By TV Chef and nutritionist Tonia Buxton

Like most women in the UK, I am obsessed with anti-ageing. As I approach fifty, I am determined to look my best and have always been fanatical with feeling and looking well and doing it in a natural way.

There are some super simple ways to make sure you stay well. The key is to avoid inflammation in the body; think of inflammation like rust, we need to keep the rust away. One of the big causes of inflammation is being acidic; we need to keep ourselves alkaline and in the main you can do that by what you eat.

One of these ways is using herbs and spices – here are my favourite three:

Firstly, cumin which is part of the parsley family and has a wonderful aromatic flavour. Not only does it taste delicious it also has super healing qualities; it is protective over memory loss and the damaging effects of stress on the body; it has anti-asthmatic properties; it is effective in increasing insulin sensitivity and in many cases found more effective at reducing blood glucose than some anti-diabetic drugs. I love to use it sprinkled in stews and soups.

Next comes cinnamon. I love it in everything, both savoury and sweet. It is a warm aromatic spice loaded with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It can cut the risk of heart disease, and improves sensitivity to insulin, so lowers blood sugar levels and has a powerful anti-diabetic effect too!

I have kept the best spice for last! Turmeric truly is the God amongst spice. It has so many amazing and wonderful properties. It has powerful anti-inflammatory properties (remember inflammation is what causes us pain in our bodies and causes our skin to age), aids in the relief of arthritis; is anti-carcinogenetic; it protects your heart and can lower cholesterol. Turmeric aids indigestion, weight loss and depression.

Turmeric is the rock star of the spice world and ideally you should get into the habit of adding a teaspoon of it into your food every day. However, to get any real therapeutic benefit from this super spice it’s recommended that you take a supplement. Try BetterYou’s Turmeric Oral Spray (RRP £17.95) which has been proven to guarantee optimal absorption (via the inner cheek) and deliver maximum benefits faster than tablets and capsules.