Spices are widely used for increased health and well-being; health benefits of spices include boosting brain power, reducing inflammation in the body and assisting recovery. Young adults, the elderly and anyone who is looking to find a healthier way of living can benefit from using spices when they cook meals. Just adding a few tasty spices to a meal is all that it takes.
While science has yet to show that any spice cures disease, there’s compelling evidence that several may help manage some chronic conditions (though it’s always smart to talk with your doctor).
Spices can boost your brain power, aid weight loss and help with ailments ranging from arthritis and psoriasis to bowel conditions and high cholesterol.
Seasoning your dishes with spices allows you to use less of other ingredients linked with health problems, such as salt, added sugars and sources of saturated fat.
Health-conscious chefs and nutritionists have long recommended including spices and herbs in dishes to add flavour without the fat, salt or sugar.
But the health benefits of spices are not limited to the fact that they can be used to replace less healthy products. Studies on the antioxidant richness of spices and herbs suggest using these flavour powerhouses as a way to add more health to your meals, too. All spices are high in antioxidants and many have really strong anti-inflammatory properties too.
The Health Benefits of Spices
Here’s what some common spices can do for you:
Turmeric
Best for: workout recovery, arthritis, pain, brain health and memory
How to include it in your diet:
Add to your meal when cooking. It’s fat soluble so you need some oils for it to be absorbed into the body; black pepper also helps it to be absorbed
.
Cinnamon
Best for balancing blood sugar, and boosting brain power and memory
How to include it in your diet:
Add it to cooking. Its best consumed with a meal containing carbohydrates because it reduces the amount of glucose entering the bloodstream
.
Cayenne pepper
Best for pain relief and fat burning
How to include it in your diet:
Add it to your food, take as a capsule or have half a teaspoon in how water with lemon first thing in the morning
Ginger
Best for improving circulation, easing nausea, reducing joint and muscle pain. and relieving period cramps
How to include it in your diet:
Fresh, powdered or as a supplement.
.
Cloves
Best for bad breath, candida and fungal infections
How to include it in your diet:
Soften 10 to 20 cloves in a small amount of water before eating them. Add the water with softened cloves to your next smoothie
.
Cumin
Best for weight loss and digestion
How to include it in your diet:
Add it to your cooking
.
Black pepper
Best for fat fighting and lowering cholesterol
How to include it in your diet:
Add liberally to food. Piperine and black pepper supplements are available
.
Fennel Seeds
Best for period pain
How to include it in your diet:
For period pain take fennel extract
.
Mustard Seeds
Best for boosting metabolism
How to include it in your diet:
Add mustard seeds to cooking or use as a condiment
.
Cardamom
Best for boosting digestion and easing headaches
How to include it in your diet:
Add the pods to soups and stews. Or make a tea by crushing the seeds from the pods and boiling them in water
.
And finally, a lovely recipe for using your spices
Detox Spice Dhal (courtesy of my mum)

Rachel Law is a personal fitness trainer based in New Malden, Surrey. Qualifications: ActivIQ Level 3 Personal Training; Burrell Education Pregnancy Exercise Prescription; Burrell Education Advanced Pregnancy Wellness Practitioner; Burrell Education Advanced Post Natal Exercise Prescription; Burrell Education 3rd Age Women Optimal Health and Nutrition; Burrell Education Peri Natal Athlete; Burrell Education Pelvic Flow and Freedom; Olympic Weight Lifting; Premier Global Kettlebells; FIE Level Assessment and Mentoring