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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

The volatile oils in different flavorings may act as rubefacient. This increases the blood flow and improves circulation making the skin to feel warmer. They are usually used as home remedies for sore muscles and arthritis, as they can function as poultice or used in hot baths. In addition, spices are also useful in aromatherapy and are used as additives in deodorants for the perfume industry.

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.

Historically, people believed that flavorings are harmful to the body. Therefore, most people do not know the immense health benefits of spices. However, these food additives contain lots of phytonutrients, antioxidants, essential oils, vitamins, and minerals, which are crucial for our wellness.




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