Tangy Citrus
Spices – 10 reasons why it is vital for good health
Compelling scientific research in the last two decades shows that are not only spices good for us, but the evidence indicates that in reality are essential components of a balanced diet.
The health benefits of spices can be appreciate dividing them into 10 major categories.
1. ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY
An antioxidant is a substance that prevents oxidative damage neutralizing highly reactive and destructive free radical molecules produced during cellular energy production. Oxidative stress occurs when harmful there are insufficient antioxidants available to "clean up" the excess of free radicals. Oxidative stress may be caused by infections, drugs, smoking, pollution, radiation, excessive exercise, psychological stress and obesity.
The damage caused by oxidative stress has been implicated in a number of diseases including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
Some antioxidants are produced by the body, but must be complemented by the antioxidants found in food. The best way is to eat regularly a variety of foods rich in antioxidants such as culinary herbs and spices.
The spices have the highest antioxidant activity of food groups including fruit and vegetables (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition July 2006).
2. INFLAMMATION
There is a kind of generalized systemic inflammation underlying a wide range of chronic diseases that cause damage to most tissues and organs. This type of inflammation can be caused by several factors, including obesity, infection, gum disease, toxins and autoimmune diseases.
The phytonutrients found in spices may reduce the pathological effects of inflammation by acting against each factors that have contributed, as well as by the direct action anti-inflammatory.
The most potent anti-inflammatory spices are bay leaf, garlic, ginger, oregano, rosemary, thyme and turmeric.
3. IMMUNE SYSTEM
A healthy immune system is vital to preventing cancer, infections and other diseases. Although our immune systems weaken as we age, we can counter this with a diet rich in compounds based on immune stimulation spices. The aim is to provide assistance to our aging immune systems helping to fight cancer and infections and prevent the development of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, etc.
Spices are particularly rich in phytonutrients immunomodulatory black pepper and garlic.
4. Anti-toxin EFFECTS
We are continuously exposed to a variety of toxins – from environmental pollutants to cancer-causing chemicals found in certain foods like red meat. While the body has mechanisms to deal with a limited variety and quantity of toxins, you need extra help to cope with sustained levels of these substances.
Spice-derived compounds are very effective in increasing the body's mechanisms for combating toxins.
Spices such as mustard, wasabi, caraway, citrus, cilantro garlic, rosemary and turmeric neutralize a wide range of environmental carcinogens and toxins.
5. CANCER
The fundamental cause of cancer is DNA damage that can occur as a result of aging, genetic susceptibility and exposure to a variety of carcinogens.
Many of phytochemicals found in spices act as potent chemopreventive agents against cancer by DNA defense against free radicals and other toxins. Avoid The overproduction of toxic chemicals in the body, support the body's detoxification processes and modulate a number of mechanisms involved in the development of cancer.
Spices also can act as powerful treatments for certain cancers.
Some spices enhance the effects of traditional cancer treatments of radiation and chemotherapy and to reduce negative side effects of these therapies.
The most important spices are the cancer of anise, basil, black pepper, cumin, cloves, fennel, garlic, ginger, green tea, mustard, rosemary and turmeric.
6. DIABETES
The phytonutrients found in spices help control many of the pathological mechanisms that underlie diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
Cinnamon, fenugreek, garlic, cilantro, ginger, capers and spices are more effective in reducing blood sugar and abnormal blood lipids.
The large number of antioxidant compounds in spices also help to protect against acute oxidative damage to all diabetes patients are subject.
7. DISEASE ALZHEIMER'S
The precise cause of Alzheimer's disease is unknown. However factors such as oxidative stress, inflammation and accumulation of toxins in the brain are known to be associated with its development. Communities that include high levels of spices in their diets have lower incidence of Alzheimer's disease those who do not.
Turmeric, rosemary, ginger and garlic are impressive protective and curative effects against the disease. Its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory anti-toxin and other effects, all contribute to its position as the most important food group in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease.
8. DISEASE HEART
Cardiovascular disease is associated with a number of factors like high cholesterol and triglycerides, high blood pressure, 'sticky' platelets obesity, smoking, diabetes and chronic systemic inflammation.
The spices are powerful agents of cardiovascular disease prevention as they modify risk factors and other diseases and disease processes associated with this condition. Caper, cinnamon, coriander, fenugreek, garlic, ginger, mustard, oregano, rosemary, thyme and exhibition of the powerful, protective effect against the development of heart attacks and strokes.
9. Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease of the macula the eye that is predominantly found in elderly people and is the leading cause of central vision loss in the U.S. for those over the age of 50 years.
Several large studies have shown conclusively that people who eat a diet rich in antioxidants reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration by up to 35%.
10. AGING
Aging is a complex, multifaceted process that is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. The aging process underlying, such as oxidative stress and inflammation are common to many age-related diseases, such as those mentioned above.
Therefore the aging process may be delayed by food, as spices, which contain high levels of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and other protective compounds.
By including a wide variety of spices in the diet or take a natural supplement, can add spice balanced lifestyle factor vital to our arsenal to fight disease.
About the Author
Keith Scott is a medical doctor with a special interest in the healing properties of spices and phytonutrients. He has written several books including “Medicinal Seasonings, The Healing Power of Spices”. To download a free pdf copy of his book, “Medicinal Seasonings” and read more about the health benefits of spices go to: => http://www.medspice.com
Betty’s Tangy Citrus Salad Recipe
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