Health Hack: Increase antioxidants of any meal

Today we’re going to talk about a super simple hack to significantly boost the health benefits of almost any meal - dried herbs and spices!

Plants contain thousands of compounds - called phytonutrients or phytochemicals (phyto meaning plant) - that protect human cells, but aren’t listed on labels or classified as essential nutrients. Yet these thousands of compounds help make a plant rich diet so protective against chronic disease, premature aging, and early death.

Surprisingly, dried herbs and spices are particularly rich in a certain type of beneficial phytochemical called polyphenols, which exert countless properties that are of benefit to human health; such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti cancer, and neuro protective properties.

Polyphenols also have a positive impact on healthy gut bacteria, shaping both quality and diversity, which in turn has a positive impact on human health and immune function.
Herbs are just the dried leaves of a plant, while spices are typically other parts such as the seed, fruit, flower, bark, stem or root.

Interestingly, most of these dried herbs and spices have a higher polyphenol content than their fresh counterparts! For example, the polyphenol content in dried oregano is 6 times that of fresh, and parsley it is 15 times greater than the fresh version!
And just a small pinch is all you need to add the value of these plant compounds such as antioxidant properties.

Here are some examples of herbs and spices with the greatest polyphenol content per 100g:

Cloves (16,000 mg / 100g)
Cinnamon (9,700 mg/ 100g)
Oregano (6,000mg / 100g)
Sage (3,000mg / 100g)
Rosemary (2,500mg / 100g)
Turmeric (2,000mg / 100g)
Thyme (1,800 mg / 100g)
Parsley (1,500 mg / 100g)

Teas also fit into this category of dried herbs and spices. For example, hibiscus tea has more antioxidant power than a cup of matcha (and without the caffeine).
It’s important to consume plant foods at each meal so you can give a continuous supply of beneficial compounds such as antioxidants throughout the day. This is especially important if your body is exposed to a higher than normal level of free radicals, such as sickness, stress, or environmental toxins like cigarette smoke, pollution, or even radiation from flying.

Please make sure you choose organic where possible! And try to include some kind of herb and / or spice at each meal (i.e. even try some cinnamon on your ice-cream, or a mixed seasoning on your salad).

So even though the serving size for dried herbs & spices is typically small, they pack a potent bunch when it comes to beneficial phytochemical that can protect against disease and premature aging.

This post is backed by science; references used:

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[maritzamoffett]

Hey! Nice to see you in another light. So pretty and so full of information. Thank you.

[mariepierreleduc]

I have the same kitchen cabinets! 😜👍😅 IKEA?!

[bevbellony]

Great information. We can always learn more about taking care of ourselves. Thanks, Natalie

[presentmoment]

Thanks Natalie...gotta get some herbs and spices! 😊

[jag]

This is very informative and well researched. Your hard work is appreciated 🙂. Thank you for all your time and dedication 😊😊😊 It has helped people worldwide.

[ahndreina]

What are the brands of the teas you used in the video?