Herbs and spices are the catalysis of any meal. A spice can make or break a meal and the lack of it also can turn a sensational combination of ingredients into a boring mix. Herbs and spices add much more to your food, than taste.
“We’re now starting to see a scientific basis for why people have been using spices medicinally for thousands of years,” says Bharat Aggarwal, Ph.D., professor at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and author of Healing Spices (Sterling, 2011). So today I would like to share with you the World Healthiest Herbs and Spices , which you should be eating. Now I believe, that your health care starts in the kitchen and it’s something that you think about when you feel unwell. It’s a way of living-combining all the gifts from Mother Nature
1. Cayenne pepper –The king of all spices. Dr. Patrick Quillin said : “Cayenne pepper – prized for thousands of years for its healing power. But cayenne pepper is not just a healer from ancient history. Recent clinical studies have been conducted on many of the old-time health applications for this miracle herb. Again and again, the therapeutic value of cayenne pepper has been medically validated.” If you want to carry something in your first aid kit for a heart attack, carry a cayenne tincture. Capsaicin is the incredible ingredient, that brings all the amazing qualities of this spice.Studies show that capsaicin can increase the body’s metabolic rate (causing one to burn more calories) and may stimulate brain chemicals that help us feel less hungry.Cayenne pepper has been used for a variety of ailments including heartburn, delirium, tremors, gout, paralysis, fever, dyspepsia, flatulence, sore throat, dyspepsia, hemorrhoids, menorhagia in women, nausea, tonsillitis, scarlet fever and diphtheria. I like to add cayenne pepper to most of the vegan burgers I make, I also like it in a curry. When I am feeling a bit low in energy or feel a bit tired I like to take a teaspoon of cayenne pepper tincture-it’s a real boost and warms you up.
2.Ginger- Ginger has a well-deserved reputation for relieving an unsettled stomach. Studies show ginger extracts can help reduce nausea caused by morning sickness.ginger is also packed with inflammation-fighting compounds, such as gingerols, which some experts believe may hold promise in fighting some cancers and may reduce the aches of osteoarthritis and soothe sore muscles. In a recent study, people who took ginger capsules daily for 11 days reported 25 percent less muscle pain when they performed exercises designed to strain their muscles (compared with a similar group taking placebo capsules). Another study found that ginger-extract injections helped relieve osteoarthritis pain of the knee.
3.Cinnamon-Chinese medicine and Ayurveda have long revered cinnamon as a superpower used to treat things such as colds, indigestion and cramps and also believed to improve energy, vitality and circulation. Cinnamon may help treat Type 2 Diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels and increasing the amount of insulin production in the body.Cinnamon has anti fungal properties, and it’s been said that Candida cannot live in a cinnamon environment. Cinnamon can reduce the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells. Cinnamon has an anti-clotting effect on the blood. When added to food, cinnamon inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative. Just smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory. Cinnamon fights the E. coli bacteria in unpasteurized juices. Cinnamon has been found to be an effective natural remedy for eliminating headaches and migraine pains. I love making cinnamon cockies and always add some cinnamon in my curry. Its my most favorite spice and I cannot imagine a life without it. Its rich warming and sweet taste bring me comfort and pleasure.
4.Turmeric- the goldenrod-colored spice, is used in India to help wounds heal (it’s applied as a paste);Turmeric when made into a tea can relieve colds and respiratory problems.Modern medicine confirms some solid-gold health benefits as well; most are associated with curcumin, a compound in turmeric that has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin has been shown to help relieve pain of arthritis, injuries and dental procedures; it’s also being studied for its potential in managing heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Researcher Bharat Aggarwal is bullish on curcumin’s potential as a cancer treatment, particularly colon, prostate, and breast cancers; preliminary studies have found that curcumin can inhibit tumor cell growth and suppress enzymes that activate carcinogens. I simply love curry and Its simply a healing machine . I also have a favourate tea, that contain turmeric .
5.Parsley-some people call it a “poor man wheat grass”. Parsley is almost as effective at scouring cancerous type cells out of the body. Eat more than a sprinkling on food–take a small bunch every day. It’s better tasting than wheat grass juice and much cheaper. Parsley is rich with an antioxidants. University of Missouri scientists found that this herb can actually inhibit breast cancer-cell growth, reported Holly Pevzner in the September/October 2011 issue of EatingWell Magazine. In the study done with apigenin, a compound abundant in parsley (and in celery), boosted resistance to developing cancerous tumors.The vitamin C and vitamin A found in parsley serve to strengthen the body’s immune system.
6. Basil-If the Cayenne Pepper is the King of Spices Basil is The king of herbs.Basil herb is one of the oldest and popular herbal plants rich in much notable health benefiting phyto-nutrients. This highly prized plant is revered as “holy herb” in many traditions all around the world.The main use of basil medicinally is as a natural anti-inflammatory. It is similar to the compounds found in oregano and medical marijuana – and may be used as a substitute for the later because it offers the same relief without the “high.” The same compound that makes it useful as an anti-inflammatory is also believed to help combat bowel inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis.Many naturopathic doctors prescribe basil in treatment of diabetes, respiratory disorders, allergies, impotence, and infertility. This may be because basil contains cinnamanic acid, which has been found to enhance circulation, stabilize blood sugar, and improve breathing in those with respiratory disorders.It is also know that basil is very high in antioxidants, especially when it is used as an extract or oil. These antioxidants can protect your body against free radical damage associated with aging, some skin ailments, and most forms of cancer. Antioxidants have become an important part of keeping our bodies healthy, and basil may be among the safest and most effective sources of these life-giving compounds. When it comes to eating bail the choices are endless.For example tomato and basil are a match made in heaven and basil goes really nicely in most salads. You can also make a very nice green pesto and use olives instead of cheese. Simply delicious.
7.Oregano-Oregano means “mountain joy” and is a wonderfully aromatic, flavorful herb popularlyin the Mediterranean cooking.Oregano is a rich natural source of vitamin K.You can find oregano oil in many specialty and health food shops .Oregano contains thymol and carvacrol, two oils which have remarkable bacteria-fighting power. Thymol and an acid called rosmarinic are potent antioxidants that oregano offers. Research shows that “…On a per gram fresh weight basis, oregano has demonstrated 42 times more antioxidant activity than apples, 30 times more than potatoes, 12 times more than oranges and 4 times more than blueberries.”Oregano is high in iron, manganese, and other important minerals for health. It’s one of the healthiest and tastiest herbs you can eat.
Herbs and spices have a very special place among the goodness from Mother Nature. They provide concentrated healing love. All you have to do is let it heal you. Every day. Every time you eat! Enjoy! Sending Blessings and Love ♥
