Spices have reigned supreme in our kitchens since ancient times. A miracle product for our dishes but also for our health, spices are an integral part of our culture and our daily life and this is not about to change when we know all the benefits of spices.
Historically, men have looked for spices, mostly from India or Indonesia. They were always the object of a successful trade. Their value was already very precious. Discovered in the Middle Ages, during explorers, ‘ travels, the very expensive spices were used as the basis of exchange currency, hence the expression pay in cash.
Used as currency, they were also used in medicine and cosmetology as well as in cooking, to enhance taste, but also to preserve food. Spices are very present in A Chinese culture, but also throughout Asia, and especially in India with Ayurvedic medicine, spices are used in the preparation of all meals, for their taste virtues, but also for their innumerable benefits. Indeed, spices in addition to bringing a particular taste to food, contain interesting nutrients: the aromatic essences contained in spices give them various medicinal properties (digestive, antiseptic, bactericidal, etc.).
In the West, there is a serious and scientific interest in the powers of some of them. Some spices are rich in antioxidants that inhibit or slow down the oxidative process that is harmful to the arteries. Researchers have recently demonstrated this. Spices have very varied virtues; let’s see some of them that we should use regularly on a daily basis for our health.
Turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, cayenne pepper … Many spices have a beneficial effect on the body and health.
Here are 8 to add to all your dishes.
1. CINNAMON:
Cinnamon is famous for its sweet and subtle taste in baking, but these are not its only strengths. Not only does it relieve digestion problems with its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, but it is also a fantastic antispasmodic. Cinnamon also helps stabilize blood sugar levels, which is essential for anyone with diabetes. Just chewing cinnamon-flavored gum or smelling cinnamon can help improve memory and attention. Finally, it has remarkable anti-fungal and antibacterial properties.
2. THE CAYENNE PEPPER:
Cayenne pepper has a beneficial effect on the metabolism by helping you burn fat faster. A study has shown those people who ate red pepper as an apéritif tended to eat 15% less food. It also helps the healing of digestive tissue, stimulates digestive enzymes, and helps prevent stomach ulcers. Good news for those with cholesterol! Cayenne pepper would reduce it, but also reduce the formation of harmful blood clots and blocked arteries and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. And if you have a headache, know that it also works against headaches. Finally, it contains vitamin C and E, minerals but also magnesium.
3. THE CLOU DE CLROFLE:
Clove is a powerful pain reliever, antiseptic, and germicide that helps fight infections and relieves pain, primarily used for pain in the gums, and teeth. It also has an action on digestive problems such as gas, indigestion, nausea, or even vomiting.
4. THE CUMIN:
Cumin helps to promote digestion by activating the secretions of the digestive tract and improving the assimilation of fat. Rich in antioxidants, it detoxifies the body and helps purify the blood. It is also very effective against respiratory disorders such as asthma and bronchitis. Like cinnamon, cumin helps keep blood sugar levels stable, ideal for diabetics. Rich in iron, vitamins C and A, it is beneficial for the immune system.
5. THE CURCUMA:
Native to India, turmeric, this yellow-orange spice, is one of the most powerful antioxidants. Thanks to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties (comparable to the drugs Advil and Motrin), turmeric promotes digestion by activating the work of the liver. Turmeric is also very effective in slowing the development of Alzheimer’s disease and helps speed up the recovery time from strokes. This spice is also very effective against diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis; It would also have anti-cancer virtues. Do not hesitate to add a spoon to all your marinades and hot dishes.
6. THYME:
Thyme is particularly recognized for its virtues against inflammation of the throat such as coughs, bronchitis, sore throats, chest congestion, laryngitis, or even asthma. It also promotes digestion by relieving gastritis and colic. Thyme calms the nerves, relieves depression, insomnia and nightmares, but it also improves memory.
7. GINGER:
Ginger, like turmeric, is native to India. Ginger is well known for its aphrodisiac properties, but not only that: it also helps strengthen our immune defenses. True antispasmodic, it reduces nausea and vomiting as well as motion sickness. it is also a real soothing remedy for sore throats caused by colds and flu, it treats coughs and is an effective expectorant. But that’s not all: a powerful anti-inflammatory, it helps reduce pain and swelling from arthritis and muscle aches.
8. ROSEMARY:
Rosemary has various and numerous virtues, such as stimulating digestion, improving blood circulation, but also fighting cancer of the colon, stomach, breast, and lung. A powerful antioxidant, rosemary helps to counter inflammations of all kinds. It also helps improve focus, boost memory, and reduce the risk of depression. It also helps fight respiratory problems like asthma and respiratory infections.