Most of the time when we think of spice we think about how they can help influence the taste of our foods, but for thousands of years spices have been revered by many cultures as medicinal cures. In my quest to stay healthy I have incorporated many of these spices into my diet. Here are the spices I incorporate into my diet to stay healthy:
Turmeric - This spice contains the phytochemical curcumin, which has antioxidant properties. This helps the body by preventing the formation of and neutralization of existing free radicals. This is extremely helpful with respect to inhibiting cancer development and growth.
Cinnamon - This spice also contains phytochemicals. It has been said to be good for digestion and the metabolism of fats. It is said to fight infection and to be useful for diabetes, weight loss, and yeast infection.
Cayenne Pepper- This spice has capsaicin in it. This spice is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. It is also a thermogenic agent. In other words, it increase metabolic activity. This can be extremely beneficial in weight loss. It is also believed to help heart health because it reduces cholesterol and trigylcerides.
Ginger - I don’t know if this is a spice per se, but I like it especially in my cooking. It is believed that ginger aids in digestion, helps with high blood pressure, lowers bad cholesterol and even may help with arthritis.
Garlic - This is another that I don’t know I would call a spice (primarily because it isn’t usually ground when I use it), but it is believed to have some wonderful health benefits. Some of these are a lowering of risks for heart disease and cancer, stimulation of immune function and a host of other health benefits.
Nutmeg - This spice has probably the least known health benefits, but there are some and I like nutmeg in general. It is believed to increase blood circulation. One of the most interesting benefits is that of a stimulate of the brain. It is believed to relieve stress and stimulate mental activity.
Spices have been believed to have healing and health benefits for hundreds and thousands of years, in many cultures. And there has been some clinical and experiential trials with evidence of these possible benefits. While I cannot confirm in any controlled experimental way the benefits of these spices. I can confirm that their introduction into my diet appeared to have some health benefits as evidenced by things such as control of my diabetes, lowering of my cholesterol among other things. And the fact that it livened up my diet in the process. So, as Emeril would say, “Kick it up notch!! and spice up your diet!! Its the healthy thing to do!!
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This post was written by admin on October 30, 2008
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