Some Key Health Benefits Of Spices

By Helene Norris

There are many Health benefits of spices. Most people, however, just use them as food additives without considering their values. Food seasonings have been used for many generations from as early as early civilization. Many of the organic and herbal ingredients have advantages, not only to the body, but also to the mind and spirit. Below follows a discussing of some common uses and benefits.

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.

Several flavorings have the ability to maintain a robust and healthy heart. Turmeric and ginger can be used as treatment and preventive agents for heart diseases. These additives can fight coronary infections and counteract disorders such as cystic fibrosis, lung diseases and muscle injuries.

Most seasonings contain a great amount of minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron and manganese. Potassium is an essential component of body fluids and the cell. Manganese acts as a co-factor for superoxide dismutase, which is an antioxidant enzyme.

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.

Flavorings may prevent diabetes and high blood pressure. The contents of spices have been proven to have anti-clotting action, thus preventing platelets clogging in the blood vessels. This eases the flow of blood, thus, preventing coronary artery disease and even stroke. Cardamom improves the antioxidant status of the body. Cinnamon can be used to combat diabetes, lower rate of inflammation and reduce blood glucose levels especially for diabetics.

Spicy dishes increase the synthesis of feel-good hormones, for example, serotonin. Therefore, these compounds tend to ease stress and depression. Research has also shown that additives are essential for the functions of the brain. This is because they prevent development of nervous system diseases and degenerative brain conditions.

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.

Spices can be used as substitutes of sodium-based seasonings such as salt. This enables people to cut-down the consumption of sodium. This is an essential consideration particularly for individuals with life threatening conditions like diabetes, hypertension or kidney disease.

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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