At least one study reports the herb sage has the capacity to improve memory. Other popular spices such as cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves and turmeric all show the ability to improve insulin function by helping to prevent insulin resistance.

Insulin resistance is a condition where tissues such as muscle become “desensitized” to insulin. Insulin is a key hormone that facilitates nutrient transportation into cells. Insulin resistance is not a desirable condition as it is one step before adult onset diabetes.

Insulin resistance is basically caused by high sugar and junk food diets that force the body to secrete way too much insulin to transport nutrients into cells.

The main goal of any good exercise and nutrition program should be to improve insulin metabolism - adding spices to your meals just may help you do this.

Published in the journal Diabetes Care, researchers from Pakistan reported that people who ate one gram (half a tea spoon) of mixed spices each day showed lower blood sugar, triglycerides and bad (LDL) cholesterol levels, than those that didn’t.

These potential benefits from the addition of common spices to each meal all add up to a leaner, healthier physique. To add a little spice, try Shar’s amazing Sweet Beef Tagine

FOLLOW Dr Paul Cribb PhD.