Health Benefits of Common Spices
Keeping healthy doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With the herbs and spices we already have at home, we can make potent remedies all year round. Even though making them is easy, it’s still best to exercise caution when trying out new remedies, especially if you’re currently under medication for any severe ailment. It’s important to consult your general practitioner first. Below are some powerful spices that you can add to your daily meals for a healthier life. These spices work well on their own or you can mix them with any menu that you come up with.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a great spice that not only adds a lovely aroma to your dishes but also helps lower your blood sugar. If you have diabetes, this spice should be a staple in your kitchen cabinet. Consistently using cinnamon helps you gradually reduce your sugar intake, and your body won’t crave sweet things as much. The beauty of cinnamon is that it adds sweetness without the harmful effects of consuming too much sugar, which can lead to complications associated with diabetes. Add a sprinkle to your tea or coffee or a teaspoon to your juice or any of your favorite drinks.
Ginger
Ginger is a rhizome with a light yellow color that leaves a sharp and hot aftertaste. It’s known for its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, and its fat-burning qualities are impressive. It’s considered a “digestive fire” that helps your body produce digestive enzymes that break down nutrients quickly. Ginger is a natural and effective treatment for many everyday ailments, such as body pains, the common cold, aching joints, and nausea. Incorporating it into your daily routine can also help reduce high cholesterol levels. To improve poor digestion, take a teaspoon of dried ginger powder with warm water and some honey first thing in the morning, at least thirty minutes before breakfast. You can also take it in between meals during the day. Fresh ginger can be added to your meals to enhance flavor and give your digestion a boost.
Ginger doesn’t just work on your internal organs; it also provides a soothing and efficient circulation of blood to the surface of the skin. You can make a poultice by adding two teaspoons of dried ginger powder to warm water, gently stirring until fine paste forms. Apply it to the sore muscles or joints and massage it for relief. Remember to wash your hands properly after handling ginger to avoid getting it in your nose or eyes, as it has a fiery nature. Ginger is a cost-effective and safe spice suitable for most body types, with almost no associated side effects from artificial chemical substances.
Onion and Garlic
Onion and garlic have exceptional abilities to lower cholesterol levels, but many people avoid them due to their pungent odor, particularly garlic. These ingredients have been used for medicinal and culinary purposes for centuries. They stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, which actively break down fatty acid deposits. Garlic is more potent than onion due to its broader spectrum of action and more robust active ingredients. They are both helpful in cleaning the liver, reducing high blood pressure, and fighting bacterial infections, in addition to their effectiveness in treating gastrointestinal disorders and the common cold.
To effectively incorporate these ingredients into your diet, you can dice up cloves of garlic and onion and add vinegar or lemon juice to make a zingy salad. A dash of honey can also add a mellow taste to this mixture, which is helpful in the treatment of respiratory tract problems. Both onion and garlic can also be used in cooking by boiling, steaming, or frying specific types of foods. Their healing effects on the body cannot be overstated.
Onion and garlic are also available in powder or oil forms, and you can choose the one that suits you best. You can dissolve the powder in warm water and drink it, or consume a clove or two of garlic two to three times daily. However, if you have issues with your gallbladder, it’s essential to avoid garlic and onions as they can cause severe pain.
Tumeric
Turmeric is often hailed as the “King of Spices” due to its numerous health benefits. It aids in digestion, cleanses the liver, and helps remove harmful toxins from the body. Rather than turning to prescription anti-inflammatory medications that may have unpleasant side effects, turmeric is a natural alternative that works in harmony with the body. It is known to relieve stress, and digestive problems, manage diabetes and address a range of other health issues. Turmeric’s powerful anti-viral properties also make it effective in fighting some forms of cancer. The spice is entirely safe, and it can be consumed in powdered form with tea or incorporated into meals. Furthermore, regular consumption of turmeric can prevent fat accumulation, leading to a firmer body and glowing skin.
To experience the benefits of turmeric, one individual shares their personal experience of incorporating it into their daily routine. They began taking turmeric and ginger powder tea to curb their desire for wine before bed, and they found that it soothed their nerves while providing remarkable health benefits. This habit led to a significant reduction in late-night snacks and alcohol cravings, as well as the gradual clearing of acne and blemishes. The golden hue of the spice adds a colorful touch to breakfast dishes, and it can be used in a variety of dishes throughout the day, from steamed meats to salads. By making turmeric a part of your everyday diet, you can reap its countless health benefits and improve your overall well-being.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is a spicy and fiery spice that contains capsaicin, the same active ingredient found in other hot peppers such as chili and jalapeno. Capsaicin is responsible for the spiciness of the pepper and can provide similar benefits as other hot spices. One of the primary benefits of cayenne pepper is its ability to boost metabolism, increasing it up to two times its usual rate. This effect can be experienced while enjoying meals spiced with hot peppers, such as jalapeno-spiced pizza or barbecue. As your metabolism increases and your heartbeat races, you may find yourself feeling full more quickly, making cayenne pepper a healthy option for weight reduction. For a morning jolt, consider a recipe that includes cayenne pepper and lemon. Squeeze the lemon into a cup or jar and add a healthy amount of cayenne pepper, providing a lightning jolt to your system and starting your day off right.
Black Pepper
Black pepper is a potent herb that can aid in digestion, increase appetite and promote gastrointestinal health. It stimulates the production of hydrochloric acid, which is essential for proper digestion. In addition to its digestive benefits, black pepper can help to alleviate common ailments such as colds and fevers. It has also been used to treat more severe conditions such as anorexia, liver problems, and nervous disorders. To maintain a healthy lifestyle, try boiling two teaspoons of black pepper, adding honey, and consuming daily.
Cumin
Cumin is an incredible spice that has been scientifically proven to burn belly fat three times faster and more healthily than any other known method. Simply add a pinch to warm water or your tea two to three times a day and watch your waistline shrink in no time. It is a powerful spice that helps to reduce belly fat fast.
