Diet and Nutrition

12 Foods You Should Eat Every Day

6. Turmeric and ginger (curry, anyone?)

Turmeric is a spice used in many Asian dishes, most notably curry. Turmeric has been used to treat a variety of health concerns including joint pain, arthritis, heartburn, stomach pain, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, fibromyalgia, headaches, jaundice, stomach ulcers, skin inflammation, fatigue, gallbladder and liver issues, high cholesterol, irritable bowel syndrome, depression, diabetes, lupus, bladder inflammation, and kidney problems.

Some people even apply turmeric directly to the skin to treat painful, inflammatory conditions like acne, infections, bruising, and sores. The curcumin in turmeric is believed to reduce swelling and inflammation, so it may be helpful for any health condition that involves inflammation. Curcumin is also a powerful antioxidant.

Ginger is another healthy spice that has been used in traditional and alternative medicine for ages. Like turmeric, ginger is known for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Ginger tends to be highly effective for treating nausea, including morning sickness. It can also relieve the dizziness and nausea associated with motion sickness. Ginger is useful for a variety of stomach issues including diarrhea, gas, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Ginger might also be useful for easing menstrual pain.

Ginger tea is a quick and easy way to reap the benefits of this healthy spice. All you need is ginger and hot water and you’ve got a soothing yet invigorating beverage to sip on. Ginger tea doesn’t have caffeine, so it won’t dehydrate you, making it a great alternative to black tea or coffee. People in cultures around the world have been drinking ginger tea for ages to ease coughs and sore throats, combat colds, and relieve nausea, indigestion, and motion sickness. Some people like to squeeze a lemon or lime wedge into their ginger tea, while others enjoy the spicy ginger flavor on its own.