Many spice-derived phytochemicals have important theraputic effects, including their ability to suppress NF-kB.  The bad news is that once NF-kB is activated, it induces the expression of more than 200 genes.  NF-kB is linked to many diseases, including AIDS, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and obesity.

The good news is that many popular foods and spices found in every good cook’s kitchen can come to the rescue and suppress this diabolical transcription factor.  That NF-kB has been linked to this wide variety of disease is not too surprising because most diseases are caused by dysregulated inflammation.  Thus, agents that can suppress NF-kB activation, in principle, have the potential to prevent or delay the onset of or treat NF-kB-linked diseases.

Phytochemicals in Spices that Suppress NF-kB:

• Basil, rosemary (ursolic acid)
• Cinnamon (cinnamic aldehyde)
• Cloves (eugenol, isoeugenol)
• Fennel, anise, coriander (anethol)
• Ginger (6-gingerol)
• Red chiles (capsaicin)
• Turmeric (curcumin)

Learn more about the health benefits of spices in Forever Young.

How do you incorporate spices into your diet?