Spices have been known to people since ancient times. They were worth their weight in gold, spice merchants had a special status in society and were highly respected, and the cost of spices was very high in antiquity. Today, they are available to almost everyone: you can buy them in any store or grow them yourself. To fully enjoy their properties, it is important to know how and why to use them correctly. In this article, we will talk about the features and health benefits of some herbs and spices.
Ginger helps eliminate nausea caused by morning sickness, chemotherapy, or seasickness. Ginger also has strong anti-inflammatory properties, helps relieve pain, and is high in total antioxidants. Only pomegranates and some types of berries contain more. It promotes the elimination of gastrointestinal diseases. A study on subjects at risk of developing colon cancer found that two grams of ginger extract per day reduced markers of colon inflammation in the same way as aspirin.
Some studies have shown that ginger may have anti-cancer effects. This is mainly due to the high content of antioxidants in ginger. It also slows down cell reproduction, stops cell division, and stops certain processes that contribute to the development of cancer.
Turmeric contains curcumin, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. Curcumin is an extremely powerful antioxidant that fights oxidative damage and boosts the body's own antioxidant enzymes. This is important because oxidative damage is considered to be one of the key mechanisms of aging and many diseases. Laboratory studies demonstrate that curcumin has strong anti-inflammatory effects. It corresponds to the effectiveness of some anti-inflammatory drugs.
It has been scientifically proven that it can also improve brain function, fight Alzheimer's disease, and reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.
This spice is very popular in cooking due to its special flavor. However, this spice also has many useful properties: it is a pronounced antibacterial, diuretic, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory agent. Cumin helps in solving gastrointestinal problems, freshens breath, and reduces salivation.
Cinnamon contains a compound called cinnamaldehyde, which is responsible for the medicinal properties of the spice. Cinnamon has powerful antioxidant activity, helps fight inflammation, and lowers blood cholesterol levels.
However, the main property of cinnamon is the ability to lower blood sugar. This happens through several mechanisms, including slowing down the breakdown of carbohydrates in the digestive tract and improving insulin sensitivity. Studies have shown that cinnamon can lower blood sugar levels by 10-30% in patients with diabetes. The effective dosage is usually 0.5-2 teaspoons of cinnamon per day (1-6 grams).
Peppermint has a long history of being used in traditional medicine and aromatherapy. Studies have shown that peppermint oil is an effective pain reliever for irritable bowel syndrome. It also reduces bloating, which is a common digestive symptom. There are also some studies that have found that peppermint in aromatherapy helps fight nausea. In a study of more than 1,100 pregnant women, peppermint aromatherapy helped reduce symptoms of nausea.
Herbs and spices are not only tasty but also useful additions to food. They contain a storehouse of essential nutrients that bring great benefits to the body. You will certainly benefit your body by including herbs and spices in your diet, but don't rely solely on them. All the components of a healthy lifestyle work in tandem.
