Spices, do they bring something to your health?

When was opened the spice route to India and China in the fifteenth century, was it only to make food more appetizing, or also to complement the range of herbal products?

Most consumed spices

In most countries they are imported.

  1. Pepper.
  2. Ginger.
  3. Saffron.
  4. Turmeric.
  5. Chilli.
  6. Cinnamon.
  7. Nutmeg.
  8. Cloves.
  9. Vanilla.
  10. Cumin.

Curry is a mixture of spices including turmeric, coriander, ginger, cumin, cloves, etc. ...

Aromatics

The plants are eaten as is or dried. If one turn them into powder or transform them, then they become spices.

Interest in health

Most of all spices and herbs consumed have proven health benefits, known since antiquity.

Parsley

It promotes kidney function and urine production, thus the elimination of toxins. But we must avoid when having kidney stones. It is especially effective as an infusion or potion.
It provides additional vitamins and micronutrients.

Chilli pepper

It contains capsaicin, an alkaloid that stimulates gastric juices and can help with digestion.
It also stimulates the production of adrenaline and norepinephrine, which helps burn sugars and fats stored in the body: hence a natural slimming effect ...
It is also believed beneficial against cancer and heart problems.
In large amounts, this element can cause a feeling of euphoria.

Garlic

The numerous beneficial effects have been enumerated in the article devoted to him, Garlic and health.
His main interest lies in its antiseptic and antiviral properties, or as a vasodilator.

Cinnamon

It is an antioxidant and is beneficial against hypertension. Its effect against the blood glucose is less certain. It is sometimes used against diarrhea.
Studies have also shown a preventive effect against colon cancer.
A overdose (which is rarely seen its price) it can become toxic.

Turmeric

In Okinawa it is eaten as often as tea.
The herbal medicine used against diseases of the skin. It is an anti-inflammatory and antioxydant.
Like cinnamon, it helps prevent colon cancer and Alzheimer's disease. It helps to eliminate digestive problems.
In combination with black pepper, these effects are increased.

A study found that a diet rich in turmeric, in a single week, reduced up to 30% the beta amyloid plaque in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease. It helps to prevent this disease.

Thyme and oregano

Oregano is an antiseptic herb effective against colds, sore throat and cons some staphylococci. Its effect is stronger on the form of essential oil.
Thyme has the same properties.
Oregano fights stomach pain. It also has a sedative effect. Doses should be limited.

Pepper

Its effects are mixed.
It helps the absorption of selenium and vitamin B.
But it would be very slightly carcinogenic.

Mint

This is another plant with antiseptic properties (hence its inclusion in the throat lozenges), and along with garlic was an ingredient in the balm of looters in the days of major epidemics in Europa.
It also has an aphrodisiac effect.

Ginger

He fights migraine, is anti-inflammatory, lowers cholesterol and removes grease, fights stomach pains, bile and pancreatic deficiencies.

Conclusion

A spicy cuisine combines pleasure with necessity.