Originally published August 6 2005
Spices are not only for your taste buds
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
A food technologist has stated that spices do not only improve the taste of foods; they have health benefits as well.
"There have been many recent studies validating the historic habit of using spices for health benefits," says Donna Tainter, a food technologist and author of Spices and Seasonings, A Food Technology Handbook, (Wiley-Interscience, 2001).
Plus, we still don't know what would be considered an effective dose," warns Mary Ellen Camire, a professor of food science at the University of Maine.
Nonetheless, one of the clearest benefits spices provide is flavor, which allows you to use less butter, oil and other fattening extras.
Background: Cinnamon comes from the dried brown bark of the cinnamon tree.
Blood sugar control: In December 2003, a study in the journal Diabetes Care suggested that 1-6 grams of cinnamon a day significantly reduce blood-sugar levels in patients with type-2 diabetes.
Antioxidant activity: Of all the spices, cinnamon is among those with the most anti-aging, disease-fighting antioxidants, according to a Norwegian study in the Journal of Nutrition.
Nutrients: Manganese, dietary fiber and iron - all typically lacking in our diets.
Uses: Sprinkle on cappuccino, coffee or toast, or, for an interesting twist, on chicken or mix into ground meat.
Background: The capsicum family includes red and green chilies that add "heat" to all kinds of foods.
Antioxidant activity: Capsicum has beta carotene, which is beneficial to the mucous membranes, eyes and skin and wards off infection.
Two teaspoons of dried red chili peppers have 25 calories; dried cayenne pepper contains 11 calories in 2 teaspoons.
Purported health perks: It contains high concentrations of the potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory curcumin, which has been said to inhibit tumor growth and help treat rheumatoid arthritis and cystic fibrosis.
It has been shown to slow the growth of prostate cancer and prevent the activation of genes that cause cancer.
Gastrointestinal relief: Certain properties in ginger seem to ease motion sickness.
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