Using Healthy Spices For Wellness

By Camille Nicholson


For a growing number of people in today's world, turning to the spice cabinet is preferred over opening the medicine cabinet. These natural and flavorful ingredients add excitement to your cooking. What you may not realize is that the healthy spices also improve heart health, reduce inflammation and even fight the ravages of cancer. Here are a few of the natural ingredients that will enhance health.

Cinnamon has a sweet and aromatic smell and is known for its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants can be effective against Parkinson's, diabetes, Alzheimers and cancer. Reducing blood sugar levels helps insulin to be more powerful and is a weapon against cardiovascular problems. It is important to be sure that the spice is actually cinnamon rather than the more common cassia.

Another Alzheimer's fighter is sage. The aromatic spice blocks the formation of an enzyme known as acetylcholinesterase. When the level of the enzyme is controlled, cognition is improved. Sage is also known for its ability to improve digestion. Including culinary levels of sage in the diet may help with symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes. It does so by behaving in a similar manner as the hormone estrogen.

Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric. This substance is another strong antioxidant. It has been used in research studies for its ability to limit the development of amyloid plaque and the growth of cancer cells. Turmeric regulates insulin levels and triglycerides which boosts heart health and protects the entire cardiovascular system. In many ways, the spice acts like a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. It eliminates the side effects associated with the drugs. Turmeric is believed to be effective against multiple sclerosis and similar autoimmune disorders.

The volatile oil thymol which is found in thyme is used in several commercial products as an antimicrobial agent. This component is used for managing staph infections, fighting food poisoning and E.coli organisms. The aromatic flavor can be a benefit improving the digestive process. It is also believed to improve the appearance of your hair and the health of the scalp.

In order to prevent nausea and settle the stomach, you might want to consider using ginger. The spice is also effective in preventing the onset of gastric ulcers. Ginger is believed to reduce the onset of menstrual cramps. It relieves muscle pain and the pain of migraine headaches. Ginger is also able to fight osteoarthritis and chronic inflammatory issues.

The association of rosemary with memory has been known for centuries. In ancient Greece, studying for major examinations was accompanied by wearing rosemary in the hair. The component of rosemary called carnosic acid is effective against damage from free-radicals in the brain. The risk of Alzheimer's and stroke is thus lowered. Another component, carnosol has been linked to cancer growth inhibitors.

These spices and others as well perform a great many functions in the human body to improve health and wellness. In many cases, the healthy spices have no side effects and are fully as effective against conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, food poisoning, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's. Be sure that you check for potential problems when using the spices. You may need to limit the use of the ingredients to no more than would be used for culinary purposes.




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