http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-maoshing-ni/spices-and-herbs-for-heal_b_828222.html#s246729&title=Ginger_Fire_Up Dr. Maoshing Ni
Longevity Expert
Posted: February 28, 2011 09:23 AM
Spices and Herbs That Promote Longevity
Read More: Garllic And Mint Antibacterial Properties , Ginger Tea To Lower Blood Pressure , Health Herbs And Spices , Healthy Herbs , Healthy Herbs And Spices , Herbs , Herbs And Health , Herbs And Spices , Herbs For Health , Herbs To Lower Blood Pressure , Slidepollajax , Spice , Health News
While plenty of signs show spring is around the corner, we are not out of the woods yet! As the cold, dark days of winter give way to the cold, dry winds of early spring, keep your health and longevity fired up with spices and herbs.
Boasting big flavor and health benefits, spices and herbs are similar, but have some small differences. In general, spices are considered to be the aromatic dried seeds, fruit, roots, or bark, while herbs tend to be the leaves of herbaceous plants. Also, spices usually have a stronger flavor punch than the subtler flavor of herbs. Ancient cultures have valued both herbs and spices for their culinary and medicinal properties since ancient times. Today, plenty of studies have found that compounds in everyday herbs and spices can increase mental function and physical vitality.
Start serving up these healthy herbs and spices in your cooking right away!
Ginger: Fire Up Your Vitality
Garlic: Heart Helper Garlic, the spicy favorite in Italian cooking, does more than just whet your appetite. In addition to its antibacterial and antiparasitic properties, garlic has been shown to improve cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and may even prevent cancer.
According to the National Health and Medical Research Council, consuming half to one clove of garlic daily may reduce cholesterol by nearly ten percent, thanks to garlic's active ingredient allicin. Because the allicin in garlic is damaged by heat, it is best to use raw garlic -- great news for your heart, but bad news for your breath. To balance out the pungency, chew on fresh parsley, mint, or basil.
Turmeric: Fight Inflammation And Increase Circulation Turmeric, the yellow spice that gives curry its distinctive color, helps improve circulation and prevents blood clots. In fact, did you know that the modern anticoagulant coumadin, which is used to prevent blood clots, originally came from turmeric? The active component in turmeric is called curcumin. If you are a curry fan, you will be happy to know that this substance is associated with anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and antioxidant properties. Its anti-inflammatory benefits make it suitable for treating pain in your joints or muscles.
In one randomized control study, 107 patients with knee osteoarthritis received either 800 mg daily of ibuprofen or 2 grams daily of Curcuma domestica extract -- and both groups showed improvement in pain on level walking and climbing stairs. Turmeric also combats amyloids, the plaque-like proteins that build up in brain tissue and lead to such diseases as Alzheimer's and rheumatoid arthritis.
Cinnamon: Lower Blood Sugar Valued for its health benefits since ancient times, particularly in India and Asia, cinnamon has recently enjoyed time in the research spotlight. Many clinical studies have linked cinnamon consumption to lowered blood sugar. Research has demonstrated improvement in insulin sensitivity with cinnamon polyphenols, as well as total and LDL cholesterol.
Cinnamon is also thought to detoxify the system and stimulate brain function. Its antiseptic properties give it the ability to combat bladder infections, and if taken in the first 48 hours, a cup of strong cinnamon tea may prevent a bladder infection. While mixed study results make it difficult to prove these benefits on paper, it doesn't hurt to sprinkle some on top of your next bowl of cereal!
Cardamom: Pep Up Your Energy Found in curries, rice dishes, and sweet breads, cardamom is the spice that gives chai tea its characteristic flavor. Cardamom has long been valued medicinally in Asia for its ability to increase circulation and improve your energy level. Considered an aphrodisiac in some cultures, cardamom also helps improve digestion, freshen your breath, brighten a bad mood, and may even increase your mental acuity. A compound found abundantly in cardamom, cineole, has been found to enhance the ability of rats to navigate mazes.
Rosemary: Stimulate Your Brain Rosemary, the aromatic herb that instantly brings to mind Mediterranean cooking, contains volatile oils that help stimulate brain activities and increase brain alertness. Like cardamom, rosemary contains cineole. Rosemary also aids in digestion and perks up your immune system. It has been used to treat headaches and poor circulation. Steep it as tea, use in your poultry dishes and soups -- or just crush some up to fill your home with its revitalizing scent.
Cloves: Tasty And Toasty Considered a warming herb, cloves are delicious in cooked fruit, sweet vegetable dishes, roasts, and tea. Cloves have been used since ancient times in India to improve digestive function. You can chew on some to relieve toothaches, sore throats, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. This herb's warming and moving properties are thought to help treat cold hands and feet, tendonitis, and lower back pain.
One Word Of Warning
Always discuss with your physician before treating conditions with herbs and spices to avoid any adverse interactions; for example, because garlic and ginger possess natural blood-thinning properties, individuals about to undergo surgery and those taking blood thinners should take extra precaution.
You can find many more herbs that will spice up your longevity in Secrets of Longevity: Hundreds of Ways to Live to Be 100, which is now available on Kindle. If you are interested in a lifestyle program designed to transform your health and lengthen your years, check out my new book Secrets of Longevity 8-Week Program.
I hope you make the most of herbs and spices. May you live long, live strong, and live happy!
Sun Mar 06, 2011 9:53 am
