There was a time when most people thought about herbs and spices almost strictly in terms of culinary use, to add flavor and zest to a variety of dishes. Today, though, more and more are realizing that apart from their great taste, they can also bring with them a wide variety of health benefits and alleviate a great many different conditions and diseases. Read on to find out more about five common herbs and spices and their role in good health and fighting off the aging process.
Basil for Skin Cell Renewal
Skin is vulnerable to the passage of time and to exposure to sunlight, wind and air pollution, among many other things. Basil, however, can help with skin cell renewal and regeneration. This is because it contains strong antioxidants that reduce the oxidative damage done to the skin – and at the same time can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and make your skin feel smoother and younger. It has the added benefits of ward off Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and osteoporosis.
Thyme for Healing
Infections can take a big toll on the body and age it prematurely. Thyme contains many compounds that are antibacterial in nature and have been shown in various studies to be able to help treat everything from a sore throat to pneumonia; it has even proven helpful it battling the antibiotic-resistant bacteria strain MRSA. Thyme extracts are thus often used in mouthwashes and cough drops to treat infections or inflammation in the mouth or throat.
Sage for Inflammation Reduction
One of the things which can speed up the aging process and leave people feeling much older than they actually are is chronic inflammation. One of the herbs which can treat this is sage, which has power anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it a useful herb for the natural treat of many chronic inflammatory conditions like arthritis, atherosclerosis (the hardening of the arteries), and asthma, among many others.
Oregano for an Immune System Boost
Oregano is one of the best herbs to consume regularly to reinforce the body’s natural immunity. This is because its active ingredient, a compound called rosmarinic acid, is a powerful antioxidant which removes free radicals from the system and makes the body more able to fight off illness. It is also a strong antimicrobial and can kill off many bacteria, viruses and other disease-causing pathogens. It is therefore a great herb to use for longevity.
Turmeric for Fighting Cancer and Alzheimer’s
The active ingredient in this golden, pungent spice that is so popular in a number of Indian dishes is called curcumin, which has amazing anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which protect the body in general from cancer and the brain from oxidative effects of aging and thus make it less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease; in India, where use of turmeric is widespread, there are some of the world’s lowest rates of Alzheimer’s.
These five herbs and spices are not the fountain of youth; however, they can keep your body feeling fitter and more energized and can protect you against many of the common causes of premature aging, such as chronic infections or inflammation.
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