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Spice it up: Seasoning your Food for Gut Health

22nd May, 2023
Spice it up - seasoning your food for gut health

Do you season your food with spices?

It turns out you may have a healthier tummy!

Spices are way more than just flavour boosters. Made from different parts of plants, like the bark, roots and seeds (aka the non-leafy parts), spices have been used for centuries for their potential medicinal properties.

And guess what? Science backs up their benefits.

When you eat spices, you’re not just getting a tastier meal. Enjoying a selection of spices can boost beneficial bacteria in your tummy – which is great news for your gut health.

Here’s the science, simplified.

Plant power: polyphenols

One reason spices are so beneficial is because they’re packed with polyphenols. Polyphenols are powerful tummy-loving chemicals found in plants – and they’re super concentrated in spices.

These polyphenols can change the make-up of the millions of mighty microbes living in your tummy (aka the gut microbiome).

You see, eating a selection of spices – such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon and more – has been shown to:

✓ Increase the number of beneficial bacteria (a type called Bifidobacteria)

✓ Increase the number of bacteria linked to reducing inflammation and fuelling the cells in our tummies

How much do you need to reap the rewards?

There’s no set amount, but a few of our favourite studies suggest adding around 2 teaspoons (6g) of spices to your meals every day could bring you benefits.

When it comes to which specific spices you should start sprinkling, no single one spice is best – it’s all about variety – so mix up your spices on the regular.

6 spices to show your tummy some love

Time to spice up your life! These tasty seasonings could help you on your way to a tip-top tummy. Here are five spices to get you started.

1.Turmeric

This vibrant yellow spice contains a polyphenol called curcumin – known for its anti-inflammatory effects and links with boosting beneficial bacteria in your tummy.

2. Cinnamon

A perfect spice for giving you an extra bit of sweetness – as well as packing in some cool anti-inflammatory powers, which means it could help to tackle tummy troubles. As an added bonus, cinnamon may even help with regulating your blood sugar levels.

3. Cumin

Not only giving you a great flavour, but anti-inflammatory action that could soothe your tummy too. With its antimicrobial activity, it could even help to prevent the growth of bad bacteria like E. coli.

4. Coriander

Love it or hate it, coriander is another spice that could be a treat for your tummy. Coriander has what we call a carminative effect, which means it’s been shown to relieve gas and bloating. It could even help improve tummy troubles like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).

5. Cayenne pepper

Adding a spicy kick and bacteria-boosting benefits – this is another spice with the power to improve inflammation in your tummy, thanks to a substance called capsaicin.

6. Ginger

Last but not least, ginger is one of the most well-known spices to help your tummy, thanks to its soothing abilities for an upset tummy and power to combat nausea.

Try adding ginger to your tea or smoothies, sprinkle cinnamon onto your morning cereal or porridge, and add cumin and coriander to your roasted veggies.

So there you have it. Whether you’re making a curry, stir-fry, soups or stews, adding spices can be a simple and tasty way to help you take care of your tummy. Check out some of our recipes for inspo.

Check out some of our recipes for inspo or keep reading to spice up your knowledge…

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