Spice up your life

To avoid the dreaded cold and flu, we often reach for vitamins and minerals in an attempt to keep sickness at bay. But our trusty kitchen spice rack can help too – so we’ve rounded up some of the best spices to support your wellbeing – and you probably already have them at home.

Turmeric

While delicious in a curry, turmeric also contains curcumin which is thought to have antioxidant properties and may act as an anti-inflammatory.
Leading dietitian Jaime Rose Chambers is a big fan, saying “It’s easy to add to food, is amazing for its anti-inflammatory properties and is so yummy”.

That’s a big yellow tick from us!

Cinnamon

Good in cakes, even better for your health. It contains cinnamaldehyde, a compound that can help fight viruses, lower blood sugar and help with cholesterol.
“Cinnamon is so easy to add to sweet and savoury foods,” says Chambers. “It’s easily accessible, inexpensive and something that always seems to be hanging around in the cupboard.”
Cinnamon is also loaded with antioxidants, and in a study of the antioxidant activity of 26 spices, cinnamon came out on top, surpassing foods like garlic and oregano.

Ginger

Ever felt the sting in the back of your throat from a ginger shot? Well keep it coming because ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory.
How does Chambers feel about it?
“Love it, love it, love it! I use it for anything and everything,” she says. “There is good research to show it helps with nausea for pregnant women and can help with digestion – it’s a winner.”

Coriander seeds

The coriander herb is loved by some and hated by others. Haters should get onboard the coriander seed train though because this one may have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-allergic and antioxidant properties which can lower cholesterol and aid digestion.

Paprika

Some like it hot, right? And with good reason. Although paprika is actually fairly mild, it’s made from a number of dried chillies and contains capsaicin which has antioxidant properties.
Paprika can also help with gas and may boost immunity - perfect for coming into the cooler months.

If all else fails

Crown Spa offers an all-natural, plant-based supplement called Regul8, designed to support the cleansing, restoration and maintenance of digestive health. Talk to the team about how Regul8 might be able to help support your immune system and promote good gut health.