Should The Government Officially Recommend That People Eat Herbs And Spices?
Historically, governments across the globe focused on large food categories. At first, it was all about the ratio of carbohydrates to fats and proteins. Later came an interest in vitamins and minerals. And then in more recent years, official recommendations focused more on the foods themselves and their qualities. For instance, they implored people to eat more fruits and vegetables.
Absent in all this discussion, though, was any serious consideration of herbs and spices. In fact, they’re virtually never mentioned as an entity in themselves.
The reasons for this are hard to understand. Herbs and spices have been a part of human cuisine since antiquity and perhaps long before that. They play a critical role in giving dishes their taste, and yet the scientific and public health community has glossed over them as if they didn’t exist.
The reason for this perhaps comes down to their perceived negligible impact on the human diet. Herbs and spices only comprise a tiny portion of what the average person eats. Perhaps less than 0.1 percent of total calories. Therefore, they seem utterly insignificant.
But the science says otherwise. People who consume a lot of these foods tend to be considerably healthier and happier than the rest of the population. They always seem to have energy. And, to some extent, appear protected against the ravages of the western diet.
What Went Wrong?
The absence of any mention of herbs and spices in official nutritional recommendations is strange. On the one hand, you have the most anti-oxidant, disease-fighting foods on the planet. And then on the other, you have this infinite silence about them.
You could argue that this comes from ignorance, but that’s a difficult argument to make. While modern science only recently began seriously studying herbs and spices in the last thirty years, humanity has known about their health-promoting effects for countless generations. People were using things like ginger and aloe to palliate diseases thousands of years ago.
Perhaps a more honest answer would be to say that the authorities simply didn’t want people to know about the power of herbs and spices. That would undermine the whole medical establishment and put many doctors and drug manufacturers out of business. If everyone was taking a cocktail of turmeric, amla, ashwagandha, parsley, and rosemary every morning, the need for big state health would all disappear.
Why The Government Should Recommend Herbs And Spices
The science supporting the use of herbs and spices in daily life is significant. Today, we have more evidence than ever that these plants have beneficial effects on the human body. They may even be able to reverse disease in some cases.
They Lower Blood Sugar Levels
Elevated blood glucose is a major challenge of our times. Diabetes is becoming an increasingly common disease globally, expected to affect nearly 400 million people by the end of the decade.
Herbs and spices, though, are a cheap, safe, and effective way to fight against them. Cinnamon, for instance, lowers blood sugar levels, as does amla. Studies show that these spices can slow the breakdown of carbohydrates in the digestive tract, preventing them from being absorbed so rapidly. They may also reduce the level of inflammation in human tissue, making it easier for insulin to do its job.
Serving sizes are small, too. To get the benefits, most people need less than half a teaspoon. Furthermore, they do not need to consume refined extracts. The basic herb or spice will suffice.
They Improve Brain Function And Memory
Herbs and spices also have a powerful effect on brain function and memory which may have knock-on effects on productivity.
Sage, for instance, is famous for boosting memory. The herb has been shown to combat dementia and other forms of cognitive decline.
Sage is also a herb that fights the breakdown of acetylcholine. This chemical is vital for the proper functioning of the nervous system.
They Reduce IBS Symptoms
In addition, herbs may have positive effects on people living with IBS. Peppermint, for instance, calms the bowel and reduces its tendency to go into spasm. Studies have shown that the oil from the herb improves symptoms, such as constipation and diarrhea, however, the whole herb may also have the same effect.
Like Delta 8 Gummies, peppermint is a type of relaxant that puts nerve cells into a different state. The smooth muscles in the colon feel better, which reduces bowel pain.
They Are Anti-Inflammatory
Inflammation is a major issue in today’s health landscape. Many people are chronically inflamed, particularly those who are older.
However, herbs and spices also contain powerful anti-inflammatory agents. Turmeric, for instance, has curcumin, which is a powerful substance that fights oxidative damage in the body and helps to keep cells youthful.
Remember, inflammation is behind virtually all chronic diseases in the west, so it is surprising that medical professionals do not recommend more herbs and spices.
They Fight Infection
During COVID-19, not one public health official recommended that people eat more herbs and spices. However, they are among the most powerful agents for bolstering the immune system.
Holy basil, for instance, inhibits the growth of mold, yeasts, and bacteria, assisting the immune system in defeating them. Just taking a small amount can have a massive effect on blood cells. In addition, this herb may also reduce blood sugar levels and fight anxiety: two other incredible benefits.
They Regulate Appetite
Lastly, herbs and spices may be a tool that people can use to regulate their appetite. Obesity is currently at epidemic levels and there is no real sign of it coming down. Despite all the efforts to get people to eat differently, dietary patterns continue to get worse over time.
Herbs and spices, though, may help to regulate appetite. Cayenne pepper, for instance, contains capsaicin, a chemical shown in numerous studies to reduce appetite and help with fat burning.
In addition, capsaicin may help fight inflammation and cancer, two other big reasons for taking the spice with meals.
Therefore, in summary, there are all sorts of reasons why the government should recommend herbs and spices. It is strange that they do not.
