Healthy Lifestyle

Magical Spices That Heal Your Body

Spices are not only known to spice up the food you're cooking but possess very fascinating therapeutic properties as well.. While making your food tastier, spices boost your health as well. Here are some spices you might want to consider adding to your next meal.
plant spice

Clove

Cloves contain eugenol, a strong antibacterial and antiseptic. It has always been used in Asia against viral infections. It has recognised analgesic and anaesthetic properties, hence its use in dental pain. Cloves also tend to stimulate libido

Cinnamon

Cinnamon tree bark contains an essential oil rich in cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid. Cinnamon improves digestion, limits bloating and gas, and stimulates appetite. It also has antibacterial activity against several food strains. This spice has beneficial cardiovascular action because it reduces platelet aggregation and blood pressure.

Credits: Shutterstock
Credits: Shutterstock

Cumin

It contains flavonoids and an aromatic essence rich in cumin aldehyde, pinene and alpha-terpineol. Cumin is a an excellent intestinal disinfectant and has antimycotic properties. It has stimulating and diuretic properties and is also rich in antioxidants.  You might consider adding this spice to your meal as it also has anticancer properties.

Ginger

The rhizome contains starches, a resin and an aromatic essence rich in sesquiterpene carbides. Ginger has proven anti-nausea properties. It is also a good regulator of blood sugar and lipidemia. Ginger also alleviates period pain.

Credits: Shutterstock
Credits: Shutterstock

Star Anise

This spice contains an aromatic essence rich in anethole. It is recommended for people who tend to bloat and relieves problems related to digestion. Tamiflu, an antiviral prescribed against the H1N1 flu, was manufactured from star anise components. Hence its possible use in case of congestion of the respiratory tract. Originated from China, star anise is recommended as an herbal tea infusion.

Saffron

Saffron is rich in safranal and phenyl-ethanol. It is a good antidepressant that helps to improve the mood and fights depressive symtoms as well. If used for at least 6 six weeks, it would be as effective as medicine used in depression. Saffron acts on neurotransmitters, as a cerebral anti-inflammatory and as a neuroprotector. It also has a protective effect on vision, including protecting it against age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. 

Credits: Shutterstock
Credits: Shutterstock

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