Dried herbs

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Swap Fresh for Dried Herbs

Fresh may usually be best, but not necessarily when it comes to the anti-inflammatory potential of herbs and spices. Herbs are teeming with antioxidant plant compounds called polyphenols. "I recommend getting into the habit of using as much herbs and spices as you can in every meal," says Shemek. (Like coating chicken in oregano and garlic.) When it comes to the number of antioxidants in those like oregano, thyme and basil, dried have been found to have much higher levels compared to fresh. The lesson? Dried is one healthy and anti-inflammatory food prep shortcut.