Another thing to decrease as we get older—taste. “Aging produces a decrease in saliva production and ability to perceive taste,” says Dr. Peeke. That means you might want to start experimenting with different spices, including turmeric. “Turmeric has been shown to boost immune function and also decrease joint inflammationand prevent arthritis in older women,” says Dr. Peeke. Other research has shown turmeric, and it’s main active compound curcumin, may have a real affect on preventing Alzheimer’s and some forms of cancer.
Another spice to add into your cooking rotation: cinnamon. “Cinnamon is well known as an anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial agent,” says Dr. Peeke. Cinnamon also helps to maintain control of blood sugarsince it slows the rate at which the stomach empties after meals, which evens out blood sugar highs and lows. “Studies also suggest a therapeutic use of cinnamon for type 2 diabetes, as it appears to improve the body’s sensitivity to insulin,” she says. “Having as little as one gram of cinnamon daily was shown to reduce blood sugar, triglycerides, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and total cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes
