Some Key Health Benefits Of Spices

By Helene Norris


When people think of the health benefits of spices, one thing that comes to mind is cure for diseases. However, these food additives have been used for many generations in ancient times and even in the modern world for many other advantages they add to the diet. There are many herbs and other organic seasoning products that add a lot of value to the human body. Read on to find some of these uses.

Losing weight is one of the advantages of taking spicy ingredients. They increase the metabolism, which leads to burning of more fat. Ingredients such as jalapeno and hot sauce add taste to food, hence enabling those on stick diet to stick to the 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.

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.

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 additives have the potential of preventing hypertension and diabetes. Some spices contain anti-clotting ingredients, which prevent platelets from clogging in blood vessels. This helps prevent stroke and coronary heart disease because the blood is allowed to flow efficiently. Cardamom is also known to increase anti-oxidation in the body, while cinnamon helps prevent diabetes.

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.

Spices can be used instead of salt to help in reducing the intake of sodium. This is important especially for individuals who have diabetes, hypertension or kidney disease. Food additives can be used as substitutes for salt and any other sodium-based seasonings.

Most people in history did not know the health benefits of spices. Actually, they believed that contained some potential danger. Recent studies have, however, revealed that food additives are rich in phytonutrients, essential oils, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.




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