I've written about a few spices and their health benefits individually but after reading through a new blog I'm following (HealthSetter), I liked their short but informative list. Let's take a comprehensive look in hopes that with more information on spices all in one place you can pick and choose your medicine or combine multiple in one dish. Spice up your life for health (and taste)!!
Cardamom - A member of the ginger family, cardamom is an ancient spice, native to India. It is used worldwide in desserts, vegetables, curries and pilaf rice dishes. These aromatic seeds contain an oil that helps to stimulate digestion and relieve flatulence. To help relieve indigestion, get your mixology on for a shot or cocktail of this potent sweet stuff... a handful of crushed seeds in a half cup of water with some ginger root. Bring to a simmer, then add a little warm milk and honey.
Chili Peppers - Capsacin is the ingredient in spicy peppers that has numerous medical benefits including pain relief, heart health, fighting prostate cancer, and stopping ulcers. The spicier the pepper the higher amount of Capsaicin you will receive to get bigger benefits.
Cinnamon & Cloves - Cinnamon has long been a cozy, warming staple spice (especially in holiday baked goods). But put it in oatmeal, peanut butter, hummus, yogurt and fruit, coffee, or make cinnamon-sugar toast. Why? Because Cinnamon has health boosting compounds including eugenol, which is used to relieve pain and cinnamaldehyde which has sedative properties. It is also useful for improving the circulation and has anti-inflammatory and blood thinning properties. Research shows that it may also help to lower blood sugar levels and so may be useful in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Cumin - Cumin dates back to Old Testament times, originating in the Mediterranean but now grown in India, China, Indonesia and Japan. It is a member of the carrot family and looks and smells like caraway seed. It is traditionally used in Asian and Middle Eastern cooking for curries, chillis, stews and breads. It is a good source of iron and manganese and is thought to help digestion and bloating.
Tumeric & Ginger - Brightly-colored turmeric comes from the same family of spices as ginger — both contain antioxidants and so can help protect against disease. They help calm spasms and reduce flatulence in the digestive system. It is an excellent treatment for nausea associated with travel sickness, pregnancy and hangovers. Ginger tea can be made by adding a few slices to hot water. Try chewing on a little piece of the root to help with digestive problems. Try turmeric in curry dishes with added black pepper (the tabletop staple is believed to help the body absorb turmeric for maximum effect). *Click HERE for my entire focus on turmeric a few weeks ago*
Cumin - Cumin dates back to Old Testament times, originating in the Mediterranean but now grown in India, China, Indonesia and Japan. It is a member of the carrot family and looks and smells like caraway seed. It is traditionally used in Asian and Middle Eastern cooking for curries, chillis, stews and breads. It is a good source of iron and manganese and is thought to help digestion and bloating.
Tumeric & Ginger - Brightly-colored turmeric comes from the same family of spices as ginger — both contain antioxidants and so can help protect against disease. They help calm spasms and reduce flatulence in the digestive system. It is an excellent treatment for nausea associated with travel sickness, pregnancy and hangovers. Ginger tea can be made by adding a few slices to hot water. Try chewing on a little piece of the root to help with digestive problems. Try turmeric in curry dishes with added black pepper (the tabletop staple is believed to help the body absorb turmeric for maximum effect). *Click HERE for my entire focus on turmeric a few weeks ago*
Parsley - In addition to fighting bad breath, the herb is believed to help pass kidney stones, battle deafness, and prevent buildup in the arteries.
Oregano - A major source of thymol and carvacol — two antibacterial agents that fight off infection — and has quadruple the antioxidants of blueberries. Use it fresh or dried and get the same effects.
Garlic - Love garlic or hate it, you can’t deny that it’s good for you: As a staple of natural remedies and traditional medicine, garlic has anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antiviral effects, and some studies show that it can stop blood clots from forming in your arteries.
Garlic - Love garlic or hate it, you can’t deny that it’s good for you: As a staple of natural remedies and traditional medicine, garlic has anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antiviral effects, and some studies show that it can stop blood clots from forming in your arteries.
Thyme - The herb’s oil is antiseptic and antibacterial, and recent studies show thyme can kill MRSA infections, which are resistant to other antibiotics.
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