds — that’s just about all of them!), and antioxidants
- Balances Hormones
- For those struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, or mood swings, maca may help alleviate these symptoms, though the evidence for this is anecdotal and its use shouldn’t replace professional treatment.
- Hormone balance is key to regulating sexual function, mood regulation, disease prevention, and much more. Maca’s ability to balance hormones is often credited to its stimulation of the hypothalamus and pituitary glands. It may be the phytonutrients contained in maca that work to balance the endocrine system.
- Physical and mental energy Maca has been used as a remedy for ongoing fatigue. If you find yourself tired much of the time, experiment with maca to see if it helps. Just a small amount could be exactly what you need for a boost! An increase in mental energy and focus has been reported as well.Raw Cacao (and this doesn’t include “cocoa” – they are totally different)
- If you find the taste of cacao too strong, add coconut milk, rice, or nut milk. Avoid dairy, as it will prevent antioxidant absorption
- Get Happy With Cacao : Some days you just need to find your bliss – cacao is one of the healthiest foods, you can consume. Cacao contains the mood improver, anandamide – known as the bliss molecule, which creates a feeling of euphoria.
- Balance Hormonal Mood Swings: Cacao boosts brain levels of serotonin, the feel good brain chemical. When women are experiencing PMS serotonin levels drop dramatically. The benefits of cacao are proven to boost the brain levels of calming hormones and restore feelings of well-being.
- Protect Your Heart and Prevent Cardiovascular Disease: Flavanols an anti-inflammatory and heart protective antioxidant found in raw cacao may protect against cardiovascular disease, reduce the risk of stroke, and help improve blood circulation.
- Create loads of energy and combat fatigue with one of the highest concentrations of magnesium found in this natural food source. Magnesium also helps to protect against osteoporosis, reduces type II diabetes, and lowers blood pressure
- Antioxidant – 40 Times the Antioxidants of Blueberries
- Better digestion thanks to the fibre found in raw cacao, that stimulates the body’s digestive enzymes.
- Highest Plant-Based Source of Iron
- On a plant-based/vegan diet and looking for iron? The search is over! Cacao is the highest plant-based source of iron known to man, at a whopping 7.3mg per 100g
- A Natural Mood Elevator and Anti-Depressant
- Cacao is a great source of four scientifically proven bliss chemicals – serotonin, dopamine, anandamide and phenylethylamine. These neurotransmitters are associated with cosy feelings of wellbeing, happiness, and can even alleviate depression. A natural, healthy, delicious (and legal) way to get your happy buzz on.Lemons
- Lemons are alkalizing for the body: Lemons are acidic to begin with but they are alkaline-forming on body fluids helping to restore balance to the body’s pH.
- Lemons are rich in vitamin C and flavonoids that work against infections like the flu and colds.
- Your liver loves lemons: “The lemon is a wonderful stimulant to the liver and is a dissolvent of uric acid and other poisons, liquefies the bile,”.Fresh lemon juice added to a large glass of water in the morning is a great liver detoxifier.
- Cleans your bowels: Lemons increase peristalsis in the bowels, helping to create a bowel movement thus eliminating waste and helping with regularity. Add the juice of one lemon to warm water and drink first thing in the morning.
- Vitamin C in lemons helps to neutralise free radicals linked to ageing and most types of disease.
- Lemons contain 22 anti-cancer compounds, including naturally occurring limonene; oil which slows or halts the growth of cancer tumours in animals and flavonol glycosides which stop cell division in cancer cells.
- Support Heart Health. Lemons are a good source of vitamin C. One lemon provides about 31 mg of vitamin C, which is 51% of your recommended daily intake (RDI). Research has shown that eating fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke
- Soothes Toothache
- Helps reduce weight – lemons contain pectin – a type of fibre that helps you feel fuller longer
- Aids in digestion and detoxification
- Antioxidants in Lemons fight free radicals and helps smooth out the skin
- Boosts energy and moods..no need for the coffee and then the caffeine crash.
Im pretty sure there are thousands more benefits but I just want to outline the main ones (in my opinion)