Have You Herb?

We commonly use them to flavour up our meals, but everyday kitchen herbs and spices also come with a host of health benefits – find out what they are here.

- Patsy Westcott

CINNAMON

Traditionally used for loss of appetite, colds, flu, flatulence and indigestion, cinnamon is currently attracting scientific attention for its potential to help control blood glucose in pre-diabetes and diabetes. The main active ingredient is thought to be the anti-inflammatory plant compound, cinnamaldehyde, together with antioxidant plant compounds called proanthocyanidins, also found in apples, grape skins and red wine.

NEED TO KNOW: In a recent study, people with prediabetes (overweight and high fasting blood sugar) who used lots of cinnamon in cooking had better working memory – the kind used to store short-term information like a shopping list – which can be impaired in pre-diabetes. Another study found that adding cinnamon to food helped protect against insulin resistance (when the body makes but can’t use insulin), and stress on the brain caused by a diet high in fat and sugar.

CHILLI