The Best Spices for Optimum Health
These Common Kitchen Spices Can Help You Stay Healthy
Spices have been used for centuries for their healing qualities as much as add flavor to food. Those common spices in your kitchen cabinet have unusual qualities that, if used more, can help maintain health and longevity. While fresh spices are preferred, those dired and crushed spices will have exceptional benefits.
So the next time you season your next meal, think about the healthy goodness in every sprinkle.
Cayenne Pepper:
It's the capsaicin that gives cayenne its heat. and that bite on the tongue. It's a powerful and natural stimulant that helps improve circulation, particularly to the extremities of the body that are often desensitized by the effects of diabetes. An added benefit is in its ability to stop a heart attack within 30 seconds when administered quickly enough. It's an excellent digestive aid as it helps create the hydrochloric acid necessary for the breakdown of food in the stomach.
Cinnamon:
The anti-inflammatory compounds in cinnamon helps alleviate pain, soreness and menstrual discomfort. Recent discoveries show that cinnamon helps improve the cells ability to take in glucose and lower blood sugar in diabetics. It also lowers triglycerides and LDL or the bad cholesterol. While the store bought variety does help, the best way to take cinnamon is as a liquid extract you can find in your local health food store.
Garlic:
It's the one herb that has been studied more than any other spices. And the benefits are just as impressive. One of the oldest medicines known to man, garlic helps to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides. It lowers blood pressure and decreases the risk of stomach and colon cancers. It's an effective antiseptic and a better alternative to thin the blood without the side effects of intestinal bleeding and stomach upsets that are common with Aspirin. Garlic also makes for a good decongestant.
Ginger:
It's loaded with antioxidant power that can slow down the aging process caused by damage from free radicals. It helps boost the immune system and its antimicrobial components help fight viruses. It helps soothe an upset stomach and subdues nausea.
Ginseng:
One of the world's oldest herbs, it's an adaptogen that improves several body functions. Ginseng helps to both lower and raise blood pressure as is needed. Just 3 grams before a meal helps reduce after-meal blood sugar in type 2 diabetics. American ginseng helps to stimulate the production of insulin by the beta cells of the pancreas which helps to normalize blood sugar levels for diabetics. It was often used by native Americans. Korean ginseng helps increase insulin sensitivity so the body's cells can better absorb glucose. Korean ginseng has also been shown to improve sexual functioning.
Oregano:
It has 42 times more antioxidant power than apples and 12 times more than oranges. Rosmarinic acid, a compound in oregano, is a strong cancer fighter. The anti-inflammatory properties of this herb helps support joint function and alleviate the pain of arthritis. It's a good source of calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc most of which are lacking in many American diets.
Turmeric:
It belongs to the ginger family and was often used in India to treat arthritis because of its ability to lower inflammation. Curcumin, a component in turmeric, also has several uses. Circumin is what turns most Indian dishes yellow. Some evidence indicates that turmeric can help to prevent cancerous tumors. The best use for turmeric is in rice dishes and for eggs.
These are just some of the better known herbs that can help you realize a healthier lifestyle. Many of them are easy to grow right at home and easily incorporated in most every food. With a little knowledge of how to use them, you will not only add zest to your food but do your health good.
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