Top 5 Ways to Spice Up Your Health
Top 5 Ways to Spice Up Your Health

Spices. Wars have been fought over them. Great explorers have sailed in pursuit of them. And gifting history was made by three wise men bearing them. Turns out that the ancients were on to something. Research is now showing that five spices we've long savored just for their flavor are also nutritional powerhouses. Toss these overachievers into your salad or sauce and get a whopping dose of disease-preventing antioxidants along with a flavorful punch.

1. Cinnamon: This natural germ-fighter also helps lower blood sugar, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels -- one-quarter teaspoon a day is a healthy goal. Sprinkle a little of the powder on freshly ground coffee beans when making your morning java, or try these irresistible Cinnamon Baked Apples for a low-cal dessert.

2. Thyme: It makes it into recipes for marinades, grilled poultry, and fish by virtue of its minty, lemony flavor; it makes it onto the RealAge list of healthy herbs by virtue of its anticancer potency. It's also long been used as an antiseptic -- yep, that could be thyme oil in your mouthwash. If you've got a fresh bunch, mince some into your vinaigrette. Yum.

3. Cumin: Concealed in your humble chili powder is one of the world's most popular spices (it's a key ingredient in Indian curries, too) and another anticancer soldier. Go exotic and add cumin to rice, grain salads, and marinades, or try this heart-healthy Ultimate Beef Chili made with chunks of fat-trimmed meat.

4. Oregano: Thank our GIs for bringing oregano home from Italy after WWII. A food-world superpower, leaves of the herb boast 42 times more antioxidants than apples. Wow! Use oregano to add a delicate flavor to salad dressings, garlic bread, and omelets, as well as your favorite pastas.

5. Turmeric: Called the "Queen of the Kitchen" by Indian cooks, turmeric (and its active ingredient, curcumin) has earned its crown. Studies show promise in fighting cystic fibrosis, colon cancer, arthritis, and even Alzheimer's -- is there anything this golden gal can't do? For an earthy flavor and yellow coloring, add a pinch of turmeric to rice, stew, or lentils -- hey, it might even help you remember where you left your keys last night.

Did you know that certain spices may stave off diabetes? Learn about them here.

Permalink : Comments (55)

Comments

Great health information, I take cayyenne pepper everyday in capsules, (whole herb)

Posted by: Healthy Weight Loss | February 05, 2009 at 09:39 AM

I enjoy this site. There appears to be many, many uses for herbs that we are re-discovering today. I use herbs, but sometimes wonder when a good thing taken in too much quantity can be a bad thing?

Posted by: Nate Swanson | January 19, 2009 at 04:32 AM

I love this site but where do I find the answers?

Posted by: Pam | December 12, 2008 at 11:11 AM

Thank you for sharing. My mom cooks with all the spicies you mentioned and she will be thrilled to know they are all good for her!

Posted by: Nampa ID Real Estate | October 07, 2008 at 08:36 PM

What Spices and Herbs can you cook with While on Coumadin?

Posted by: Bee | August 07, 2008 at 12:54 PM

What Spices and Herbs can you cook with while on Coumadin?

Posted by: Bee | August 07, 2008 at 12:53 PM

There are some good videos on youtube about the benefits of liquid arginine for blood pressure and heart attack and stroke prevention.

http://www.youtube.com/weakbody


-Justin

http://www.cleancardio.com

Posted by: Justin White | August 01, 2008 at 03:41 PM

7you mentioned that L-Arginine opens blood vessels. Which Blood Vessels & how much to take?

Posted by: geecee | May 31, 2008 at 07:06 PM

7you mentioned that L-Arginine opens blood vessels. Which Blood Vessels & how much to take?

Posted by: geecee | May 31, 2008 at 06:47 PM

Wow...you have a lot of useful information here.

Does cumin really fight cancer? How does it do so?

I am interested in health as well. If you are interested in foot detox, please see my blog at http://my-foot-detox.com/

Posted by: darrin reservitz | February 05, 2008 at 05:43 PM

i just had my 5th d & c procedure & biopsy was performed. result stated that i have a complex hyperplasia w/out atypia & they say its a precursor to CA, what food do you suggest can i eat to fight this type of CA. tnx

Posted by: jules  | January 22, 2008 at 12:44 AM

Hi, you have a nice blog and useful information. Perhaps you can visit my new site www.toe-nails-fungus.com too. Hope you enjoy. Thks. :)

Posted by: ToeNailsFungus | December 13, 2007 at 06:05 AM

Omega-3 oils play a role in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

Posted by: steven davies | December 04, 2007 at 12:42 PM

I read all the time that grapefruit is the do all fruit but I am also told that you can not eat it if you take prescriptions for high blood pressure or cholesterol. Could you please tell me the facts on this? I really love grapefruit......
Thank you..

Posted by: Annie | November 25, 2007 at 06:17 AM

To Dubash - your dad and you should see a nutritionist or Certified Diabetes Educator to determine diet and exercise that is appropriate for him. It is not so much a matter of eating or not eating certain classes of foods (though avoiding refined carbs and sugars is best), but balancing medication and exercise with carbohydrate intake. Depending on medication, he may need to eat certain amounts at certain times of day. His needs can and will change over time and with changes in health and lifestyle, so this is an ongoing process. Ask his endocrinologist (or GP if he's not seeing an endocrinologist) to recommend a Certified Diabetes Educator in your area. They can work with your individual needs and that is priceless! There is NO one size-fits-all approach.

Posted by: ellen | November 21, 2007 at 03:12 PM

Emu is a great, natural aid for arthritis pain. I started out taking 8 per day and worked down to 2 per day. Do not take any other meds for at least 1 hour before or after taking your emu oil tablets because it's the purest form of essential oil there is. It's also great for cholesterol.

Posted by: Carole | November 21, 2007 at 09:38 AM

what is it that helps control the pain of fibromyalgia so a person can get some restful sleep Alan

Posted by: ALAN L. HODGE | November 20, 2007 at 02:15 PM

what is it that helps control the pain of fibromyalgia so a person can get some restful sleep Alan

Posted by: ALAN L. HODGE | November 20, 2007 at 02:15 PM

Thyme Tea - fresh use about a rounded teaspoonful or dried about half a teaspoon- pour over boiling water, let steep for five+ minutes stirring occasionally, sweeten with a little honey if liked, drink. Helps with sore throats and virousy complaints, tastes yummy too.

Posted by: Shirene | November 20, 2007 at 02:04 PM

Dear Dr. Oz: I would like very much to receive complete information on the veggies, fruit and nuts diet. Where could I get this information? Thanks, Belva

Posted by: Belva | November 20, 2007 at 01:15 PM

Thank you for this new column. This is what I have been looking for and which I find extremely helpful! Thank you so much.

Posted by: Marie Gospodareck | November 20, 2007 at 08:21 AM

On the pie crust recipe, it says 108 calories per serving but does not say what size the serving is. It it an 8th of the pie?

Posted by: Marliss Newberry | November 20, 2007 at 07:56 AM

I would love to have the Fruit, veggies and nut program also.....Thanks

Posted by: GS | November 20, 2007 at 06:46 AM

Is it okay to take Bottle gourd juice during winter. if not then in which form should it be taken ? can we mix a clove or some ginger in it to make the effect warm during winters?

Posted by: Jaya vedi | November 19, 2007 at 09:41 PM

my mom has really bad atritis on her knee that she doesn't sleep at night from the pain she takes tynol 3 to help her for a couple of hours is ther any thing else that she can do to easy her pain she is 78 years and she doesn't want to do an operation also she has stomach proble that the doctor did an operatio on and he took out about a foot of her testine but her stomach is bloted she has to watch what she eatscan you please help thank you

Posted by: jeanette | November 19, 2007 at 08:00 PM

Is it true that Capisan, the ingredient that is in hot pepper really good for curbing an appitite? If it is, what would the safe dosage be?

Posted by: Donna Nash | November 19, 2007 at 06:51 PM

I am wondering if someone can help me my son has that little cap on top of his stomach not closing and is put on drugs, is there some other way
thankyou Irene

Posted by: Irene Stefyn | November 19, 2007 at 06:49 PM

Hi Dr. Oz,

I was recently advised that I have a fatty liver. I was told to avoid alcohol and increase exercise. I looked up information on line and discovered that this is a reversible condition. My question is, how will I know if this condition has improved?
Is there a blood test ? I imbibed little before
(2-4 glasses of wine a week ),but I did enjoy
it. Does this mean that I should never drink
again? Thanks, Kelly

Posted by: Kelly | November 19, 2007 at 06:27 PM

i like to put orgeno all over my pizza when they are frozen then i put garlic powder, garlic salt all over the pizza and it tastes 100% BETTER

Posted by: dee | November 19, 2007 at 05:42 PM

Sue

FYI!

G.

Posted by: K-Bird | November 19, 2007 at 03:30 PM

Hi Dr. OZ, My b6 blood levels are 124 . It was 324. I have not been taking any vitimans except for calcium +D. I have signed up to get the 995. test done. My muscle twitch when at rest. mostly the calfs, but it can be any muscle that i exersise hard. I woke up two years ago like that. I run foot races and lift weights. I have been athletic all my life. Don't drink, smoke, try to eat healthy.I am real strong and have plenty of energy. My Dr. has had all kind of tests done on me. I hope your test will help me fix my problem. I found the B6 info surffing the net.

Posted by: Brenda Cooter | November 19, 2007 at 03:06 PM

For toenail fungus, I've seen that listerine email also. However a friend in Calif said that her dermatologist suggested soaking in white vinegar. I tried it and a condition that I have had for over 40 years has disappeared. So easy it's hard to believe.

Posted by: peggy | November 19, 2007 at 12:48 PM

Regarding Toe fungus: This is so random but I recieved an email today that said soaking your feet in listerene mouth wash will kill all the bad bacteria. Let me know how it works.

Posted by: Ann Dean | November 19, 2007 at 12:26 PM

I would like to know what it was that Dr. Oz recomended per fibromyalgia

Posted by: gayle | November 19, 2007 at 10:44 AM

Great new venue. I'm looking forward to reading and adding comments in the future. Erika RDH

Posted by: Erika | November 19, 2007 at 10:25 AM

I am a paraplegic and have been for 17+ years. In the last 8 months i have developed a weird sweaty left leg. It started with the foot and around the hip. And now i don't want too cover up when i goto bed because anything that touches my leg will make it get sweaty too. It has also started making my lower body around my waist and my leg muscles contract and this can go on for hours stopping me from sleep or being comfortable when am out doing anything.

My doctor and my rehab doctor have been saying it's just some weird thing that happens too some people. i don't thing so. I can trigger the muscle contraction by turning left.

If you've ever run across somthing like this or have some ideas let me know. Now that winter is here i don't want too go do anything fearing my leg will freeze on me.

Thanks

Posted by: Ben | November 19, 2007 at 10:10 AM

Could you please comment on toe nail fungus?. What plant, spice or anything is good to heal it once and for all time for ever?. Thanks.

Posted by: Pery | November 19, 2007 at 10:06 AM

After viewing your recipe, I have to ask, are the calories shown for the entire crust or just a portion of it? If only a portion, what size?

Posted by: William J. Holley | November 19, 2007 at 10:06 AM

Please send me the Fruit, Vegetable and Nut diet presented on Oprah. Sincerely, Muriel DuBow

Posted by: Muriel DuBow | November 19, 2007 at 09:30 AM

My wife has had athlete's foot for years and tried everything to get rid of it. I never got it until one day at a public shower I got it. I didn't want to go through what my wife went through. I had a dream that I put cinnamon on it and when I awoke I thought why not. My athletes foot was gone in a few days. I told my wife and it has helped her a lot but she use cinnamon every day, she gets too busy and forgets. She finally got rid of it but it has come back from time to time. When she uses the cinnamon, it goes away. It makes your socks smell nice too.

Posted by: Les Brotherston | November 19, 2007 at 08:39 AM

Dr. OZ: Why do you continue to suggest use of vitamin E. Recent research claims that it is counterproductive to those things it's supposed to help?

Posted by: Fred McElhenie | November 19, 2007 at 08:13 AM

following hip replacement November 06,I got an infection from the catheter,severe epididymitis,the drugs prescribed did nothing. A young Doctor I knew,who also does acupuncture,is also familiar with natural medicine suggested Tumeric tablets 3 per day. The infection and the pain has gone,and I now use turmeric on my food.

Posted by: William Dubas | November 19, 2007 at 08:01 AM

I'm 44 and have suffered from painful, swollen and bleeding gums all my life. I've tried everything including many long, painful trips to the dentist. Two months ago, I started brushing my teeth with only baking soda and cinnamon. I've notice in the past week that I have no more pain, inflammation or bleeding...even when I floss!!!

Posted by: Caroline | November 19, 2007 at 07:48 AM

Is it safe to take Huperzine A? What affect will this have for the prevention of Alzheimer's? And, are there any adverse interactions with prescription meds?

Posted by: Mary | November 19, 2007 at 07:11 AM

Made a spelling mistake in previous email: the drug is COUMADIN which has a dangerous interaction with Turmeric.

Sorry!

Posted by: toniKarres@Bellsouth.net | November 19, 2007 at 05:10 AM

Pleaase inform your readers that Turmeric must NOT be taken when using the blood thinner drug, COUJADIN. This is essenetial information for everyone to know,

Posted by: toniKarres@Bellsouth.net | November 19, 2007 at 05:08 AM

Dear Dr. Oz, Last week sometime on Oprah's show you helped a woman that had fibromyalgia for years I missed what he said helped almost cure her. I sure would like the information as I have had it for years also.I love to see you on the Oprah show I learn so much. Thank you Betty

Posted by: Betty Bruce | November 19, 2007 at 05:04 AM

Add a dash of cinnamon to the pot when making chili for a pleasing flavor. Note the word "dash". It only takes a little.

Posted by: Nonnie | November 19, 2007 at 04:37 AM

hallo there, i have found that a teaspoon of cinnamon also helps against diarrhoea much faster then any ( to me ) known medicine

Posted by: r reiman | November 19, 2007 at 02:28 AM

Please suggest all categories of foods (fruits, vegetables, beans, breads, chappatis, dried fruits) MOST suitable for diabetics.
My Dad is 50 years old , diabetic, 120 kgs weight, and eats everything, but takes tablets Metpformin 500 mg - 4 tableys per day and Diamicron 80 mg 3 tablets per day.

I want to be in charge of his diet, & lifestyle, and wish him a long healthy life.
best regards,
shaz.

Posted by: Dubash | November 19, 2007 at 01:28 AM
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