5 Spices & Roots You Need To Try In Your Diet This 2019

Turmeric

One of the world’s most divine and powerful roots, this bright orange/golden spice has a vast range of health benefits that have been celebrated for centuries, now they’re capturing the West’s attention for good reason. Its benefits derive from polyphenol curcumin. Studies show this has great antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties; it’s been shown to support brain and heart health, prevent and reduce the spread of certain cancers and suppress pain from inflammation. Add it to porridge, smoothies and juices or curries, stir fires and salad dressing. It’s also a great health remedy when used in hot oat or almond milk to alleviate coughs.

Maca Root

Energy boosting maca has a warm vanilla and caramel aroma and is a great root to add to baking, tonics and smoothies. It grows under extreme weather conditions in the peaks of the Andes, and the severe growing conditions have created a hardy super root full of nutrients. Maca is great for supporting fertility and as an energy enhancer - so make sure you have it in the morning rather the evening.

Ginger

Another fantastic and hugely versatile root that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine. It’s renowned for its powerful bioactive compound gingerol, giving it strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It’s stimulating yet soothing flavour also helps to relieve nausea and is great for reducing pain from menstrual cramping. I start every day with a tonic made of ginger, turmeric, lemon juice, black pepper, raw honey, apple cider vinegar and filtered water. I like to have it on an empty stomach – it’s a gentle detoxifier and a great morning routine.

Ashwagandha (Indian Ginseng)

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic root from India and Sri Lanka known for its antioxidant, immune boosting, anti-inflammatory and nervine properties (meaning it benefits the nervous system). Adaptogens improve our natural ability to deal with stress and rebalance the body and mind. It has a direct effect on the endocrine system, stimulating the thyroid and therefore being helpful for hypothyroidism. Its nervine qualities make it particularly useful for treating anxiety and stress-induced issues such as depression.  As well as having it in tonics and morning mylks, I also recommend making an Ashwagandha Toner (Ashwagandha mixed with ginger and lemon) as it stimulates the production of natural oils in the skin, helping to keep it hydrated.

Black Pepper (not a root, but a super spice!)

Black Pepper is probably the most important of any spice! It contains a crucial compound called piperine which encourages other spices to do their jobs properly. Scientists have discovered that curcumin in turmeric struggles to get through the wall of the gut on its own. But when consumed with black pepper, the piperine binds to curcumin helping it absorb into the bloodstream, without negatively affecting its properties. It’s a very clever spice.
 
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