Cooler weather sees me hauling out my big saucepans to make hearty and nourishing soups, broths and stews. Spices not only add colour, flavour, and mouth-watering aroma, but remarkable health benefits, too.
Cayenne pepper increases blood flow (and therefore nutrient supply) to the peripheral parts of the body, especially to the head, making it perfect for treating and preventing colds and flu. One of cayenne’s key active constituents, capsaicin, has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions which are associated with improvements in heart health. Research suggests that capsaicin blocks the activity of substance P, a chemical which transmits pain signals in the body, meaning cayenne is also a mild analgesic.
Turmeric has demonstrated remarkable antioxidant activity which helps to lower cholesterol levels and reduce symptoms of angina. Other clinical research suggests that one of turmeric’s ingredients, curcumin, interferes with the development of cancer cells, therefore possibly preventing tumours. It has been used throughout Asia for centuries to treat arthritis, and contemporary research confirms its anti-inflammatory prowess.
Along with several herbs, milk thistle, centaury and licorice, turmeric has a unique ability to inhibit the action of xanthine oxidase, a key enzyme in the synthesis of uric acid; by reducing levels of uric acid in the blood, turmeric can therefore help prevent gout. It is also a valuable remedy for gallbladder inflammation.
Ginger — a close relative of turmeric — prevents the aggregation of blood platelets in people with coronary artery disease. Known as “the universal medicine” in Ayurveda, India’s traditional medical system, it is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and has a warming, stimulant effect that brings on a therapeutic sweat.
Research shows that it has a significant action against four different strains of bacteria that may cause secondary infection following colds and flu. It is a time-honoured nausea and indigestion remedy, and has a soothing action on the stomach that is very effective in preventing and treating motion sickness, morning sickness, and post-operative nausea, as well as irritable bowel syndrome.
Cinnamon has a beneficial effect on the heart because it contains antioxidants that can lower blood levels of glucose and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. It may also have a role to play in preventing and managing type 2 diabetes, as a recent study suggests it helps to lower haemoglobin A1C, elevated levels of which are associated with poor blood glucose control.
In both Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), cinnamon is used for various menstrual problems, including heavy periods, anaemia, and tiredness.
Your say: Do you add spices to your cooking? Do you have a favourite spice? Do you think spices have health benefits? Share your thoughts below…
