Health benefits of spices
There are more than 100 common spices used in cooking around the world. Spices are concentrated sources of antioxidants, but some have been studied more for their healing properties than others. There is no need to go on an extensive quest for spices, some of the best spices can be found in the local market.
Cinnamon to lower blood sugar
This popular spice comes from the bark of the cinnamon tree. Cinnamon is especially great for people with high blood sugar. It gives food a sweet taste without adding sugar, and studies show that it can lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Cinnamon may also provide heart health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This is especially important for people with diabetes who are at higher risk for heart disease. Cinnamon is not a substitute for diabetes medication or a carbohydrate-controlled diet, but it can be a useful addition to a healthy lifestyle.
Turmeric to fight infections
Turmeric is best known for its use in Indian curries and has become a modern superfood for its ability to reduce inflammation. One of the components of turmeric is a substance called curcumin. Research suggests that it may reduce inflammation in the brain, which has been linked to Alzheimer's disease and depression. In a study of adults over 50, those who took curcumin supplements over an 18-month period had improvements in memory test scores. They also reported that they are in better spirits. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin is also effective in reducing pain and swelling in people with arthritis.
Ginger to relieve nausea
Ginger is a tropical plant that has been used in Asian cultures for thousands of years to treat stomach upsets, diarrhea, and nausea. Research has found ginger to be effective in quelling pregnancy-related nausea and reducing stomach upset after surgery. Some studies have also found that ginger relieves the severity of motion sickness or prevents symptoms altogether. It may also help with nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy when taken with anti-nausea medications.
Garlic to boost heart health
Most of us are familiar with garlic, the strong-smelling bulb often used in cooking. But what you may not know is that eating garlic may protect your heart from changes that lead to heart disease. As you age, it's normal to develop some hardening of the arteries, which occurs when fatty deposits made of cholesterol and other substances build up within the walls of your arteries. Factors such as smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol can make it worse. As the buildup increases over time, the arteries narrow. This can make you vulnerable to heart attacks and strokes. Researchers have linked garlic consumption to maintaining the elasticity of blood vessels, especially in women. Additionally, studies show that eating garlic may reduce cholesterol and triglycerides. Garlic is a staple of the Mediterranean diet, an eating style often recommended by cardiologists.
Chili pepper
It contains a substance called capsaicin. Capsaicin reduces the number of pain signals sent to the brain, and works on pain caused by arthritis and nerve damage associated with diabetes. You can apply capsaicin creams directly to joints and muscles. Although people often associate spicy foods with an upset stomach, capsaicin helps reduce ulcers by restricting the growth of ulcer-causing bacteria (Helicobacter pylori), which reduces excess stomach acid and increases blood flow.
