Introduction

Well before spices were used in culinary use, our ancestors were aware of the beneficial and medicinal properties of the spices abundant in nature. Almost every house boasts of grandmother’s home remedies for common ailments that consist of a mixture of herbs and spices. Matthew Davies explores the health benefits of some of the most popular spices.

 

The Benefits

 

1. Turmeric - Turmeric is the spice that adds the yellow color to the food. Known for its medicinal properties, it contains several compounds most important of which is curcumin. It has a strong anti-inflammatory effect. If taken in accurate dosage and manner, it can be used as a substitute for anti-inflammatory drugs. It is also a powerful antioxidant boosting the body’s own antioxidant enzymes and can control and repair any oxidative damage.

 

Regular intake of turmeric keeps diseases at bay. It also improves our brain function, fights Alzheimer’s disease, and reduces the risk of heart disease and cancer. Known for the strengthening of bones, turmeric also gives relief in arthritis.

 

2. Cinnamon - Particularly effective in lowering the blood sugar levels, cinnamon has numerous other health benefits. It helps in the breaking down of carbs while digesting food, improving insulin sensitivity as a result. Used in mostly all major kinds of recipes, cinnamon’s medicinal properties are attributed to its compound called cinnamaldehyde. It is also effective in lowering cholesterol and triglycerides present in the blood. The blood sugar in patients with high blood sugar can be controlled by taking a dosage of one to six grams of cinnamon as your daily intake.

 

3. Ginger - Yet another popular spice with medicinal properties is ginger. Any sort of nausea, either arising from morning sickness, chemotherapy, or sea sickness can be effectively treated with ginger. Having strong anti-inflammatory properties, it is effective in reducing pain and colon inflammation in case of colon cancer. It has a similar effect on various treatments as aspirin or ibuprofen.

 

4. Garlic - The strong-smelling bulb frequently used in most dishes as a flavor enhancer is a favorite among our ancestors for its medicinal properties. Known for its effectiveness in keeping the blood vessels flexible, garlic comes as a boon for heart patients. It lowers cholesterol and triglycerides level in the blood.

 

5. Cayenne - A type of chili pepper mostly used in American, Mexican or Cajun dishes; it contains a substance called capsaicin. Besides making the food spicy, people seek it for pain relief. It reduces the number of pain signals sent to your brain and reduces the sensation of pain. This spice is most beneficial for patients suffering from arthritis and nerve-related damage. It is also known to reduce the ulcer-causing bacteria in the stomach.

 

Conclusion

According to Matthew Davies, the benefits of spices can be obtained by using them regularly in your daily cooking. But its effectiveness gets reduced when it is used in frying or grilling. The best way to maximize the benefits of the spices is to use it in microwave cooking, simmering, or stewing food. These methods increase the antioxidant level in spices.