Friday, July 20, 2012

HEALTH BENIFITS OF SPICES

Spices not only add flavour to our food. From curing cold to possibly preventing cancer, spices have several health benifits that we are not aware of. Take a look at the medicinal powers of some of the spices that we always have in our cupboards.

Garlic is best known for flavouring food, but raw garlic has strong medicinal properties. Raw crushed garlic is anti-fungal and a powerful antibiotic. It is also highly benifitial to the cardio vascular system and helps in lowering cholesterol level and blood pressure. Garlic is also known to reduce water retention. However don't overdo it ,  too much garlic can irritate the digestive tract.


Fenugreek has a never ending list of health benifits. It is believed to stimulate uterine contractions, speeding and easing childbirth. The herb also boosts milk production in nursing mothers.Because of its natural estrogens, fenugreek is effective in treating the symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, anxiety and insomnia. Fenugreek is an effective topical treatment for skin problems such as abscesses, boils, burns, eczema and gout. It is also used to relieve fever and flu symptoms. Fenugreek's rich fiber content make it useful in treating constipation, and as a preventive against cardiovascular disease. It is believed to reduce the blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.

Chilli pepper not only adds flavour to food but also has health benifits that most of us are not aware of. Did you know that chilli pepper is packed with more vitamin C than citrus fruits? It lowers high blood pressre and helps fight inflammation.  And for all of you who are on a diet, add chilli to your food. It helps burn fat and lose weight. It also helps soothe intestinal diseases. Chili Peppers Fight Migraine Headaches and Sinus Headache. It prevent Sinusitis and relieves congestion.

 

Cinnamon is something that can be used both for sweet and savory dishes. It contains fiber, calcium, iron, and manganese.It has natural anti-infectious compounds. It reduces pain linked to arthritis. It’s been proven effective for menstrual pain and  infertility.  Cinnamon contains a natural chemical called cinnamaldehyde, which studies show increases the hormone progesterone and decreases testosterone production in women, helping to balance hormones.

The medicinal benifits of turmeric has long been known. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.   Is a natural liver detoxifier and a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects. It is a natural painkiller and may aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management. It has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Research is being carried out on the effect of turmeric in preventing cancer.



Ginger has long been used as a natural treatment for colds and the flu. Many people also find ginger to be helpful in the case of stomach flus or food poisoning, which is not surprising given the positive effects ginger has upon the digestive tract.It has been shown to be an effective remedy for the nausea associated with motion sickness.Research has shown that ginger may provide migraine relief due to its ability to stop prostaglandins from causing pain and inflammation in blood vessels.In Chinese medicine, ginger tea with brown sugar is used in the treatment of menstrual cramps.



Cardamom is known to stimulate the digestive system. It is also able to counteract excessive stomach acid.  Cardamom is able to inhibit the development and growth of viruses, fungi and bacteria. It may help those individuals who are having low immune to infections and diseases. Its capacity to fight disease and its stomachic properties help in reducing bad breath. Cardamom is used in Indian medicine for treating bladder disorders, urinary tract disorders and the kidney. It also treats other complications such as nephritis and cystitis.
 





 

 




 

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