Nature's "Medicine Cabinet" and "Fountain of Youth!"
Extensive research proves certain HERBS AND SPICES promote anti-aging and longevity, and are like "nature's medicine cabinet." In fact, much of today’s modern medicines have been sourced from them. However, in their unprocessed, natural state, they’re far too UNDER-utilized by most of us, considering all the benefits they provide! The good news? They’re easy to add to the daily diet.
Increasing their use in your meal plans is definitely worth consideration, because they’re the closest thing we have on earth to a real “fountain of youth.” They provide unique and powerful compounds that:
With that, here are the top anti-aging and longevity-promoting herbs and spices that you’ll want to use more often. Some of these will not surprise you:
TURMERIC. It’s quickly become one of the most researched and documented “super” spices. When using, it’s important to remember that it’s not very bioavailable (meaning the body doesn’t easily digest, absorb, and utilize its compounds, so most are wasted).
You can increase turmeric’s absorption by consuming piperine along with it (found in black pepper). If you have a sensitive digestive system, though, it might be better to take naturally fermented turmeric supplements (making it more bioavailable).
CLOVES. Unopened flower buds of the clove tree, they have one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants of any fruit, vegetable, herb, or spice on earth (about 30 times the antioxidants found in blueberries).
GINGER. Turmeric’s cousin, it’s another spice discussed a LOT. It’s active compound, gingerol, has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that calm internal inflammation, protect against free radicals, and boost the immune system. There are lots of recipes for using ginger, but including a small chunk in a daily morning smoothie is the easiest way to be sure of including it in your diet.
ROSEMARY. When it comes to supporting/boosting brain power as we age, few herbs are more potent than rosemary. Research shows it improves memory, mood, and general brain health as well as provides protection against diseases like Alzheimer’s. Studies also show it can improve your sleep quality (which commonly diminishes with age).
CAYENNE. It’s actually a pepper, typically used as a cooking spice. Its active ingredient, capsaicin, is a common ingredient in pain-relieving creams. The peppers are loaded with flavonoids and vitamins A, C, and E. These protect skin from UV ray damage and contribute to collagen production, which keeps skin plump and firm while at the same time preventing fine lines and wrinkles. Besides pain-relief and skin health, cayenne can boost your immune system and metabolism.
CILANTRO/PARSLEY. Both herbs protect against UV ray damage (also known as photoaging) and help rid the body of heavy metals. Full of vitamins A, C, and K, they’re excellent anti-inflammatory ingredients. And parsley, especially, has a huge amount of bioavailable calcium (meaning your body can access and use it quickly).
ASHWAGANDHA. It helps with sleep and lowers cortisol levels (the stress hormone). More and better sleep, less stress…the prescription to slowing the aging process.
AMLA (INDIAN GOOSEBERRY). Technically a fruit, it has high antioxidant power and vitamin C content (one fruit typically contains 20 times the amount of vitamin C in an orange). Research shows it’s a strong cancer preventative and collagen protector.
TULSI (HOLY BASIL). Closely related to, sweet basil, research shows it protects organs and tissues from chemical stress caused by pollutants, heavy metals, and other toxins. Tulsi also enhances memory, improves overall cognitive function, and has an anti-anxiety/anti-depressive effect. It helps the body cope with physical stress from exercise and environmental stressors (such as cold weather). And it protects against metabolic stress by normalizing blood pressure and blood glucose.
GOTU KOLA. Belonging to the same family as parsley and cilantro, it’s high in vitamins, folic acid, and antioxidants. Eastern medicine considers it one of the best brain tonics. Extract of gotu kola is also proven to help with stroke-recovery.
GINSENG. Its potent antioxidants especially benefit brain health, calm internal inflammation, and boost energy levels and reduce fatigue.
GINKO BILOBA. There is no other herb that outshines it when it comes to a potential for improving memory and overall brain health.
GREEN TEA. Overflowing with antioxidants, its strong anti-inflammatory properties make it an effective protector against diabetes, heart disease, and several types of cancer. Green tea can also boost physical and mental energy levels.
ROSEHIPS. The false fruit of the rose plant, they contain loads of vitamin C and antioxidants (more than blueberries). They strengthen the immune system and ward off infections, oxidative stress, and internal inflammation. And they’re a powerful anti-wrinkle ingredient in skin care products.
GOJI BERRIES. Its antioxidant content is similar to that of blueberries. They have large amounts of vitamin C are especially high in vitamin A. Five tablespoons yields 134% of the RDV. And studies show they improve energy, mental alertness, sleep quality, and emotional health.
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Increasing their use in your meal plans is definitely worth consideration, because they’re the closest thing we have on earth to a real “fountain of youth.” They provide unique and powerful compounds that:
- Literally stop and reverse signs of aging (wrinkles, low energy, and brain fog)
- Prevent and combat chronic diseases and illness
- Boost the immune system against viruses and other pathogens
With that, here are the top anti-aging and longevity-promoting herbs and spices that you’ll want to use more often. Some of these will not surprise you:
TURMERIC. It’s quickly become one of the most researched and documented “super” spices. When using, it’s important to remember that it’s not very bioavailable (meaning the body doesn’t easily digest, absorb, and utilize its compounds, so most are wasted).
You can increase turmeric’s absorption by consuming piperine along with it (found in black pepper). If you have a sensitive digestive system, though, it might be better to take naturally fermented turmeric supplements (making it more bioavailable).
CLOVES. Unopened flower buds of the clove tree, they have one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants of any fruit, vegetable, herb, or spice on earth (about 30 times the antioxidants found in blueberries).
GINGER. Turmeric’s cousin, it’s another spice discussed a LOT. It’s active compound, gingerol, has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that calm internal inflammation, protect against free radicals, and boost the immune system. There are lots of recipes for using ginger, but including a small chunk in a daily morning smoothie is the easiest way to be sure of including it in your diet.
ROSEMARY. When it comes to supporting/boosting brain power as we age, few herbs are more potent than rosemary. Research shows it improves memory, mood, and general brain health as well as provides protection against diseases like Alzheimer’s. Studies also show it can improve your sleep quality (which commonly diminishes with age).
CAYENNE. It’s actually a pepper, typically used as a cooking spice. Its active ingredient, capsaicin, is a common ingredient in pain-relieving creams. The peppers are loaded with flavonoids and vitamins A, C, and E. These protect skin from UV ray damage and contribute to collagen production, which keeps skin plump and firm while at the same time preventing fine lines and wrinkles. Besides pain-relief and skin health, cayenne can boost your immune system and metabolism.
CILANTRO/PARSLEY. Both herbs protect against UV ray damage (also known as photoaging) and help rid the body of heavy metals. Full of vitamins A, C, and K, they’re excellent anti-inflammatory ingredients. And parsley, especially, has a huge amount of bioavailable calcium (meaning your body can access and use it quickly).
ASHWAGANDHA. It helps with sleep and lowers cortisol levels (the stress hormone). More and better sleep, less stress…the prescription to slowing the aging process.
AMLA (INDIAN GOOSEBERRY). Technically a fruit, it has high antioxidant power and vitamin C content (one fruit typically contains 20 times the amount of vitamin C in an orange). Research shows it’s a strong cancer preventative and collagen protector.
TULSI (HOLY BASIL). Closely related to, sweet basil, research shows it protects organs and tissues from chemical stress caused by pollutants, heavy metals, and other toxins. Tulsi also enhances memory, improves overall cognitive function, and has an anti-anxiety/anti-depressive effect. It helps the body cope with physical stress from exercise and environmental stressors (such as cold weather). And it protects against metabolic stress by normalizing blood pressure and blood glucose.
GOTU KOLA. Belonging to the same family as parsley and cilantro, it’s high in vitamins, folic acid, and antioxidants. Eastern medicine considers it one of the best brain tonics. Extract of gotu kola is also proven to help with stroke-recovery.
GINSENG. Its potent antioxidants especially benefit brain health, calm internal inflammation, and boost energy levels and reduce fatigue.
GINKO BILOBA. There is no other herb that outshines it when it comes to a potential for improving memory and overall brain health.
GREEN TEA. Overflowing with antioxidants, its strong anti-inflammatory properties make it an effective protector against diabetes, heart disease, and several types of cancer. Green tea can also boost physical and mental energy levels.
ROSEHIPS. The false fruit of the rose plant, they contain loads of vitamin C and antioxidants (more than blueberries). They strengthen the immune system and ward off infections, oxidative stress, and internal inflammation. And they’re a powerful anti-wrinkle ingredient in skin care products.
GOJI BERRIES. Its antioxidant content is similar to that of blueberries. They have large amounts of vitamin C are especially high in vitamin A. Five tablespoons yields 134% of the RDV. And studies show they improve energy, mental alertness, sleep quality, and emotional health.
Sources:
- www.smileherb.com
- www.cdc.gov
- www.medicalnewstoday.com
- www.thespruce.com
- www.iherb.com
- www.amazon.com
- www.eatweeds.co.uk
Alice Osborne
Weekly Newsletter Contributor since 2006
Email the author! alice@dvo.com
