If you didn’t catch Spice Up Your Health: part 1, you can read it here. Spices do so much more than enhance your dinner. Many spices offer wonderful health benefits that may not only improve your meal but your health as well! Unfortunately, there isn’t enough scientific study to solidify all the claims within this article. However, they are based on anecdotal evidence and years of natural methods that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Spice up dessert with cinnamon
Despite my previous statement, cinnamon spice has been well studied and documented. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, studies indicate that cinnamon may be especially beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes. Cinnamon spice may lower blood glucose levels as well as lower high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levers. It adds a touch of sweetness without the sugar.
Ginger may aid in nausea
Ginger spice dates back over 5000 years as a medicinal root used in Chinese culture. Commonly used as a remedy for nausea, Ginger may also act as an anti-inflammatory and aid in motion sickness. Fresh ginger or ginger tea is delicious and more natural than soda. Most ginger sodas contain high amounts of sugar and hardly any natural ginger.
Sage for brain function
Sage is technically an herb but deserves an honorable mention. Although they are continuing to research sage, it appears that it may have a positive impact on brain function and memory. In one study, they discovered that sage had significant improvement on the brain function of people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.
Cayenne pepper may aid in weight loss
If you’re into spicy food like me and want to drop those last few pounds, this one might excite you and disappoint you. One study showed that adding 1 gram of cayenne pepper to meals may reduce appetite and increase fat burning. Sadly, this only applies to people who don’t typically eat spicy food.
Rosemary and allergies
If you have seasonal allergies, you might want to consult rosemary. According to one study, participants who took varying doses of Rosmarinic acid showed suppressed allergy symptoms. Rosmarinic is a polyphenol compound found in rosemary and other plants in the Lamiaceae family. It may not only aid in seasonal allergies but asthma as well.
*I am not a doctor nor a dietitian. The information provided in this article is not intended to substitute for medical advice from your provider. Any recommendations within this post are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Contact your physician or a licensed dietitian before you make any dietary changes.
