Turmeric, ginger, garlic and rosemary are natural ingredients that, in addition to adding flavor to foods and enhancing flavors, have important benefits for your health, so it is recommended to incorporate them into your daily diet to take advantage of their benefits.
The functional medicine expert, Dr. Carlos Jaramillo, explains in a talk on his YouTube channel that “these plants not only add a delicious flavor to our dishes, but also contain components with healing properties recognized by science.”
Turmeric, ginger, garlic and rosemary have been used since ancient times for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial capabilities.
Jaramillo, who graduated from Harvard University, explains some of the benefits of these 4 foods and how to incorporate them into your daily routine.
Turmeric
Turmeric or curcuma longa, as is its scientific name, is native to Southeast Asia and is a widely used ingredient in cooking, indicates the specialist. He highlights that this vibrantly colored spice has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
He cites studies that show turmeric helps modulate inflammation and could be useful in treating conditions such as arthritis and improving cognitive support.
He advises to take full advantage of the benefits of turmeric, it is important to know how to consume it correctly. “Curcumin, its main active compound, has low bioavailability, which means that our body does not easily absorb it. However, combining turmeric with piperine, a compound found in black pepper, can significantly increase its absorption,” he explains.
Additionally, mixing turmeric with a little fat also helps improve its bioavailability.
Ginger
Known scientifically as Zingiber officinale, ginger is a plant from Southeast Asia, with anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to relieve nausea, which is why it is used as a home remedy.
Ginger is attributed benefits such as improving digestion and reducing symptoms such as stomach upset.
To obtain its maximum benefits, it is recommended to incorporate it into your daily diet, whether fresh, powdered or in smoothies, it can be an excellent way to enjoy its properties.
Garlic
One of the compounds in garlic with the greatest healing power is allicin, with antibacterial, antiviral and antiparasitic properties.
“Garlic is known for its positive effect on cardiovascular health, helping to reduce blood pressure and the risk of heart disease,” adds the specialist.
To consume it effectively, it is recommended that it be fresh, crushed or cut, since this is how the allicin is released, thus maximizing its benefits.
Rosemary
While rosemary, or Rosmarinus officinalis, is appreciated not only for its aroma, but also for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Eating rosemary can “improve concentration and mental performance, in addition to helping with digestion.”
It can be included fresh in meals or in the form of essential oil or capsules, always paying attention to the dosage and use recommendations, according to the recommendations of the treating doctor.
Keep reading:
- The power of turmeric to combat inflammation
- Learn about the healing powers of garlic: it helps reduce inflammation
- 5 medicinal herbs: what they are for and how to consume them