Did you know that spices and seasonings not only give our food a unique taste and aroma? Being parts of a wide variety of plants, they also have beneficial properties, that is, they can be considered an integral part of a healthy diet. Also, frequent use of spices allows you to consume less salt, which also has a positive effect on our well-being. We offer you a list of five popular spices that are available in almost every grocery store and are suitable for daily use.
Mankind knows a huge number of spices, and almost all of them have beneficial properties
The list of the most useful spices was compiled by specialists from Rospotrebnadzor. The spices listed below can be used in many dishes, and each of them has its own set of useful properties. At the same time, some of them are contraindicated for people with certain diseases.
Contents
- 1 What is turmeric good for
- 2 What is cinnamon good for
- 3 What is ginger good for
- 4 What is garlic good for
- 5 What is chili pepper good for
What is turmeric good for
Turmeric — is a bright spice that gives dishes a golden color. It is made from the plants of the same name from the ginger family.
Turmeric is known for its powerful health benefits due to a substance called curcumin. It is a natural antioxidant that helps fight inflammation, improves brain function and may reduce the risk of some types of cancer. However, there is one caveat – curcumin is poorly absorbed by the body, since it does not dissolve in water. Therefore, scientists advise adding black pepper to turmeric, which contains piperine, which helps curcumin to be better absorbed.
Turmeric is not only used in cooking, but also in traditional Indian medicine, where it is used to treat various ailments, including depression and liver disease. Image source: Herbal Reality
But turmeric is not suitable for everyone. If a person has kidney problems or chronic diseases, especially those related to the gastrointestinal tract, one should be careful. Before regularly consuming turmeric, it is imperative to consult a doctor. And even if there are no contraindications, it is important not to exceed the dose – no more than 2 grams per day, choosing a high-quality spice.
What is cinnamon good for?
Cinnamon, which is the dried bark of the tree of the same name, also has many beneficial properties.
It contains substances such as eugenol, which acts as an antiseptic, and cinnamal, known for its antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects. Scientists have found that adding cinnamon to your diet can help lower the level of “bad” cholesterol, normalize blood pressure and reduce the harm from fatty foods. However, it is important to choose Ceylon cinnamon, as it contains more useful substances than the cheaper cassia, which is often sold in stores.
Cinnamon can improve insulin sensitivity, making it beneficial for people with diabetes. Image source: Koko Spices
Again, cinnamon is not for everyone. People with gastrointestinal problems, blood clotting problems, or other chronic diseases should exercise caution. In any case, it is recommended to consume no more than 6 grams of cinnamon per day.
What is the use of ginger
Ginger, or more precisely its root, is not only a fragrant spice that we often add to tea when we have a cold, but also a real treasure trove of benefits. It helps improve digestion, cope with nausea and bloating, and also helps lower blood sugar levels. Thanks to the substance gingerol, ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can help relieve menstrual pain. It also thins the blood and lowers blood pressure, which makes it an excellent remedy for improving health.
Ginger can help fight nausea, its root has traditionally been used by sailors to prevent motion sickness during long voyages. Image source: Agro Market
However, you also need to be careful with ginger. This is especially true for people with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys and cardiovascular system. Even healthy people should not exceed the norm, which is no more than 3-4 grams per day. In moderate doses, ginger can be consumed daily to get the maximum benefit from it.
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What is the use of garlic
Garlic is a product that we have known since childhood, and who has not heard about its health benefits? Many people love it for its bright taste and rich aroma.
Garlic contains allicin— a natural antibiotic that can fight various pathogens, including those that are resistant to drugs. Garlic helps prevent colds, speeds up the recovery process, and also reduces the level of “bad” cholesterol and normalizes blood pressure. But to preserve all these properties, it is important to consume it fresh, since allicin quickly breaks down when heated.
Garlic is a natural antibiotic that helps a lot during a cold. Image source: gastritinform.ru
Despite all its benefits, garlic may not be useful for everyone. People with gastrointestinal diseases, especially during exacerbation, with gallstones or circulatory problems should be careful with its use. Everyone else just needs to eat half or one clove of garlic a day to get the maximum benefit from this amazing product.
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What are the benefits of chili pepper
For many, this will be an unexpected discovery, but studies have proven that regular consumption of hot chili can prolong life. All thanks to a unique substance – capsaicin, which gives the pepper a hot taste and has many useful properties.
Capsaicin improves metabolism, reduces “bad” cholesterol and fights inflammation. Eating chili peppers also helps maintain normal blood, which significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Chili peppers also help boost metabolism, which can help burn calories. Image source: fonik.ru
As in all previous cases, despite all the beneficial properties, chili peppers should be consumed with caution. People with gastrointestinal diseases are advised to consult a doctor before adding this hot spice to their diet. And, of course, do not overdo it: the optimal dose is no more than 15 grams per day.
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