Healthy Herbs: Hype or Helpful?
You've probably seen it on your feed—claims that herbs are the secret to a healthier, longer life. Sprinkle some turmeric here, toss in a bit of cinnamon there, and voilà! Instant wellness… right?
Well, not so fast.
We sat down with one of our Accredited Practising Dietitians, Chloe Bauer, to get the lowdown on whether herbs really are the superfoods they’re hyped up to be.
Are herbs the magical fix for all our health problems?
I hate to break it to you, but there's no one herb or spice that's going to cure everything. The research just isn't there yet to say that any specific herb directly treats things like heart disease. That said, adding a variety of herbs and spices to your meals is a great way to increase the diversity of your diet - and that can be really beneficial for your gut health.
What the deal with the Mediterranean diet?
Great question! When people talk about healthy eating, the Mediterranean diet often gets a gold star—and herbs play a big role in it. This way of eating is packed with veggies, healthy fats like olive oil, whole grains, and yes—lots of flavour from herbs and spices.
Most of the credit goes to its low saturated fat, moderate red wine (yes, really!), and high plant food intake. But Chloe points out that herbs and spices might be contributing to the benefits too—they're just not usually the star of the show.
What do we actually know about herbs and health?
Let’s break it down:
🧄 Garlic – Some studies suggest it may help improve blood pressure and cholesterol.
🌱 Turmeric – Known for its bright yellow colour and anti-inflammatory compound, curcumin.
🌰 Cinnamon – Has been linked to better blood sugar control in some studies.
Quick Heads Up!
Using herbs and spices in cooking? Go for it—they’re flavourful and a smart alternative to adding salt or sugar.
But popping them in supplement form? That’s where things can get tricky. Some herbal supplements can interact with medications. For example, turmeric supplements might mess with blood thinners like warfarin. Always check in with your GP, pharmacist, or dietitian before trying supplements—just to be safe.
The Bottom Line
Herbs and spices are awesome for flavour, and they might have some health perks—but they’re not miracle cures. Use them to add variety to your meals and boost the plant power on your plate, and you’ll be on the right track.
Got questions about your diet or supplements? Chat with one of our dietitians—we’re here to help!