Not only a fantastic culinary addition toΒ your meals, spices are an essential component to your diet, adding loadsΒ of health-protective phytochemicals, vitamins, and antioxidants.
They have strong anti-inflammatory effects, boostΒ natural healing and skin rejuvenation, combat aging, and help to clear acne-causing toxins and infection. If that isnβt enough, they are extremely cost-effective and will last for years in their dried form!
So how about benefiting your healthΒ andΒ your skin (as much as your taste buds) with these powerful spices? Hereβs what you need to add to your cabinet this Fall:
1. Cinnamon β spices for skin rejuvenation
ThisΒ βwarmingβ spice is a favorite among many, as it makes for a deliciousΒ addition to those seasonal pumpkin pies and frothy lattes! Aside fromΒ being so flavorful, this spice has the ability to improve circulationΒ (essential for skin rejuvenation), while acting as an anti-inflammatoryΒ and anti-bacterial. Taken internally this will help clear up skin fromΒ acne, and taken externally it will act as a natural skin flush, drawingΒ blood to the surface of the skin, increasing skin breath-ability, andΒ building circulation.
2. Cumin β the detoxifier
AΒ fantastic spice to prevent pre-mature aging, cumin is high in naturalΒ antioxidants A, C, and E (as well as a powerhouse of other nutrients),Β helping to combat free radical damage that is associated with the agingΒ process. Even more, this spice acts as an anti-inflammatory and is aΒ potent detoxifier (due to its high cuminaldehyde, thymol and phosphorusΒ content), helping to clear the skin and body of toxins and infections.Β
Tip: sprinkle on salads,Β smoothies, and soups and enjoy its pungentΒ unique flavor. It will also aid the digestive process, acting as aΒ catalyst to increase metabolic rate.
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3. Ginger β the skin brightener
IfΒ youβre looking to renew the overall radiance of your skin, this spiceΒ is for you. This root is fantastic in the colder season especially dueΒ to its warming properties, and will work wonders on improving skin tone,Β lightening age spots, eliminating blemishes, and brightening the skin.Β Itβs full of (you guessed it) anti-oxidants, minerals, and nutrients andΒ will be beneficial to any skin condition or simply an unevenΒ complexion.Β
Tip: dice up a fresh root to steep in a tea or throw it intoΒ a cold-press juicer to make some potent skin (and body) healing shots.
4. Turmeric (aka curcumin) for acne
ItΒ sounds similar to cumin, however, itβs completely different! YouβveΒ probably already heard of the heraldedΒ benefits of turmeric, since itβsΒ one of the most researched herbs on the planet. But aside from holdingΒ exceptional health benefits (like being cancer protective), turmeric hasΒ been shown to naturally reduce the amount of bacteria that typicallyΒ cause acne. Also, it is one of the most potent anti-inflammatories outΒ there (due to the high concentration of the antioxidant curcumin) βΒ sprinkle it everywhere!Β
Tip: to best absorb turmeric into the body,Β combine with a healthy fat (i.e. Extra Virgin Olive Oil) as part of yourΒ meal.
5. Hot Peppers β Natural Vitamin C
Chili pepper,Β cayenne, jalapeno, and even paprika, are high in vitamins A & C,Β and will not only combat freeΒ radicals to reverse the aging process, butΒ also prevent the break down of collagen in your skin. The ingredientΒ βcapsaicinβ even acts as a sunscreen if taken internally on the regular,Β working to protect the skin from harmful UV rays. Even more, peppersΒ (cayenne in particular) act as a natural cell stimulant, aiding theΒ growth of new cells (which usually slows with aging).Β
Tip: add 1 tbsp ofΒ cayenne powder to a glass of water, with a squeeze of lemon and 1 tspΒ of raw honey or maple syrup β for a delicious and detoxifying drink!
6. Nutmeg β boost hydration
AΒ natural anti-septic, nutmeg has the power to inhibit the growth ofΒ microorganisms on the external surface of the body, while reducingΒ inflammation, irritation, and boosting hydration. Of course, itβsΒ wonderful source of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, offering aΒ smoother appearance to the skin overall. It can also reduce the signs ofΒ previous breakouts, assisting exfoliation and cell turnover.Β
Tip: beingΒ another warming spice for the season, dash it on squashes, pumpkin,Β sweet potatoes, and of course any latte or dessert you may be craving!
ThereΒ are certainly loads more of beneficial spices to include in your diet,Β but these are a fantastic start to your ongoing herbal repertoire β andΒ your skin will thank you for it. If you are looking forΒ ideal skin care routine, do not forget to read thisΒ article. Enjoy!Β
Also Read: Natural vs Organic Skin Care products