Today’s Solutions: November 21, 2024

Turmeric tends to get all the attention when it comes to anti-inflammatory spices, but don’t overlook these five other spices that functional food expert Kanchan Koya Ph.D. touts as her favorites for fighting off inflammation.

Cayenne

Cayenne is a great choice for spicy food lovers, as it will certainly add a bit of bite to your dish along with anti-inflammatory power. This hot spice is also a great source of phytonutrients, as well as potassium and magnesium.

Black pepper

If you want to max out the benefits of turmeric, then black pepper is key. As nutritional psychiatrist Uma Naidoo, M.D., tells mindbodygreen, black pepper “enhances the absorption of curcumin 20-fold,” which is turmeric’s active compound. That said, the active ingredient in black pepper, piperine, has also been linked to fighting inflammation, so grind that fresh black pepper onto your dish for some extra anti-inflammation action.

Sumac

Sumac may not have a deep-rooted history in the West, however, it’s been used in Eastern cultures for centuries. This may be because it’s a rich source of phytonutrients as well as antioxidant compounds, both of which have anti-inflammatory properties.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg brings thoughts of winter holidays cozying up next to the fireplace, but you should really be using it year-round for its anti-inflammatory compounds called monoterpenes, specifically sabinene, terpineol, and pinene.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is also widely known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, but according to Koya, you should be careful about which kind of cinnamon you use, especially if you consume cinnamon daily. Ceylon cinnamon has a lower concentration of coumarin, which could be detrimental to your liver in large quantities, which makes it safer than Cassia cinnamon for everyday use.

Solutions News Source Print this article
More of Today's Solutions

Colombia outlaws child marriage in landmark move

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Colombia made a historic move to protect its youngest citizens by prohibiting child marriage. After nearly two decades ...

Read More

5 pre-holiday decluttering tips for a stress-free season

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The holidays have arrived, bringing with them guests, gifts, and bright decorations. But, before you drape your home ...

Read More

You and your roommates make up your house’s microbiome

Here at The Optimist Daily we commonly write articles about the gut microbiome, its importance to our health, and how we can keep it ...

Read More

How to have an affordable Thanksgiving— even while turkey prices soar

It’s true— turkey prices are on the rise this year. Unlike last year's holiday season, when supply chain and labor issues created ingredient shortages, ...

Read More