The Spice Cheat-Sheet

 There's usually a good reason for everything, like for the phrase, 'the spice of life', or for why spices used to cost a fortune in days gone by. Spices can make even the most ordinary recipe burst into life with exciting tastes, and turn an average dinner into a gourmet feast, delighting the tongue with exotic flavors from far-flung places. That's why the following spice guide is so useful, and will let you know which spices to mix with which food, so you'll be able to ascend the lofty heights of culinary delight!

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    

https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs

8 Heart-Healthy Herbs and Spices to Add to Your Diet

One of the best ways to keep your heart healthy is to follow a nutritious diet. Certain foods, such as vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains, olive oil, fish, and chicken, can decrease your risk of heart disease. Another way to boost your cardiovascular health through nutrition is to consume herbs and spices loaded with potential healing agents.

Research has shown that adding herbs and spices to your everyday diet can help protect your heart by influencing blood pressure, triglycerides, cholesterol levels, and inflammation - all of which are known risk factors of heart disease. Spices have been used in cuisines around the world for centuries to add an extra boost of flavor to the dishes. Today, we will look at some wonderful spices and herbs that benefit the heart.

1. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper has been used in both food and medicine in the past 9,000 years. It is a popular spice in Mexican, Cajun, Creole, and Asian cuisines. Cayenne is a type of chili pepper with a medium-hot spicy flavor. Cayenne pepper contains vitamin C, potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin K, and provitamin A. 

 

Research suggests that consuming cayenne pepper regularly helps improve blood vessel strength, increases circulation, and also reduces plaque buildup in your arteries. This is thanks to the presence of a compound called capsaicin. 

 

Studies have indicated that capsaicin promotes blood flow to tissues by lowering blood pressure and stirring the release of nitric oxide and other vasodilators. Vasodilators are compounds that prevent the muscles in the walls of the arteries and veins from tightening and, hence, the walls from narrowing. This, in turn, improves blood flow. 

 

How to use it: 

* Add a dash of cayenne pepper to a soup or stew. 

* Sprinkle it on your salad or eggs. 

* Add a pinch of ground cayenne pepper to homemade lemonade. 

 

2. Turmeric

Turmeric is one of the most ancient spices that originated in the Indian subcontinent. It’s commonly used in Indian dishes, such as curries, tikka masala, and tandoori chicken to enhance their flavor. 

Recent studies have shown that turmeric contains bioactive compounds with medicinal properties. As per a study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, curcumin, an active compound in turmeric, may improve exercise intolerance in patients with heart failure. The function of the left ventricle - the chamber of the heart that pumps blood out to the rest of the body - is reduced in people with heart failure. This is associated with a decreased ability to exercise. The findings of this study showed that curcumin enhanced muscle function and exercise capacity in mice with heart failure. 

Furthermore, research has also proved curcumin to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antithrombotic, and cardiovascular protective effects. 

How to use it: 

* Use it as a spice in curries, stews, and soups. 

* Toss it with roasted vegetables like cauliflower, onions, and carrots. 

* Blend it into a smoothie. 

* Add it to rice. 

* Make turmeric tea. 

* Make a refreshing glass of turmeric lemonade. 

 

3. Cinnamon 

 Cinnamon, a spice that comes from the inner bark of several species of tree from the genus Cinnamomum, has been an integral part of Asian and western cuisines for generations. 

Cinnamon is best known for its ability to help lower blood sugar because of the presence of cinnamaldehyde. A 2013 review study of 10 previous studies found that a little dose of cinnamon powder daily can decrease levels of total cholesterol, “bad” LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, a harmful type of blood fat. Cinnamaldehyde has also been shown to lower blood pressure. 

Additionally, it also has the ability to increase blood flow. A study published in the journal Pharmacognosy Research showed that cinnamon can relax blood vessels, thereby improving circulation. The improved circulation ultimately keeps your heart healthy. 

How to use it: 

 * Sprinkle it on toast and latte. 

* Add to smoothies. 

* Sprinkle it on your morning oatmeal. 

* Swallow it with a tablespoon of honey.

4. Ginger

Ginger was first cultivated in Southeast Asia, but it has become extremely popular in the West today. It is high in gingerol, a substance with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Research also shows that eating this spicy root may reduce your risk of high blood pressure. In a 2016 study published in the journal Nutrition, researchers who studied the data of more than 4,000 subjects found that people who ate more ginger had a lower chance of chronic heart disease and hypertension. The study authors recommend 2-4 grams (or about ½ teaspoon to a teaspoon) a day to prevent these heart problems. 

 

A 2018 study of 60 people with hyperlipidemia (the condition in which there are high levels of fat particles, or lipids, in the blood) found that people who consumed 5 grams of ginger powder every day showed a considerable decrease in their LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. 

 

How to use it:  

* Chop it up and add raw to salads. 

* Toss it into stir-fries after chopping. 

* Make ginger tea. It’s the perfect winter tonic. 

5. Garlic

The health benefits of garlic are many. This flowering plant has been used throughout ancient history for its medicinal properties, particularly for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. 

 

Studies have also shown that the active compounds in garlic can reduce blood pressure. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the root causes of cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke. Research suggests that high doses of garlic supplements can reduce blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. 

 

Further, a review study involving 2,300 people published in the journal Nutrition Reviews showed that garlic lowered total and LDL cholesterol in those who had high cholesterol levels by as much as 10%. Another study published in The Journal of Nutrition concluded that garlic supplements help reduce total cholesterol and thus have the potential of cardiovascular health protection. 

 

How to use it:  

* Add to soups, stews, and casseroles. 

* Press a few cloves of fresh garlic with a garlic press and mix it with olive oil. You can also sauté it in olive oil with vegetables like spinach or kale. 

* Have it raw on an empty stomach. 

* You can also take a garlic supplement and add it to your dishes. 

6. Black Pepper

Black pepper is one of the most used spices all over the world. Its sharp and mildly spicy flavor goes well with many dishes.

It is also a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory booster. More importantly, its active compound, piperine, has been shown to have the ability to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Additionally, black pepper contains more potassium than 94% of all foods - 100 grams of black pepper contains 39% of the potassium you need to consume daily. Potassium is known to regulate heart rate and high blood pressure. 

 

How to use it: 

* Sprinkle it on your salad dressings or soups to add an extra dash of flavor to them. 

* Make your breakfast flavorsome by adding a pinch of black pepper to scrambled eggs, avocado toast, or veggies. 

* Add up to 1 teaspoon of black pepper a day to your meals.

7. Cloves

Apart from also containing fiber, vitamins, and minerals, cloves are particularly rich in antioxidants. This pungent spice is native to Asian countries like Indonesia, India, Pakistan, and parts of East Africa, and it has been used in India and China for over 2,000 years to check tooth decay and counter bad breath. 

 

Also, the antioxidants in cloves help your body get rid of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable atoms that can damage cells and lead to many diseases. By getting rid of the free radicals, the antioxidants in cloves reduce your risk of heart disease, as well as diabetes and some types of cancer. Moreover, cloves are an excellent source of potassium, which can help control heart rate and blood pressure. 

 

Cloves also contain phytonutrients called eugenol and isoeugenol. Some research indicates that they have a potent anti-inflammatory effect and can be beneficial in preventing heart disease. 

 

How to use it: 

* Add a teaspoon of clove powder to your daily meals. 

* Chew it whole after every meal. 

* Add ground cloves to pumpkin pie. 

* Mix powdered clove with warm water and consume it every morning on an empty stomach. 

8. Coriander

Coriander, also known as Chinese parsley or cilantro, is a popular herb used in a variety of international dishes. Research suggests that coriander may be beneficial for your heart, as it helps lower blood pressure and LDL (bad) cholesterol while also increasing HDL (good) cholesterol. Moreover, it’s been found that the rates of heart disease tend to be lower in places where people tend to consume large amounts of coriander, along with other spices,

How to use it:  

* All parts of the coriander plant are edible. You can sprinkle the leaves over fresh salads or use them to flavor soups. 

* Use coriander in fresh tomato salsa. 

* Add the leaves to lemon juice.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement
https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs

Relieve Intestinal Gas Pain Instantly With These Remedies

Experiencing occasional bloating and flatulence is part of normal human digestion. In fact, an average adult passes gas between 13 and 21 times a day. Problems begin when the abdominal gas produced in the gut becomes trapped, which sometimes feels like a sharp stabbing pain in your belly or chest. This pain can sometimes be so severe that people mistake it for appendicitis or even a heart attack. Treating the problem as fast as possible can help relieve the pain before it becomes severe. The home remedies listed in this article can effectively relieve trapped gas pain.

Symptoms and causes of trapped wind

 

 People who experience trapped gas describe it as acute discomfort in the belly. Bloating and stomach cramps can be present too. Sometimes, trapped wind bubbles can cause a sudden sharp and stabbing pain in the abdomen and chest that can be confused with other serious health conditions, such as appendicitis, gallstones, or a heart attack. 

Trapped gas can occur for a vast variety of reasons. Certain foods, such as beans, cabbage, and bran can also make your gut bacteria produce more carbon dioxide gases in the intestinal tract, which can lead to bloating excess gas. 

People suffering from food intolerance, chronic constipation, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and other digestive issues are more likely to experience the inability to pass gas too. But even healthy people can experience trapped wind if they happen to eat too fast, smoke, chew a lot of gum, or have a stuffy nose, which makes them swallow a lot of air.

Therefore, knowing how to address the issue rather than focusing only on prevention is key when it comes to trapped intestinal gas, bloating, and constipation.

Home Remedies For Trapped Gas

We list several effective home remedies for expelling trapped wind below. Do keep in mind that different remedies work best for different people, so trying a few of these or combining them is probably the best strategy to find quick relief. 

 

1. Move Your Body and Bowels

Walking around the house, doing some light housework, playing, or taking a child or a pet for a walk all help tremendously to expel the trapped gas. Activity moves and engages the abdominal and intestinal muscles, which can help you release the gas and speed up a bowel movement, which can also encourage the gas to make its way out of the digestive system. 

 

2. Give your belly a massage 

 If moving around is difficult and painful, a gentle self-massage can help stimulate the digestive system and promote peristalsis - wave-like muscle contractions that move food and abdominal gas through the GI tract. Gently massage the tender spot or massage the entire abdominal cavity by moving your palm in counter-clockwise circles.

3. Apply heat to the area  

The sensation of warmth can be very soothing and relaxing, which can help relax you emotionally and ease the spasm of the muscles in your gut that cause the pain. You can take a warm bath, use a heating pad, or just a hot water bottle for that purpose. Make sure not to use excessive heat and wrap the heating pad or hot water bottle in a towel or blanket to protect the skin from a burn.

4. Drink herbal tea

Drinking warm herbal tea or any noncarbonated liquid can help relieve the pain for many people. The advantage of herbal teas is that they combine the warming action with medicinal properties. Mint, ginger, anise, or chamomile tea all calm the gut from the inside out, relieving bloating and hydrating your body to promote digestion. 

 

5. Explore your spice drawer 

Certain spices have been used as a natural kitchen remedy for trapped gas for millennia. Here are a few of such herbs as: 

Coriander 

Caraway 

Fennel 

Ginger 

Turmeric. 

 

Steeping these seeds in a glass of warm water and drinking the mixture can help you expel the trapped wind and reduce abdominal discomfort and pain. Fennel seeds, in particular, are an ancient solution for trapped gas. Simply chew on 1 teaspoon of the seeds to find relief. One traditional Persian remedy suggests that you mix 1 teaspoon ground fennel and cumin seeds each with ½ teaspoon of ground anise, and soaking them in 1 cup of boiling water for 15 minutes.

6. Try the knee-to-chest yoga pose

Yoga stretches are an excellent option for helping the trapped gas be expelled from the intestines. There are several yoga poses that target this specific concern. We discuss 6 of such poses in this article - 6 Yoga Stretches to Relieve Bloating. But if you’re looking for just one simple option that you can even when you’re experiencing abdominal discomfort and pain, apanasana is probably the best choice. This yoga stretch is literally translated as “wind-relieving pose” from Sanskrit. Here’s how to do it: 

 

1. Lie down on your back, legs and arms extended. 

 

2. Bend the knees and place your hands on the knees. 

 

3. Use the hands to guide your knees up and towards the chest. Your knees and chest don’t have to touch, but you should feel a gentle stretch in the back body.

 

4. Lift the head and neck off the ground and move towards your knees, engaging your core muscles. Breathe deeply and hold this pose for 20 seconds. Then return to the initial position. Repeat if necessary 2-3 times. 

 

In summary, trapped wind can be extremely uncomfortable and painful. But the good news is that it’s highly treatable using home remedies and lifestyle tweaks. If the tips we mentioned didn’t help or you’re experiencing other symptoms, make sure to consult your doctor to rule out any serious health conditions and find a treatment that works for you.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement
https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs. I'm going to add posts there, do give me your valuable feed back on my blogs. Thanks a lot, take care, be healthy and be happy.

8 Heart-Healthy Herbs and Spices to Add to Your Diet

One of the best ways to keep your heart healthy is to follow a nutritious diet. Certain foods, such as vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains, olive oil, fish, and chicken, can decrease your risk of heart disease. Another way to boost your cardiovascular health through nutrition is to consume herbs and spices loaded with potential healing agents. 

 

Research has shown that adding herbs and spices to your everyday diet can help protect your heart by influencing blood pressure, triglycerides, cholesterol levels, and inflammation - all of which are known risk factors of heart disease. Spices have been used in cuisines around the world for centuries to add an extra boost of flavor to the dishes. Today, we will look at some wonderful spices and herbs that benefit the heart.

 

1. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper has been used in both food and medicine in the past 9,000 years. It is a popular spice in Mexican, Cajun, Creole, and Asian cuisines. Cayenne is a type of chili pepper with a medium-hot spicy flavor. Cayenne pepper contains vitamin C, potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin K, and provitamin A. 

 

Research suggests that consuming cayenne pepper regularly helps improve blood vessel strength, increases circulation, and also reduces plaque buildup in your arteries. This is thanks to the presence of a compound called capsaicin. 

 

Studies have indicated that capsaicin promotes blood flow to tissues by lowering blood pressure and stirring the release of nitric oxide and other vasodilators. Vasodilators are compounds that prevent the muscles in the walls of the arteries and veins from tightening and, hence, the walls from narrowing. This, in turn, improves blood flow.  

 

How to use it: 

* Add a dash of cayenne pepper to a soup or stew. 

* Sprinkle it on your salad or eggs. 

* Add a pinch of ground cayenne pepper to homemade lemonade. 

 

2. Turmeric 

Turmeric is one of the most ancient spices that originated in the Indian subcontinent. It’s commonly used in Indian dishes, such as curries, tikka masala, and tandoori chicken to enhance their flavor. 

 

Recent studies have shown that turmeric contains bioactive compounds with medicinal properties. As per a study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, curcumin, an active compound in turmeric, may improve exercise intolerance in patients with heart failure. The function of the left ventricle - the chamber of the heart that pumps blood out to the rest of the body - is reduced in people with heart failure. This is associated with a decreased ability to exercise. The findings of this study showed that curcumin enhanced muscle function and exercise capacity in mice with heart failure. 

 

Furthermore, research has also proved curcumin to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antithrombotic, and cardiovascular protective effects. 

 

How to use it: 

* Use it as a spice in curries, stews, and soups. 

* Toss it with roasted vegetables like cauliflower, onions, and carrots. 

* Blend it into a smoothie. 

* Add it to rice. 

* Make turmeric tea. 

* Make a refreshing glass of turmeric lemonade. 

 

3. Cinnamon 

Cinnamon, a spice that comes from the inner bark of several species of tree from the genus Cinnamomum, has been an integral part of Asian and western cuisines for generations. 

 

Cinnamon is best known for its ability to help lower blood sugar because of the presence of cinnamaldehyde. A 2013 review study of 10 previous studies found that a little dose of cinnamon powder daily can decrease levels of total cholesterol, “bad” LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, a harmful type of blood fat. Cinnamaldehyde has also been shown to lower blood pressure. 

 

Additionally, it also has the ability to increase blood flow. A study published in the journal Pharmacognosy Research showed that cinnamon can relax blood vessels, thereby improving circulation. The improved circulation ultimately keeps your heart healthy. 

 

How to use it: 

* Sprinkle it on toast and latte. 

* Add to smoothies. 

* Sprinkle it on your morning oatmeal. 

* Swallow it with a tablespoon of honey. 

 

4. Ginger

Ginger was first cultivated in Southeast Asia, but it has become extremely popular in the West today. It is high in gingerol, a substance with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Research also shows that eating this spicy root may reduce your risk of high blood pressure. In a 2016 study published in the journal Nutrition, researchers who studied the data of more than 4,000 subjects found that people who ate more ginger had a lower chance of chronic heart disease and hypertension. The study authors recommend 2-4 grams (or about ½ teaspoon to a teaspoon) a day to prevent these heart problems. 

 

A 2018 study of 60 people with hyperlipidemia (the condition in which there are high levels of fat particles, or lipids, in the blood) found that people who consumed 5 grams of ginger powder every day showed a considerable decrease in their LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.  

 

How to use it: 

* Chop it up and add raw to salads. * Toss it into stir-fries after chopping. 

* Make ginger tea. It’s the perfect winter tonic.

 

5. Garlic

The health benefits of garlic are many. This flowering plant has been used throughout ancient history for its medicinal properties, particularly for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. 

 

Studies have also shown that the active compounds in garlic can reduce blood pressure. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the root causes of cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke. Research suggests that high doses of garlic supplements can reduce blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. 

 

Further, a review study involving 2,300 people published in the journal Nutrition Reviews showed that garlic lowered total and LDL cholesterol in those who had high cholesterol levels by as much as 10%. Another study published in The Journal of Nutrition concluded that garlic supplements help reduce total cholesterol and thus have the potential of cardiovascular health protection.  

 

How to use it: 

* Add to soups, stews, and casseroles. 

* Press a few cloves of fresh garlic with a garlic press and mix it with olive oil. You can also sauté it in olive oil with vegetables like spinach or kale. 

* Have it raw on an empty stomach. 

* You can also take a garlic supplement and add it to your dishes.  

 

6. Black Pepper

Black pepper is one of the most used spices all over the world. Its sharp and mildly spicy flavor goes well with many dishes. 

 

It is also a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory booster. More importantly, its active compound, piperine, has been shown to have the ability to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Additionally, black pepper contains more potassium than 94% of all foods - 100 grams of black pepper contains 39% of the potassium you need to consume daily. Potassium is known to regulate heart rate and high blood pressure.

 

How to use it: 

* Sprinkle it on your salad dressings or soups to add an extra dash of flavor to them. 

* Make your breakfast flavorsome by adding a pinch of black pepper to scrambled eggs, avocado toast, or veggies. 

* Add up to 1 teaspoon of black pepper a day to your meals.

7. Cloves

Apart from also containing fiber, vitamins, and minerals, cloves are particularly rich in antioxidants. This pungent spice is native to Asian countries like Indonesia, India, Pakistan, and parts of East Africa, and it has been used in India and China for over 2,000 years to check tooth decay and counter bad breath. 

 

Also, the antioxidants in cloves help your body get rid of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable atoms that can damage cells and lead to many diseases. By getting rid of the free radicals, the antioxidants in cloves reduce your risk of heart disease, as well as diabetes and some types of cancer. Moreover, cloves are an excellent source of potassium, which can help control heart rate and blood pressure. 

 

Cloves also contain phytonutrients called eugenol and isoeugenol. Some research indicates that they have a potent anti-inflammatory effect and can be beneficial in preventing heart disease. 

 

How to use it: 

* Add a teaspoon of clove powder to your daily meals. 

* Chew it whole after every meal. 

* Add ground cloves to pumpkin pie. 

* Mix powdered clove with warm water and consume it every morning on an empty stomach. 

 

8. Coriander 

Coriander, also known as Chinese parsley or cilantro, is a popular herb used in a variety of international dishes. Research suggests that coriander may be beneficial for your heart, as it helps lower blood pressure and LDL (bad) cholesterol while also increasing HDL (good) cholesterol. Moreover, it’s been found that the rates of heart disease tend to be lower in places where people tend to consume large amounts of coriander, along with other spices.

 

How to use it: 

* All parts of the coriander plant are edible. You can sprinkle the leaves over fresh salads or use them to flavor soups. 

 * Use coriander in fresh tomato salsa. 

* Add the leaves to lemon juice.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement