Let's Get Spicy!

Dec 15, 2016
3 min read

We all know that there are certain foods that are beneficial to our health, and other foods that may hurt our health if eaten in excess. But have you ever thought about what spices and herbs might do for your health? It turns out that there are many spices and herbs that are very healthy and beneficial.

Basil: Studies have shown a relationship between basil and positive fasting glucose levels.

Bilberry: You may have never heard of a bilberry, and to be honest I hadn't either until I started researching the benefits of spices and herbs. Bilberry looks very similar to a blueberry and can be used in pies and jams and can also be found in pill form. Bilberry is very effective in improving vision, specifically night vision and health to improve glucose intolerance. In addition, bilberry fights inflammation and gives relief from digestive issues such as ulcers.

Cinnamon: Used widely in baking and sometimes paired with apples or toast, cinnamon has more benefits to your health than you may realize. Cinnamon is highly effective in lowering blood glucose levels and improving insulin sensitivity which is great news for diabetics. Additionally, cinnamon reduces inflammation, eliminates pain and infections, reduces excess gas, improves heart health, prevents cancer, and increases the health of the skin and eyes.

Cumin: Used frequently in Indian cuisine, cumin is a known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Benefits include improved eye sight and digestion, lower blood glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels, increased red blood cell count, and increased sperm count.

Dill: Dill is very beneficial to those who have diabetes and to those who are at risk for developing diabetes. Studies have shown that dill contains over 70 beneficial chemicals that help regulate blood sugar levels as well as prevent diabetes development.

Fennel: In addition to the multiple health benefits, fennel contains many vitamins and minerals including copper, iron, calcium, selenium, zinc, potassium, manganese, etc. Fennel also contains a phytochemical cells anethole which helps to fight inflammation. Other benefits of fennel include regulation of bowel movements, cancer prevention, reduced risk of premature aging, and increased enzymatic activity.

Fenugreek: Another spice that you may not be familiar with is used widely in Asian cuisine. Fenugreek is another spice that helps to lower blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Additional benefits include improved digestion, reduced constipation, lower blood cholesterol levels, and management of fluid levels within the body.

Nutmeg: Another spice that is used a lot in baking, nutmeg contains many antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Nutmeg has also been shown to fight fungal infections, improve digestion, reduce excess gas, improve hair and skin health, and reduced risk of certain types of cancer.

Red Chili Pepper: This is another spice that is very beneficial to those with diabetes, or those at risk for developing diabetes. Red chili pepper has been shown to help with the regulation of glucose metabolism and insulin. Additionally, red chili pepper helps insulin bind to its receptor which has a positive effect on diabetes as well as those at risk for diabetes.

Rosemary: Used in many Italian foods, rosemary is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Rosemary also contains a phytochemical called carnosol which helps prevent metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome puts individuals at risk for many chronic diseases.

Saffron: Saffron is very beneficial to the immune system. Additionally, saffron fights infection, helps with wound healing, improves sleep, stimulates the formation of red blood cells, and reduces blood pressure.

Additional spices and herbs that have a beneficial effect on diabetes: