Michael Mosley shares health benefits of spices - from lower blood pressure to diabetes

When it comes to cooking, spices are usually associated with adding flavour, but health expert Michael Mosley is here to tell you that they may offer wider benefits.

From lowering blood pressure to blood sugar levels and even easing pain, spices add nutritious variety to the foods we eat. Research suggests they even play a role in elevating moods, which may explain your favourite spicy dish that you can't kick.

Now, the creator of the Fast 800 diet has taken to Instagram to explain the health properties of five popular spices. These can be bought either fresh or dried and can be easily added to both sweet and savoury dishes.

Check out the list below and even some suggestions for how to incorporate each spice into your diet.

Michael Mosley is credited with creating diets for rapid weight loss (Getty Images)

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is considered a 'superfood' (Getty Images)

• Improves brain function
• Anti-inflammatory properties, which can ease swelling
• Positive effect on blood sugar levels and insulin

Add it to:

• Porridge
• Curry
• Coffee

Cumin

This savoury spice is packed with germ fighting anti-oxidants (Getty Images)

• Has shown to have anti-carcinogenic properties to reduce cancer risk
• Anti-diabetic effects to manage blood sugar levels
• Anti-microbial, which can strengthen immune system and reduce risk of disease
• High in anti-oxidants, linked to lowering blood pressure

Add it to:

• Chilli
• Chicken fillets and meat marinades
• Enchiladas

Coriander

• Stimulate's appetite and aid's digestion
• Has been shown to lower blood sugar levels
• Anti-bacterial properties

Add it to:

• Soups
• Fish dishes, as a garnish or a marinade
• Rice

Turmeric

Turmeric can be used in sweet and savoury cooking (Getty Images)

• Contains anti-inflammatory compounds which can ease pain
• High in antioxidants linked to lowering blood pressure
• Supports the immune system
• Supports cognitive function
• Lowers risk of heart disease

Add it to:

• Soups
• Smoothies
• Rice - this will not only flavour the dish but gives it a lovely golden colour

Cardamom

• Anti-inflammatory property compounds which can ease pain
• High in anti-oxidants linked to lowering blood pressure

Add it to:

• Baking - add to cakes, breads and biscuits to add flavour and nutrition
• Curries
• Stir-fries

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