Spices Add a Pinch of Health Benefits

Do you love spicy foods?  If so, you may be getting more than just flavor from your favorite spices!  It turns out that a pinch of this and a dash of that not only adds flavor in foods, but also adds tons of health benefits.  We all now know that dark colored fruits like blueberries and pomegranates are high in antioxidants (cancer fighting agents), but some spices rank really high on the list as well.  Let’s take a look at some posular spices and their health benefits:

One teaspoon of cinnamon has the disease-fighting antioxidant power of a full cup of pomegranate juice or a half-cup of blueberries. The specific kind of antioxidant compounds found in cinnamon called polyphenols have been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels and fight inflammation that can increase risk for heart disease and diabetes.

Other studies suggest that some seasonings such as cayenne pepper, chili powder and paprika may help curb hunger pangs and boost the metabolism, making it a bit easier to stick to a weight-control diet.

Ginger has long been used as a natural remedy to sooth stomach upset. Now research focusing on one of its active ingredients called gingerol suggests it may work like anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen.

Oregano has the highest antioxidant levels of the dried herbs because of its rosmarinic acid content. Used heavily in Mediterranean cuisines, oregano has antimicrobial powers that can help fight bacterial growth and may help inhibit the bacteria associated with ulcers.

Yellow curry powder is a blend of turmeric and other spices. Curcumin, the bright yellow pigment in turmeric, helps fight heart disease and may boost brain health.

Keep this healthy, helpful hints in mind the next time you are in the kitchen...no need to be conservative with the spices...go ahead and hand a pinch of the chili powder and dash of ginger to any dish!