The Incredible 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.

Food additives can help you to control your body weight. Most diet programs consist of bland foods, however, addition of flavorings enhances their sweetness. In addition, dihydrocapsiate in chili peppers tends to increase the fat-burning capacity enabling you to break down excessive calories.

Spicy ingredients also increase the heart function. Recent research has indicates that there is lower chance of getting heart disease and stroke among people who eat spices. Chili, for example, eliminates the harmful effects of cholesterol. Capsaicin also reduces inflammation, which is a major problem for those with heart problems.

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.

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.

They have rubefacient properties. These additives contain volatile oils, which increase the flow of blood and make the body to feel warm. These ingredients are normally used in home remedies to treat arthritis and sore muscles; they are used as wound dressings or incorporated in hot baths. Their aroma is also exploited in the perfume industry and even 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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