The Immense Health Benefits Of Spices

By Helene Norris


Flavorings provide much more than just an ornate addition to most meals. Apart from enhancing the taste of food, they can also protect the body from chronic ailments such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease. Read on to know the immense health benefits of spices.

Taking spicy foods can help you to lose weight, as they tend to elevate your body metabolism. Addition of chopped jalapeno or hot sauce increases the palatability of tasteless food. This enables you to stick to your daily dieting program.

Seasonings are also important for your heart health. Research shows that people who eat spicy food have lower rates of stroke and heart attack. Chili peppers tend to decrease the damaging effects of bad cholesterol. In addition, capsaicin has the ability to combat inflammation, which has been identified as a major risk factor for most heart issues.

Seasonings are essential to the body because they are rich in minerals and vital vitamins. They contain compounds such as potassium, manganese, iron and even magnesium. Potassium is a vital element in the cell and fluids in the body. Manganese is indispensable as it functions as the co-factor for superoxide dismutase enzyme. The high concentration of Vitamin C in additives decreases the occurrence of common cold.

Spices can be used to prevent cancer. Turmeric comprises of polyphenol curcumin that tends to stop or slow down the development of cancerous cells that cause leukemia, melanoma, and cancers of the breast, pancreas, brain and prostate. Some chemical compounds in flavorings have the ability to eradicate carcinogenic cells.

Spicy contents have been proven to contain anti-clotting action hence this eases blood flow preventing coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes and other high blood pressure related diseases and complications . This is due to its prevention of platelets clogging in blood. Cinnamon, for example, lowers rate of inflammation, reduces level of blood glucose hence can be used to combat diabetes. Cardamom improves the antioxidant status of the body.

Research has established that spices are essential for brain functioning as they prevent development of degenerative brain conditions and diseases of the nervous system. For example, seasonings enhance the production of hormones such as serotonin, which controls levels of stress and depression.

The volatile oils in different flavorings may act as rubefacient. This increases the blood flow and improves circulation making the skin to feel warmer. They are usually used as home remedies for sore muscles and arthritis, as they can function as poultice or used in hot baths. In addition, spices are also useful in aromatherapy and are used as additives in deodorants for the perfume industry.

Spices can be used instead of salt to help in reducing the intake of sodium. This is important especially for individuals who have diabetes, hypertension or kidney disease. Food additives can be used as substitutes for salt and any other sodium-based seasonings.

Most individuals have been taught that food additives are harmful to their health. However, there are countless health benefits of spices. These compounds contain naturally occurring antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, essential oils and phytonutrients. These constituents are essential for the normal functioning of the human body and they enable you to reach the daily-recommended nutrient intake.




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