Did you know that herbs and spices have more disease fighting ability than most fruits and vegetables due to their antioxidants? Clearly, that means you want to start experimenting with them in order to really amp up the flavor and vitality of your diet. The big question then becomes which spices. However, before we start to explore a brief list of top spices, we will discuss what spices are in the first place.
Spices 101
There was once a time when peppercorns were so rare as to be used as a form of currency. No kidding! Cloves were used just as often in food as they were as a cure for a serious toothache. The famous "spice routes" of the Middle East and Asia were remarkably lucrative because they were the places where all of the world's rarest spices could be found and traded.
Naturally, things have changed and supermarket shelves are filled with spices that would have once made merchants rich beyond their dreams. They can come from a diversity of sources that include plants, roots, trees, and more.
As in all whole foods, you want to purchase spices that are organic or of the highest quality and freshness. You don't want to invest in blends that include all kinds of artificial seasonings or enhancers. Just stick with the individual spices and use them in ways that really enliven your food and beverages (remember that chai tea is actually a blend of spices and black tea!)
What They Can Do
So, what sort of health benefits do spices provide? The following list lets us see what some of the top and most popular spices can add (in addition to all of that flavor) to your diet:
Cinnamon - Actually the bark of a tree, it is a spice added to sweet and savory dishes. It is well known and respected for its ability to help with blood sugar, bad blood cholesterol, and even diabetes
Turmeric - A close relative to ginger, this plant is known for fighting the growth of cancer cells. It is amazing when added to soaps as it cooks or as a seasoning ingredient.
Ginger - A root, it gives food a bit of heat and a very recognizable flavor. This is a common remedy for nausea and inflammation, and is helpful for those worried about blood clotting.
Chili pepper - Though one of the nightshade family (includes eggplants too), these peppers are dried and ground into a fine powder. They are well known for combating inflammation and even helping with nerve disorders.
Paprika - Another spice made from dried and ground peppers (the Capsicum annuum variety), it is recognized as an antioxidant and as an anti-inflammatory compound.
The best news about spices is that it only takes tiny amounts each day for you to enjoy the benefits. Start exploring your options in order to really enhance your nutrition and the flavors of your foods.
It's a great thing that such a global mind shift has started and many are seeking a way for better and healthier lifestyle, be sure to visit "vitality for better living" at http://vitalityforbetterliving.com/ where you can find many awesome ways to get you started and join a network of like minded friends globally at https://www.facebook.com/VitalityForBetterLiving.
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