Spice It Up!

Herbs and spices have been around for centuries and have defined cultures and ethnic diversity. Today, we keep them displayed on our kitchen counters in various holders and use them only when recipes call to add flavor. However, did you know certain herbs and spices may provide medicinal properties? Over the next month I'll provide seven potent herbs and spices modern day research suggests are the healthiest around and ones you should have in your kitchen.

1. Tumeric- may help quell inflammation and inhibit tumors. For more than 5,000 years tumeric has been an important part of Eastern cultural traditions, including traditional Chinese medicine. Valued for its medicinal properties and warm, peppery flavor, this yellow-orange spice has recently earned its name in Western medicine. Modern day research has found tumeric to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties due to a compound called curcumin. Curcumin has been found to beneficial for cystic fibrosis, type-2 diabetes, Crohn's, rheumatoid arthritis and many other conditions. Recent studies focus on its potential in managing heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. Also, preliminary studies have shown curcumin to have anticarcinogenic properties and inhibit tumor cell growth. It is a spice that one should get to know and live with. For use in cooking, choose a pure tumeric powder rather than a curry powder.

2. Sage- may help preserve memory and soothe sore throats. It contains flavanoids, phenolic acids and oxygen-handling enzymes, all of which prevent oxygen-based damage to cells. Preliminary reserach also suggests that the herb may improve some symptoms of early Alzheimer's disease by preventing a key enzyme from destroying acetylcholine, a brain chemical involved in memory and learning. In a study using college students researchers found that students who took sage extracts in capsule form performed slightly better on memory tests and their moods improved compared to those who didn't take the capsules. Sage is a subtle and has a sweet flavor and can be added to soups, sauces, salad dressings, vegetables and more.