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Nutritionist Lyndsey Heffernan reveals the real health benefits of spicing up your food

- Lyndsey Heffernan

Аdding more spice to your meals will give your wellbeing a boost, whether you 'slam it to the left' or 'shake it to the right'. Because whichever way you choose to turn up the flavour in the flavour in your meals, the Spice Girls were onto something when they urged us to spice up our lives to 'feel fine'.

Adding just a teaspoon and a half of herbs and spices to your diet a day could lower blood pressure, according to recent research*. And the good news is it's not just heart health it helps, from fresh breath to preventing COVID-19 and fighting depression, spice can do you good. So, it's time to turn up the heat and reap the rewards...

Cardamom

Often called the 'Queen of Spices' because of its pleasant aroma and taste, cardamom has traditionally been associated with good oral hygiene. This is due to the essential oils contained within the seeds, which contain potent antibacterial properties that banish bad breath.

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Chew a cardamom seed for a fresher mouth on the go.

Black pepper

Considered the 'King of Spices', black pepper contains the active ingredient piperine, which studies have linked to reducing tumour growth (especially when combined with turmeric), improving brain function (including alleviating depression) and helping with digestion. It has also been linked to fending off colds and coughs - and early research** shows that having it with ginger may help prevent coronavirus.

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Add freshly ground black pepper to your food, as heating can deplete its potency.

Cumin