Sprinkling herbs and spices on food while cooking is a great way to add flavor to a dish, but it’s also a delicious way to reap the nutritious benefits of superfood spices. For centuries spices have been used for their medicinal properties rather than their culinary purposes. Many herbs and spices contain more antioxidants than fruits and vegetables on a per-weight basis. For example, oregano has 42 times more antioxidants than apples. By adding the following herbs and spices to meals, you can reap their healthful benefits: 1. Turmeric Turmeric has been having a moment in the spotlight recently and for good reasons. This bright yellow spice gives curry its yellow color and has been loved for years for it’s a natural anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric contains the compound curcumin which has shown to be a powerful antioxidant. Oxidative damage is believed to be one of the key instruments behind aging and many diseases. 2. Cumin Cumin is another popular spice used in curry dishes and to deliver flavor to Mexican dishes, like tacos. This brown spice has long been used as an immunity booster and digestive aid. Research suggests that cumin may help manage diabetes by stabilizing blood sugar levels and even help with respiratory conditions like bronchitis and asthma.

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that’s scientifically known as a type of atopic dermatitis. There is no cure currently for this condition, which mainly affects children. Eczema symptoms of redness, itching, scales, dryness, and inflammation are often exacerbated by weather changes, exposure to certain irritants (i.e., fragrances and laundry detergent), as well as certain foods. The following is a list of foods that patients suffering from eczema should avoid: 1. Dairy Individuals suffering from eczema should avoid dairy products such as milk and butter. These products contain certain hormones and saturated fats that can trigger skin inflammation. As indicated, inflammation triggers eczema. Physicians suggest that avoiding dairy products is a simple but effective way to manage eczema. Individuals suffering from the condition should monitor their diet to narrow down the dairy products that cause flare ups. 2. Citrus fruits Studies indicate that citrus fruits such as lemons, grapefruits, and limes tend to aggravate eczema symptoms. For individuals suffering from eczema, citrus fruits may cause swelling of the skin, hives, and redness. These are recognized symptoms of eczema. In extreme cases, a citrus allergy may cause an allergic reaction accompanied by symptoms of swollen lips, tongue, flushing of the skin, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.

Cholesterol travels throughout our entire body via blood, on proteins that are called “lipoproteins”. There are two kinds of lipoproteins which carry cholesterol. The first type is low-density lipoprotein, or LDL “bad cholesterol”, which can raise your risk of getting stroke and heart disease. The second kind is high-density lipoprotein or HDL “good cholesterol”, which absorbs LDL cholesterol and transports it back into the liver for elimination. High HDL “good” cholesterol levels can help minimize risk of stroke or heart disease. Alternatively, if LDL or “bad cholesterol” builds up in the blood vessels, it can form plaque, and cause the veins and blood vessels to narrow, blocking blood transport from the heart and other organs, and leading to a heart attack or stroke.  As such, practicing your due diligence when it comes to consuming a healthy diet and avoiding the following foods that are high in LDL cholesterol, is imperative: 1. Saturated vegetable oils Saturated fats like saturated vegetable oils can lower HDL (good) cholesterol and raise LDL (bad) cholesterol. This is due to the fact that trans fat is made once unsaturated fats like vegetable oil get into contact with high heat. In fact, trans fact is so detrimental to our health that most companies in the food industry have stopped adding it to the food that they provide.

Getting ready for fall and winter is more than just buying warm clothes for the cold weather. It also includes getting your illness fighting system ready for the cold and flu season. Most people become sick during the winter because of the cold and dry air that makes it easier for the flu to spread. While it is important to get your flu shot, your diet also plays an important role in building your immunity. Here are seven superfoods for cold and flu that will boost your immunity: 1. Ginger Consuming this plant works effectively to prevent flu and cold and treat symptoms such as sore throat, congestion, and inflammation. Research suggests that ginger gets its medicinal properties from compounds such as gingerosis and shagaois. This plant has been proven to have significant antibacterial properties. It works better than antibiotics against bacteria that cause strep throat. It’s also a superfood for flu and cold because of its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. A great way to include it in your diet is as a tea. 2. Citrus The high concentration of vitamin C found in these fruits makes them superfoods for cold and flu as they are excellent for boosting your immunity.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is an inflammatory lung disease. It is a chronic condition that causes a number of respiratory symptoms, including difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing. Though incurable, COPD is treatable, and eating the right kind of diet is important. Avoiding the following foods and drinks plays a significant role in supporting the well-being of a person living with the disease: 1. Dairy Dairy is known to increase the production of mucus. For those with COPD who produce too much mucus already, this may be dangerous. As an alternative, try almond or soy milk. Dairy products include products made with animal milk such as yogurt, milk, butter, and cheese. 2. Caffeinated foods and drinks Those with COPD should not consume caffeine on a regular basis. This includes foods and drinks like coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate. Caffeine quickens breathing, which may worsen the symptoms of COPD. Foods and drinks containing caffeine might also interfere with the effects of the medication used to treat COPD. To be safe, it is a good idea to consume caffeine in moderation. 3. Acidic foods and drinks People with COPD are more likely to develop acid reflux than those with healthy lungs.