spices

Do you love spicy foods? I do. Capsaicin is an active component of chili peppers. It is generally an irritant to mammals including humans and causes a sensation of burning in any tissue with which it comes into contact. Because of the burning sensation caused by capsaicin when it meets mucous membranes, it is commonly used in food products to promote taste and added spice or “heat” usually found spices such as chili powder and paprika.

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.