Guest guest Posted July 30, 2007 Report Share Posted July 30, 2007 Importance of the healing foods -- herbs and spices... may not be new to people on this list... Some of them discussed in this article: Garlic, Ginger, Turmeric, (fresh) peppermint, Cayenne pepper -------------------- http://www.articlesmaker.com/health-and-fitness/nutrition/herbs-and-spices-to-the-rescue-of-your-health-part-one.html http://www.articlesmaker.com/health-and-fitness/nutrition/herbs-and-spices-to-the-rescue-of-your-health-part-two.html When we think of healing foods, we don't always consider herbs and spices. They are the little extras that we often put on our food to give it more seasoning and to make it tastier for everyone at the table. Put the saltshaker away when you're cooking, as too much salt in the diet can spell disaster for your circulatory system and kidneys. Reach instead for healthy herbs and seasonings to jazz up your next meal and help make you healthier to boot! Herbs and spices have been used for centuries to treat a variety of health and medical conditions. Examples of these include inflammatory conditions, infections, autoimmune disorders, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and nausea. There is no doubt that when it comes to herbs and spices there are plenty of healing properties you should get to know better. Garlic has long been used as a folk remedy for many ailments. Garlic is a member of what is called the allium family as it contains a substance called allicin. Other members of this family include onions and scallions. Research into the benefits of garlic has shown that it is a strong preventative agent against stroke and heart disease. Garlic is also instrumental in lowering high blood pressure. Further studies have shown that garlic is very close to a natural form of antibiotic. Garlic is full of substances that help to detoxify the body and are able to disperse carcinogens that are building in the system. A number of research studies have shown that a diet rich in garlic helps to lower the total cholesterol rate of an individual, including the bad cholesterol or LDL while at the same time it raises the good HDL cholesterol in the bloodstream. Garlic also fights a great number of bacteria and viruses and therefore helps to prevent infections. Garlic is associated with a decreased risk of stomach cancer. Research in Italy and China support garlic's beneficial effects. Garlic is best eaten in its raw state. The best way to benefit from garlic is to eat it raw: cut up, sliced up or chopped. Ginger is a very odd looking substance. It can be found in every produce department, and should be used more for its beneficial effects on health. Ginger works well to calm an upset stomach. Ginger is particularly good to take before embarking on a road trip if you are prone to motion sickness. Ginger snaps and ginger bread are also effective at calming an upset stomach. Pregnant women are often encouraged to eat ginger to reduce the nausea from morning sickness. Ginger is also believed to be helpful in the fight to lose weight, as it works as a natural dietary aid. The reason it works is that ginger helps to boost the rate in which the body burns calories. This benefit has been borne out in studies conducted by researchers in Australia. When coupled with other spices including rosemary, thyme, oregano and pepper, ginger is excellent in regards to its antioxidant properties and therefore is proficient at fighting cancer. There are many herbs and spices that are beneficial to keeping the body functioning at its absolute best. In order to remain as healthy as possible, you should consume as many herbs and spices as possible every day. Turmeric is a spice that not everyone is familiar with. Turmeric is a yellow spice that is most often to be found in mustards manufactured in the United States. Turmeric is also a staple of many Indian dishes. Turmeric is a healthy spice that has anti-inflammatory properties, and also works as an antioxidant. These properties help turmeric to prevent the development of cancer. Turmeric goes to work to help get rid of the many symptoms that can accompany arthritis, as well as tendonitis, autoimmune disorders and a selection of other disorders that involve any degree of inflammation such as swelling in muscles or joints. Fresh or dried peppermint is especially beneficial for a number of stomach ailments from heartburn to indigestion to nausea. Peppermint is very soothing to the stomach and entire digestive tract. Studies have shown that it is able to help rid sufferers or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) of many of their symptoms. Peppermint has been shown to be effective in slowing the growth of many types of bacteria and fungi and it is effective as well for those who suffer from respiratory problems, such as asthma and allergies. Peppermint can be brewed as a tea or it can be purchased in pill form. Individuals who suffer on a regular basis from upset stomach or nausea would benefit from the consumption of peppermint in one form or another. Cayenne pepper, also known as chili pepper, red pepper or paprika is a fiery type of pepper that is used to help several organs. Pepper has been found beneficial in moderating many types of stomach ailments, such as stomach aches related to any number of causes, gas and many different types of heart problems. Cayenne pepper is effective at lowering cholesterol and it improves the circulation of blood and is believed to be beneficial in preventing circulatory disease. Cayenne pepper decreases the possibility that the blood will clot, which can help to prevent deadly blood clots forming, especially after surgery. Cayenne pepper is also beneficial when a person is suffering from a toothache. The advantages of cayenne pepper do not end there. Cayenne pepper has been shown through research studies to be effective at alleviating migraine headaches. For migraine sufferers the cayenne cream is applied directly to the inside of the nose. Be aware that if you do this you should apply a very small quantity and some people's noses are too sensitive for cayenne. Cayenne pepper can help to improve blood circulation. It can also be applied to the skin topically as a way to alleviate pain connected with rheumatoid arthritis. The active ingredient in cayenne pepper is capsaicin and this ingredient has found to be effective for those suffering from Fibromylagia. As a cream cayenne can be applied to painful muscles and joints but be aware that sometimes cayenne cream causes a burning sensation on the skin and if it gets into the eyes it can cause some pain. Dr. Mercola's comments: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/07/09/the-hidden-benefits-of-herbs-and-spices.aspx Spices are absolutely wonderful, and can make a dramatic difference in not only the flavor of food but its health benefits. Not every often where you get a double win like this in health The typical mantra that most of us use is that if tastes good then spit it out as it could not possibly be good for you. But with spices this just doesn't have to be true. I also find it amazing that not only do we get a flavor boost, but many of the spices will actually improve our health. Half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day significantly reduces blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, and it can also reduces triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol levels. Herbs such as oregano, dill, garden thyme, rosemary and peppermint are packed full of antioxidants, and garlic can help boost your immune system. Some of my favorite spices are the hot spices. So I think it's great news that cayenne pepper in particular is such a healthy food. The active ingredient in cayenne pepper, called capsaicin, has been found to reverse Type 1 diabetes in mice, for example -- an astounding breakthrough that the medical community keeps quiet about. Jamaican healers use it to treat diabetes, although I don't believe it should be relied upon for primary control. Capsaicin also has cancer-fighting benefits. However, in spite of the many benefits of turmeric and its component curcumin, I am not very fond of curry. That brings up an important point, as you really do want to honor what your body tells you. If any food or spice does not taste good or " feel right, " stay away from it -- no matter who is telling you how good it is for you. Your body is a far better judge of that than anything you will ever read. In other words: Listen to your bod and start to Take Control of Your Health Your body really is designed to give you the feedback you need to make the right food and lifestyle choices that are best for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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