These medicines are hiding in your spice rack with Kanchan Koya & Dr. Sarah Berry

- Spices like cinnamon, turmeric, and cloves are not only used for flavor but also have medicinal properties, traditionally viewed as a natural medicine cabinet.

- The bioactive compounds in spices, particularly polyphenols, offer a range of health benefits such as antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory effects, and improved blood sugar control.

- Small, incremental additions of spices to familiar dishes can be a simple and effective way to enhance flavor and incorporate their health benefits into everyday meals, making it more approachable for those new to using spices, including children.

- Heating spices can increase the bioavailability of beneficial compounds, as seen with turmeric, which becomes more effective when combined with heat and fat.

- Adding spices to grilled meats can not only improve flavor but also reduce the formation of harmful compounds that typically arise when meats are cooked at high temperatures.

- Blending different spices can synergistically enhance both the flavor profile of a dish and the health benefits provided, potentially reducing inflammation and aiding in conditions like arthritis.

- Spices are not only about heat but also aroma. Introducing aromatic spices to children's diets can not only enhance the taste of foods but also provide a fun, flavorful way to introduce them to new and beneficial ingredients.

- Research highlights specific health effects of certain spices, such as the pain-relieving properties of cloves, the gut health and morning sickness benefits of ginger, and the blood sugar control associated with cinnamon.

- To maximize the shelf life and potency of spices, storage should be away from direct heat and light to preserve their health-promoting bioactive compounds.