Health Benefits of Spices and Herbs

[Chad]

Health Benefits of Spices and Herbs

by Jill Fleming, MS, RD (7 August 2004)


Spices and herbs have been used by our ancestors for centuries for their medicinal qualities as well as for their culinary enhancements. Researchers continue to study the healing properties that can be offered by these natural remedies.

Questions you may have include:

• What are some of the medicinal qualities of spices?
• How are they used to heal?
• What are some good spices to use?

Here are a few of my favorite spices with their benefits:

Cayenne pepper and Tabasco sauce
Cayenne pepper and Tabasco sauce can increase metabolism and fat-burning ability by up to 25%.

Ginger
Ginger speeds metabolic rate, plus it inhibits nausea and vomiting often caused by morning sickness or motion sickness.

Peppermint
Peppermint is used to treat gastric and digestive disorders, as well as tension and insomnia.

Mustard
Mustard is a stimulant that can be used to relieve respiratory complaints.

Horseradish
Horseradish is a relative of the mustard family that acts as a digestive stimulant.

Cinnamon
Cinnamon is often used as an antidote for diarrhea and stomach upset as well as a metabolism booster.

Allspice
Allspice is an aromatic stimulant that helps to relieve indigestion and gas.

Garlic
Regular consumption of garlic can decrease blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It also aids digestion and prevents flatulence. Recent research shows garlic to be beneficial in the treatment of diabetes.

Turmeric
Turmeric is an antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and therefore protects against cancer.

Summary

Use these spices to spice up your health.

 

[rizen1]

To add to you list...abcnews.

Oregano. This staple of Italian cooking has the highest antioxidant level of the 39 different types of spices. "Oregano also may be beneficial against several cancers, including breast cancer and ovarian cancer," Gernand said.

Rosemary. Often used to liven up sauces and chicken dishes, rosemary may be good for eye health. "Rosemary, in some studies, has shown that it may help fight cataracts," Gernand said.

Sage. Regular dashes of this savory space may give your memory a boost.

Thyme. It may help get coughing spells under control

Fennel can prevent gas, heartburn, and upset stomach.

Exercise Caution
If you have a history of heartburn, exercise caution when using some of these remedies. The hotter, spicier herbs, such as cinnamon and ginger, have been known to cause heartburn in certain susceptible individuals. Also, nutmeg can be a hallucinogen when used in excessive quantities.

from Healthy Cooking with Spices
Nutritional Benefits...Lynn Smythe