Amy MariettaHow Kitchen Spices Can Give Good Health
Herbs and spices form an essential part of our food. While we all know that spices, such as turmeric and black pepper, can enhance flavors, we don’t realize that they boost our health in many ways too. Recognizing the benefits of common spices such as organic turmeric becomes all the more essential in the wake of growing incidences of metabolic diseases and age-related degenerative disorders, say experts at Abe’s Organics, leading manufacturers of turmeric pills and capsules.
Apart from enhancing the flavor, aroma and color of food and beverages, many spices offer protection from acute and chronic diseases. An article on PubMed states that there is ample evidence to show that spices and herbs possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumorigenic and anti-carcinogenic, glucose and cholesterol lowering properties. Research has also shown that the bioactive constituents of several herbs and spices, like organic turmeric powder, contain alkaloids, vitamins, flavonoids and polyphenols, all of which have great health benefits.
Popular Spices and Their Benefits
Look out for these spices in your kitchen and use them to enhance not just flavor but also the health quotient of your food:
- Cinnamon: Sprinkle it on yogurt, custards or stews to lower blood sugar levels. Sourced from the bark of the cinnamon tree, this spice is sweet but low on calories. It can be used to make any food item delicious and healthy for people with diabetes and Those with high blood cholesterol levels.
- Turmeric: Turmeric is fast emerging as a superfood, especially for fighting the common cold and cough and reducing inflammation. A major component of turmeric is Curcumin, which is highly useful for reducing inflammation in the brain and thus recommended for patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and depression. It is best to use organic turmeric powder or raw turmeric to get maximum benefits. You can also try Curcumin supplements and turmeric pills for maximum benefits.
- Ginger: An excellent aromatic, ginger aids in digestion and treating nausea. It is also often used for pain management. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger can be added to any food item or even eaten raw.
- Garlic: This superfood protects you against heart disease. Garlic not only keeps the blood vessels flexible but also aids in reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood.
- Black Pepper: Deemed as the king of spices, black pepper is commonly found on our dining tables. High in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, black pepper plays a key role in boosting overall health.
Combination of Spices
Apart from the benefits offered by individual spices, several combinations are recommended to achieve greater health benefits. We can use a mixture of ginger, cinnamon and sesame oil to reduce pain and stiffness. Similarly, a mixture of black pepper and turmeric enhances the absorption of curcumin in the bloodstream, which in turn magnifies the benefits derived. The easiest way to consume these useful spices is by choosing an all-natural curcumin supplement or organic turmeric powder.