Chef Nancy and I just did a wonderful cooking demo at Cancer Wellness with spices. Do you know the health power that comes from spices? Well here is a list of some of my favorites. Maybe you can use one or two as a stocking stuffer this season!
Cloves-With one of the highest levels of antioxidants, cloves may help with a wide variety of health-related concerns. Cloves may help relieve bronchitis, asthma, tuberculosis, nausea and diarrhea.
Oregano-Antioxidant-rich oregano may help to guard you against a wide array of infections.
Ginger- may help with the prevention of everything from motion sickness to Alzheimer’s disease. It may reduce the inflammation of joint pain and arthritis and may contribute to cancer prevention.
Cinnamon-The antioxidants in cinnamon can help with the stabilization of blood sugar levels and the management of diabetes, as well as the prevention of cancer. It also decreases inflammation and inhibiting cancerous tumor cell growth.
Turmeric-Common in some curry powders and mustards, antioxidant-rich turmeric may help to protect your liver from toxins, including alcohol. Curcumin seems to be able to interfere with the development of certain cancers.
Basil- may contain antioxidants that help with the prevention of a number of cancers. It may help to protect against free radicals and suppress cancer growth, potentially offering protection against colon, breast, lung and other cancers.
Mustard-Highly antioxidant mustard seeds may help with everything from allergies to arthritis. This spice may enhance digestion, decrease mucus, protect against damaging free radicals and prevent diseases such as cancer.
Curry-A strong antioxidant, curry contains a number of spices commonly used in Indian and South Asian cuisine, such as garlic, coriander, and cumin. Curry powder may help with reducing inflammation as well as with protecting against the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Paprika-Rich in antioxidants, paprika may contribute toward cardiovascular health, as well as cancer prevention. Paprika contains flavonoids that help to neutralize damaging free radicals as well as encourage healthy detoxification. The spice may also aid in reducing chronic pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.
Chili-Made from the chili plant, chili has high levels of antioxidants and several therapeutic and disease preventing properties. It seems to serve as a strong anti-carcinogen, with the power to kill cancer cells. This spice may also contribute to heart health and help to prevent obesity.
Adapted from: http://www.livestrong.com