Spices Do Much More Than Just Flavor Food
All spices add flavor to our foods. However here is a list of spices that are particularly abundant in health benefits. Adding them to the foods you prepare and eat will help reduce free radical damage and combat the aging process.
Cinnamon – Cinnamon has insulin-like qualities. Studies have shown that just 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon a day can help lower the risk of metabolic syndrome – high blood cholesterol, triglyceride and glucose levels – by up to 30 percent.
Cinnamon is anti-microbial and can stop the growth of bacteria, fungi and yeast. Cinnamon has anti-clotting and anti-inflammatory properties. Cinnamon also boosts brain function.
Ginger – Ginger has been shown to significantly aid with nausea, vomiting, and morning sickness. It also helps to prevent motion sickness. It is a powerful antioxidant, and is thought to relax blood vessels, stimulate blood flow and relieve pain. It is a common digestive aid.
Oregano – Thymol and carvacrol are two of oregano’s potent antibacterial properties. Oregano works in the intestinal tract to kill unfriendly bacteria without damage to the friendly bacteria. It has 4 times the antioxidant activity of blueberries.
Rosemary – In winter put a rosemary bush inside the house to be a natural air cleaner and freshener. Rosemary stops gene mutations that could lead to cancer.
Turmeric – This Indian spice is one of nature’s most powerful healers. It acts as effectively as drugs like hydrocortisone, phenylbutazone and Motrin. It is helpful with inflammatory bowel diseases, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, cystic fibrosis, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
Garlic – Garlic destroys cancer cells and may disrupt the metabolism of tumor cells. Studies show that two cloves of garlic weekly provide cancer-protective benefits.
Garlic appears to protect the heart as well. Garlic is commonly known as preventative and treatment for the common cold.
Sage – Sage may fight rheumatoid arthritis, bronchial asthma and atherosclerosis. It appears to promote better brain function.
Red chili peppers – These peppers contain capsaicin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound that helps relieve pain.
Coriander – This herb is effective against swelling, high cholesterol levels, diarrhea, mouth ulcers, anemia, digestion, menstrual disorders, conjunctivitis, and skin disorders.
Parsley – Parsley is a cancer fighter. Animal studies have shown that parsley inhibits tumor formation, particularly in the lungs.
