Five Spices with Health Benefits
These five hot spices can be good for everything
from easing arthritis pain to keeping your heart healthy.
Recent studies suggest that when it comes to cuisine,
kicking it up a notch can be as good for your health
as it is tasty for your palate.
Some spices, particularly hot ones,
contain phytochemicals
that may help ward off cell damage
associated with chronic diseases.
Chili Powder
Potential health perk: Relieves achy joints.
Research shows that capsaicin, found in chili peppers,
has an anti-inflammatory effect,
which may help ease arthritic swelling and pain.
Hot way to dish it: Sprinkle a few shakes of chili powder and salt on
baked French fries.
Cinnamon
Potential health perk: Protects against Type 2 diabetes
and heart disease.
A 2003 study found that about half a teaspoon
lowered blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.
Hot way to dish it: Mix half a teaspoon of cinnamon
into your coffee, or jazz up whipped cream
with a couple of pinches.
Curry Powder
Potential health perk: Safeguards your brain.
The yellow curry pigment curcumin may fight Alzheimer's
by thwarting development of the disease's
signature amyloid brain plaques, says a study.
Hot way to dish it: Whisk 1 1/2 teaspoons mild curry powder into
mayonnaise to dress up sandwiches.
Garlic
Potential health perk: Improves your heart's health.
Brigham Young University researchers found that
garlic consumption can lower total cholesterol and
triglyceride levels by an average of 10 percent.
Hot way to dish it: Add minced garlic and chopped cucumber to plain
yogurt for a light dip or salad dressing.
Wasabi
Potential health perk: Prevents ulcers.
A 2004 South Korean study suggests Japanese horseradish can kill
ulcer-causing Helicobacter pylori bacteria.
Plant chemicals may also prevent tooth decay.
Hot way to dish it: Mix a smidgen of wasabi paste
with mashed avocado for a snappier guacamole.
A single candle can illuminate an entire room. A true friend lights up
an entire lifetime. Thanks for the bright lights of your friendship.
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