Herbs and Spices are Good for Your Health!
According to the International Food Information Council (IFIC), herbs and spices are good for our health! In addition to flavoring food, herbs and spices have been used historically as preservatives and now it is believed they can also preserve our health.
What is the difference between an herb and a spice? An herb comes from the leaf of a plant and is used for its aromatic properties. A spice is a seasoning that comes from other parts of the plant such as ginger root, cinnamon bark, and cumin seeds.
Diabetes is becoming rampant here in the U.S. While studies disagree on the benefits of cinnamon, some studies have shown cinnamon to improve blood cholesterol levels and possibly lower blood glucose levels. As for me, I don’t mind having a little sprinkle added to my morning coffee to enhance the taste.
My grandmother used to have all kinds of recipes for ailments. One of them was the use of ginger or more specifically ginger ale. Tummy aches? “Here, drink some ginger ale and you will feel better.” More often than not, it worked! According to the IFIC ginger has been proven to help treat nausea so for you pregnant ladies out there, keep a glass of ginger ale with you at all times!
Ginger’s main ingredient is gingerol and other medical and health benefits have been linked to its use. Studies on animals have found possible benefits in the treatment of cancer and other studies have shown ginger can reduce inflammations from arthritis.
Another spice with health benefits among its many uses is cumin. It can be used as a spice, it is a preservative, and it can also be used as a coloring in food. Health wise, it is a powerful antioxidant and today it is being looked at as a potential preventative measure for Alzheimer’s disease.
I could go on and on. Red peppers not only make food hot, they make you burn more calories and make you feel more satisfied after eating. Other spices protect against bacteria such as rosemary, oregano, thyme and others.
So, here’s to good eating! May your next meal have the right blend of herbs and spices so that it will not only taste great but you will enhance your health!
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