Cinnamon to lower blood sugar levels
This popular spice comes from the bark of the cinnamon tree and is used in everything from apple pie to candy canes. Cinnamon is especially suitable for people with high blood sugar. It imparts a sweet taste to foods without adding sugar, and studies indicate that it can lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Cinnamon may also provide heart health benefits, such as lowering high blood cholesterol and lowering the triglyceride level. This is especially important for people with diabetes who are at greater risk of developing heart disease.
Turmeric to fight inflammation
Best known for its use in Indian curry dishes, turmeric has become a trendy superfood for its ability to reduce inflammation – a common cause of discomfort and illness. One of the constituents of turmeric is a substance called curcumin. Research suggests it may reduce inflammation in the brain, which has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease and depression. In a small study of adults over the age of 50, those who consumed curcumin supplements had an improvement in memory test scores over the course of 18 months. They also reported that they were in a better mood. The most impressive? Scans of their brains indicated significantly fewer markers associated with cognitive decline. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin is also effective in reducing pain and swelling in people with arthritis. The easiest way to get curcumin is by turmeric capsules to swallow.
Ginger to relieve nausea
Ginger is a tropical plant that has been used in Asian cultures for thousands of years to treat upset stomach, diarrhea and nausea. In the US, it is available in a variety of convenient forms – lollipops, candies, capsules, and tea. You can also buy the dried powder at grocery stores, or buy it fresh to make tea or grate into recipes. Research has shown that ginger is effective in calming pregnancy-related nausea and reducing abdominal discomfort after surgery. Some studies have also shown that ginger reduces the severity of motion sickness or prevents symptoms completely. It can even help with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting when taken along with anti-nausea medications.
