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.

Most spices have been associated with the prevention of cancer. Turmeric found in curry powder and some mustards polyphenol curcuma. This chemical compound slows down or halts the development of tumors and the spread of melanoma. On the other hand, capsaicin has the potential to completely destroy some leukemia and cancerous 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.

Flavorings contain volatile oils that can be used as rubefacient. This improves the circulation and flow of blood in vessels enabling the body to keep warm. Such flavorings can also function as cataplasm hence used as home remedies in hot baths for sore muscles and arthritis. Spices can be used in manufacture of deodorants as additives and in aromatherapy.

They can be used to substitute salt in food intakes. This helps reduce the amount of sodium consumed. This use is beneficial for individuals suffering from hypertension, diabetes or kidney disease. Too much salt is not good for the body and heavy consumers can use spices as an alternative.

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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