Add a little spice to your life – for the health of it!

I recently came across an article about the health benefits of spices. Many of the herbs have antioxidant properties, which help protect cells from damage.

Consider these facts:

1.	Cinnamon: May help lower blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides in people with Type II diabetes.
2.	Garlic: May decrease cholesterol and kill bacteria and viruses.
3.	Ginger: May help fight nausea and boost immune function.
4.	Rosemary: may help strengthen the immune system.
5.	Turmeric: May help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
6.	Cloves: may help the immune system.

Adding herbs and spices to your foods is a great way to increase flavor without adding calories, fats, or sugars. They even add, to your benefit, disease-fighting phytochemicals and antioxidants. Cancer researchers are looking at herbs for their potential cancer-fighting properties as well. Herbs and spices certainly cannot replace whole foods. But they can definitely enhance them.

We’re sure many of you have spices in your spice drawer that you received as a wedding gift and they are over 10 years old and have never been used. You need to throw those away! You won’t be getting any health benefits from those old, dried up spices. You’ll make a lot more room on your shelves as well. I did this a few years ago and then purchased only the spices that I find that I use a lot. I also purchased them from a reputable fresh herb store – and what a taste difference! I also started a fresh herb garden in a couple of big planter pots in the back yard. Now you’re talking! Fresh basil every day!! YUM! Add a little spice to your life – for the health of it!