7 Spices You Should Add to Your Life
Here are the spices that help tackle many health issues such as stomach cramps, toothaches, migraine pain, and blood sugar control — along with how to use them. Enjoy!
You can free yourself from an overflowing medicine cabinet by taking advantage of the healing properties of the spices hiding in your kitchen cupboards. Every day, more researchers are uncovering the surprising, restorative qualities of spices that healers have known about for centuries. Spices packed with natural compounds are also an economical way to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, one of the growing health concerns in many countries.
And the best part about consuming spices is that they are absolutely delicious. Here are the spices and how to use them. Enjoy!
CILANTRO
Numerous studies have found that this aromatic spice, which also carries serious health benefits, helps reduce anxiety and promotes better sleep. It is also an important spice for people with type 2 diabetes. A study published in the Research Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences in 2001 found that cilantro has a regulatory effect on blood sugar and cholesterol.
How to use it: It can be used in salad dressings, with boiled vegetables, and with eggs.
TURMERIC
Laboratory studies have found that curcumin — the main active compound in curry and also found in turmeric — shows promising effects in fighting cancer. With its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric blocks the biological pathways needed for tumor growth, melanoma, and other cancers. In 2007, Chinese scientists found that curcumin suppresses the hormones required for prostate cancer.
How to use it: If you want to significantly enhance its effects, use turmeric together with black pepper. Indian scientists have found that when piperine from black pepper is combined with curcumin from turmeric, the bioavailability of curcumin increases.
BLACK PEPPER
The world's most widely traded spice is a superfood even on its own. According to the former director of the USDA's Medicinal Plant Resources Center, black pepper is a spice with a very powerful anti-osteoporosis effect. The copper it contains also has positive effects on bone health and the healthy formation of red blood cells. People don't need large amounts of copper, but low intake can lead to thyroid problems and irregular heartbeat.
How to use it: Black pepper is a wonderful spice you can use however you like — in our country it is used in virtually all dishes, just in varying amounts.
CINNAMON
Cinnamon can lower blood sugar by up to 10% in type 2 diabetes. The compounds it contains trigger insulin receptors to bring blood sugar down to appropriate levels.
How to use it: You can add this sweet spice to your organic oatmeal or to your morning coffee instead of sugar for better blood sugar control.
CARDAMOM
It has stomach cramp-relieving and gas-reducing effects. A long-standing digestive aid, cardamom also triggers bile release to help your body burn more fat (those at risk for gallstones should consult a specialist before using).
How to use it: You can sweeten it with a little honey and enjoy it with milk.
CLOVES
Known as a home remedy for toothache, cloves also contain eugenol, which triggers the release of insulin compounds that help regulate blood sugar. Thanks to the manganese in cloves, they also support tissue and bone formation. Since people with low manganese levels are more prone to arthritis, I strongly recommend cloves especially for those with arthritis.
How to use it: You can add cloves to your legume dishes, soups, water, or your daily tea.
GINGER
Commonly recommended for preventing nausea caused by chemotherapy and pregnancy, ginger is beneficial for all kinds of health issues, including migraine pain. Ginger is a blood sugar regulator and is also rich in magnesium. It is also a natural anti-inflammatory. This miraculous food, which is highly effective in protecting against chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, has even been found in some laboratory tests to kill cancer stem cells.
How to use it: You can consume fresh ginger by grating it, or use 1 teaspoon of its powdered form in any food you like, or steep it as a tea.
Registered Dietitian Merve TIĞLI ÇINAR
www.mervetigli.com
www.nfitdiyet.com
instagram: dytmervetigli / nfitdiyet
