Spices make foods taste great. Let’s face it sometimes the spice is what makes a dish work well or not. Spices contain phytonutrients, essential oils, antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that promote overall health. Some spices that have beneficial effects include bay leaf, black pepper, capers, caraway, cardamom, cayenne pepper, chili peppers, cinnamon, cloves, cocoa beans, cumin, horseradish, jalapeno peppers, mace spice, nutmeg, saffron, turmeric, and wasabi.
Spices are beneficial to our diets for many reasons. Spices have plant derived chemical compounds that are known to prevent disease and promote health. They have anti-inflammatory, anti-flatulent, and carminative properties. Components in spices have been found to have an anti-clotting function aiding in stroke prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Thyme water is known to help sore throats and bronchitis symptoms. Thyme is used as mouth wash to treat gingivitis. Spices contain minerals such as potassium, manganese, iron, and magnesium. Potassium is found in body fluids and aids in controlling heart rate, and blood pressure. Manganese is used as a co-factor for an antioxidant enzyme. So, for these reasons and overall health, spice it up a bit. Eat smart. Visit tpnperfectbodies.com for more articles and information.