Exotic Wonderful Spices to Help Boost Your Health
Modern science is beginning to uncover the ultimate power of spices and herbs- as weapons against illnesses, from cancer to Alzheimer’s disease.
While science has yet to show that any spice cures disease, there’s compelling evidence that several of them may help manage some chronic conditions.
And of course, seasoning your dishes with spices allows you to use less of other ingredients linked with health problems, such as salt, added sugars and sources of saturated fat.
What’s not to love?
Here we’ve gathered 8 of the healthiest spices and herbs enjoyed around the world.
Sage- to preserve memory, soothe sore throats. Today’s herbalists recommend sipping sage tea for upset stomachs and sore throats. One study found that spraying sore throats with a sage solution gave effective pain relief. Whoever gave the herb the wisdom-connoting “ sage” moniker may have been onto something-preliminary research suggests the herb may improve some symptoms of early Alzheimer’s disease by preventing a key enzyme from destroying acetylcholine, a brain chemical involved in memory and learning.
Parsley – to prevent cancer
University of Missouri scientists found that this herb can actually inhibit breast cancer cell growth.
Animals that were given apigenin, a compound abundant in parsley (and in celery), boosted their resistance to developing cancerous tumours. Experts recommend adding a couple pinches of minced fresh parsley to your dishes daily.
Turmeric- to quell inflammation, inhibit tumours.
In India, turmeric paste is applied to wounds to speed up healing. People sip turmeric tea to relieve colds and respiratory problems.
Modern medicine confirms some surefire health benefits as well-most are associated with curcumin, a compound in turmeric that has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Curcumin has been shown to relieve pain of arthritis, injuries and dental procedures. It’s also being studies for its potential in managing heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.
Ginger- to soothe an upset stomach, fight arthritis pain
Traditionally used to relieve colds and stomach troubles, ginger is rich in inflammation-fighting compounds, such as gingerols, which some experts believe may hold promise in fighting some cancers and reducing arthritis pain.’
In a recent study, people who took ginger capsules daily for 11 days reported 25 % less muscle pain when they performed exercises designed to strain their muscles( compared with a similar group taking placebo capsules).
Another study found that ginger extract injections helped relieve osteoarthritis pain in the knees.
In addition, ginger’s reputation as a stomach-soother seems deserved-studies show ginger extracts can help reduce nausea caused by morning sickness or following surgery or chemotherapy, though it’s less effective for motion sickness.
Cinnamon- to stabilize blood sugar
Cinnamon was prized by King Solomon and used by the ancient Greeks and Romans to boost appetite and relieve indigestion.
A few studies suggest that adding cinnamon to food-up to a teaspoon a day usually administered in capsule form= might help people with type 2 diabetes to better control their blood sugar, by lowering post-meal blood sugar spikes. Other studies suggest the effects are limited at best.
Chilli pepper- to boost metabolism
Chilies, which create sensations of heat ranging from mild to fiery, are especially prized in hot climates since, ironically, the spice helps trigger the body’s natural cooling systems.
Studies show that capsaicin- a pungent compound in hot chilies- kick- starts the body’s metabolism and may boost fat burning, but the jury is still out in whether that translates to long-term weight loss.
Recent research found that capsinoids, similar but gentler chemicals found in milder chili hybrids, have the same effects, so even tamer sweet paprika packs a healthy punch.
Saffron- to boost your mood, relieve symptoms of PMS.
Saffron has long been used in traditional Persian medicine as a mood lifter, usually steeped into a medicinal tea or used to prepare rice.
Research from Iran’s Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital at Tehran University of Medical Sciences has found that saffron may help to relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and depression.
In one study, 75% of women with PMS who were given saffron capsules daily reported that their PMS symptoms ( such as mood swings and depression) declined by at least half, compared with only 8% of women who didn’t take saffron.
Rosemary- to enhance mental focus and fight foodborne bacteria.
In ancient Greece, scholars wore rosemary garlands to help them study, and one recent study found that people performed better on memory and alertness tests when mists of aromatic rosemary oil were piped into their study cubicles.
Rosemary is often used in marinades for meats and poultry, and there’s scientific wisdom behind that tradition: Rosmarinic acid and other antioxidant compounds in the herb fight bacteria and prevent meat from spoiling, and may even make cooked meats healthier.