Okay. It’s official. It’s the
”
Holiday Season.
”
Is it me, or does it seem to be starting earlier and earlier
each year? I saw my first
”
Christmas
”
commercial on TV on Halloween night.
Okay. It’s official. It’s the “Holiday Season.” Is it me, or does it seem to be starting earlier and earlier each year? I saw my first “Christmas” commercial on TV on Halloween night.
With the season comes lots and lots of cooking and baking. And when you cook and bake, you most likely use different seasonings and spices, right?
Well, I have news for you – if you do, than you are helping your health.
More and more research is proving that spices are not only good for your health, but can assist in the prevention of certain diseases.
Let’s begin with my favorite (and a “spice of the season”): cinnamon.
Studies have shown that about one-quarter to one tsp. of cinnamon per day can have an impact in reducing glucose (blood sugar) as well as certain types of fat and “bad” cholesterol in the blood. The active ingredient in cinnamon mimics insulin, which is produced in the pancreas, to regulate the body’s production of glucose and fat.
Furthermore, research continues on the benefits of cinnamon as an anti-bacterial and an anti-microbial.
Also among my preferred spices, and another seasonal favorite: ginger.
Ginger is proven to provide relief from an upset stomach. It’s main ingredient, known as gingerol, decreases acids in the gastrointestinal tract that can cause nausea. Even for motion sickness. Ginger has also been shown to relieve migraine and arthritis pain by blocking the substances that cause the blood vessels in the brain and the joint to become inflamed.
Moreover, gingerol is a strong anti-oxidant that has cancer-fighting qualities and may even help slow, or stop, Alzheimer’s.
And how could we leave out red chili peppers/flakes/ cayenne pepper?
The main substance in red peppers is capsaicin. This works as an effective anti-inflammatory. In fact, capsaicin is used in many topical anti-inflammatory creams. It is also a natural anti-coagulant. Thus it is helpful in preventing clotting and hardening of the arteries, which is the leading cause of heart disease. In addition, this spice helps lower cholesterol levels which, in turn, leads to a reduced risk of having a heart attack.
In some cases, cayenne pepper can increase your body’s metabolism and ability to burn fat by up to twenty-five percent.
Black pepper is another healthy addition to your diet.
Piperine, a key substance in black pepper, has been shown to increase enzyme activity and blood flow in the body. This aids in the body’s ability to absorb nutrients and enhances digestion.
A few more spices worth mentioning:
– Turmeric: can reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease, gastric, and colon cancer
– Peppermint (candy cane, anyone?): is used to treat digestive ailments, as well as tension and insomnia
– Mustard: Can be used to treat respiratory problems
– Garlic (we can‚t leave this one out, living in the Morgan Hill/Gilroy/ Hollister area): can decrease blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
So go ahead, spice it up! Not only are these spices healthy, but they are a great way to add flavor to food when you are watching your fat or sodium intake. Please note, however, that this information is not intended as a substitute for seeing your doctor if you have health concerns.
