According to historical documents, ancient civilizations used spices and herbs not only for food but also for medicinal purposes. Spices and herbs were also used as a way to mask unpleasant tastes and odors of food, and later, to keep food fresh. When people discovered leaves, seeds, roots or gums with pleasant taste and attractive smell, they gradually added all to their eating habits. Healthy spices played very important role in ancient life.
Healthy spices were also pretty important products for exchange and trade. During second voyage of Christopher Columbus in 1493, his friend physician Diego Chanca discovered several spices which were later used in Spanish cuisine.
Healthy spices are loaded with nutrients, antioxidants and important minerals that are essential for overall wellness. Nowadays still healthy spices play an important role in cooking, health protection, prevention of diseases and even in natural treatment of several diseases.
Healthy spices – cinnamon
Cinnamon has huge potential health benefits and according to historians, in ancient civilization cinnamon was more valuable than gold. Cinnamon has antiseptic properties which can fight bacteria, improve cholesterol levels, regulate sugar concentrations, support weight loss, boost metabolism and strengthen immune system. Cinnamon health benefits include the following:
- Providing anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties – preventing possible food poisoning and treating some infections (starting from lung inflammation and ending with common cold).
- Keeping under control the type 2 diabetes – by reducing insulin resistance (increasing insulin sensitivity in the body) and by decreasing blood pressure; by removing sugar from muscle cells into bloodstream.
- Reducing levels of so called “bad cholesterol” (LDL) and raising levels of “good cholesterol” (HDL).
- Treating Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases by managing disturbing symptoms.
“Cinnamon has been shown to help neurons and improve motor function in those suffering from Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s”
Becky Farley, PhD, MS, PT, CEO and Founder, PWR
- Providing anticancer properties – slowing down the growth of cancer cells and inducing apoptosis (“cancer cells suicide”).
- Providing anti-inflammatory properties – preventing and curing isolated specific and systemic inflammation.
Healthy spices
Healthy spices – turmeric
Turmeric (curcuma longa) is a very common herb. Turmeric contains a wide range of antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin is the most important element of turmeric which provides several health benefits:
- Strong anticancer properties – help inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce apoptosis.
- Treating both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis – by relieving from the moderate to mild joint pains as well as joint inflammation.
- Controlling diabetes – by helping to moderate insulin levels, by reducing insulin resistance, by improving glucose control and by increasing the effectiveness of medications.
- Reducing increased levels of cholesterol and maintaining the proper cholesterol levels.
- Boosting immune system – by providing “lipopolysaccharide”.
- Healing wounds, treating psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions – by providing antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
- Improving digestion – by stimulating the gallbladder and providing the anti-inflammation agents.
- Providing natural liver detoxification – by increasing production of vital enzymes which break down and reduce toxins in the body.
Healthy spices – saffron
Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, commonly known as the “saffron crocus”. It is a small, bulbous, perennial spice – member of the lily family. Saffron is a valuable culinary ingredient which can provide several health benefits:
- Protecting against cancer – by triggering apoptosis of cancerous cells, by inhibiting human malignant cells
- Promoting learning abilities and memory retention – by slowing down aging processes.
- Stimulating hormones during puberty (especially during delayed puberty) and during decreased libido.
- Treating cold and fever – by providing anti-inflammation properties.
Healthy spices – cardamon
Cardamom is originated in India, Nepal and Bhutan. Cardamom is found in the form of a small pod with black seeds inside. Both the seeds and the pod give a pleasant aroma and flavor. Cardamon health benefits cannot be underestimated:
- Providing anticancer properties (especially during colorectal cancer).
- Supporting cardiovascular health – by controlling heartbeats, rhythm and blood pressure.
- Controlling cholesterol – by using cardamom antioxidant enzymes.
- Providing anti depression effect – by using cardamom essential oils for aromatherapy.
- Treating urinary tract diseases and infections (cystitis, nephritis, gonorrhea).
- Protecting from gastrointestinal diseases – by controlling acidity, flatulence and stomach cramps.
- Providing anti-infection properties – cardamom oils are able inhibit the growth and spread of some dangerous microbes that regularly cause food poisoning.
- Controlling measure for muscle spasms by providing anti spasmodic properties.
Healthy spices – cumin
Cumin is an annual herb with yellow-brown seeds native to China, Mexico, India and the Mediterranean. Cumin can prevent gas, reduce muscle spasms, clear jaundice, stop diarrhea, strengthen bones, lower blood sugar and reduce seizures. Here are some important cumin health benefits:
- It is a source of iron – key element for healthy immune system, body energy and metabolism maintaining.
- Preventing and treating cold, fever and sore throat – by using its anti-infection properties.
- Supporting digestion and relieving constipation – by helping in proper digestion, by absorbing nutrients and using its fiber against constipation.
- May prevent cancer thanks to cumin anti-carcinogenic properties.
- Promoting healthy skin by using its essential oils and vitamins (C and E).
Healthy spices – mustard
Mustard seeds are well known and used in India. Mustard’s health benefits include the following:
- Protecting from gastrointestinal cancer – by restricting the growth of cancer cells and preventing the formation of new tumors (thanks to phytonutrients).
- Ease asthma symptoms – by providing anti inflammatory property (selenium and magnesium).
- Providing anti-aging effects – by providing antioxidants (flavonoids, caretonoids, vitamins).
- Stimulating hair growth – by providing essential natural oils.
