A Spicy Way to Promote Good Health

Corona del Mar's Savory Spice Shop suggests an easy way to keep that New Year's resolution for improved health.

“Spices are full of healing powers and health benefits, but the best part is they add flavors and depth to our favorite foods,” says Laura Shute, co-owner of the Savory Spice Shop in Corona del Mar and the Savory Spice Stop in Costa Mesa.

She suggests these seasonings: 

Ginger is said to have anti-inflammatory properties that keep your heart young and arteries clear. It can also boost the immune system and help lower cholesterol levels, Shute says, and can treat nausea.

Jamaican allspice has a lot antioxidants and can help with digestion. Shute recommends rubbing Jamaican allspice on meat and vegetables or sprinkling it in your soups.

Cinnamon can help control blood sugar problems, Shute says, and can lower risk factors in pre-diabetes, as well as possibly help relieve stiffness due to arthritis.

Cloves have a lots of antioxidants and fight muscle pains and arthritis, says Shute, and can be a mild anesthetic useful for toothaches, gum pain and sore throats. Cloves, she says, also offer relief from respiratory ailments such as asthma and bronchitis and can help eliminate intestinal parasites, fungi and bacteria.

Tumeric, Shute says, can be used as prevention against Alzheimer’s disease and cancer.

California and European basil improve the body’s antioxidant defenses, Shute says.

Mediterranean thyme, Shute says, has properties to promote anti-aging and is known to kill germs, healing infections faster.

Sage is said to fight inflammation, which Shute says can help with arthritis symptoms and help slow the aging process.

Greek oregano is associated with lowering high cholesterol and lowering the risk of colon cancer, Shute says.

Crushed brown mustard, Shute says, is known to help prevent cancer and heart disease, and lower cholesterol.

She says kitchen staples such as black pepper, garlic and onion all have substantial health benefits.