Five Spices with Health BenefitsThese 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
healthas 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.
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