A Few Nutritional Benefits of Common Spices

Black Pepper:

 A chemical compound in peppercorns called piperine may be able to help prevent a breast cancer tumor from developing, a University of Michigan Cancer Center study suggests. Pepper’s potential cancer-preventing properties are heightened when it’s paired with turmeric; combine the two in a delicious Indian-style dish, such as yellow curry.

Ginger Root: 

• Maintains Normal Blood Circulation. Ginger contains chromium, magnesium and zinc which can help to improve blood flow, as well as help prevent chills, fever, and excessive sweat.
• Remedies Motion Sickness. Ginger is a known effective remedy for the nausea associated with motion sickness. The exact reason is unknown, but in a study of naval cadets, those given ginger powder suffered less.
• Improves absorption. Ginger improves the absorption and stimulation of essential nutrients in the body. It does this by stimulating gastric and pancreatic enzyme secretion.
• Cold and Flu Prevention. Ginger has been used for thousands of years as a natural treatment for colds and flu around Asia. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that to treat cold and flu symptoms in adults, steep 2 tbsp. of freshly shredded or chopped ginger root in hot water, two to three times a day
• Combats Stomach Discomfort. Ginger is ideal in assisting digestion, thereby improving food absorption and avoiding possible stomach ache. Ginger appears to reduce inflammation in a similar way to aspirin and ibuprofen
• Colon Cancer Prevention. A study at the University of Minnesota found that ginger may slow the growth of colorectal cancer cells.
• Reduce Pain and Inflammation. Ginger contains some of the most potent anti-inflammatory fighting substances known and is a natural powerful painkiller.
• Fights Common Respiratory Problems. If you’re suffering from common respiratory diseases such as a cough, ginger aids in expanding your lungs and loosening up phlegm because it is a natural expectorant that breaks down and removes mucus.. That way you can quickly recover from difficulty in breathing.
• Ovarian Cancer Treatment. Ginger powder induces cell death in ovarian cancer cells.
• Strengthens Immunity. Ginger helps improve the immune system. Consuming a little bit ginger a day can help foil potential risk of a stroke by inhibiting fatty deposits from the arteries. It also decreases bacterial infections in the stomach, and helps battle a bad cough and throat irritation.

Cinnamon:

• Reduces mold growth in bread products (is a fungicide)
• Can increase resistance to and help fight the common cold by battling congestion and inducing perspiration Reduces body temperature due to fever
• Alleviates mental stress
• Improves memory and attention
• Relieves joint pain due to arthritis
• Reduces headaches and migraines
• Can treat diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and flatulence
• And will freshen your breath when chewed

Garlic:

A study out of the National Cancer Institute found that eating 10 grams (about two teaspoons) or more of garlic, onions or scallions each day could significantly reduce prostate cancer  risk. But this isn’t the only type of cancer garlic can prevent. Other research conducted at Case Western Reserve University indicated that garlic may help reduce the occurrence rate of pre-cancerous tumors (polyps) in the large intestine.

Research shows that anti-inflammatory compounds in garlic can also benefit our musculoskeletal system and respiratory system.

Basil: 

Basil has anti-anxiety effects and can be steeped in tea. Clear up that breakout with basil! The herb’s oil helps combat the bacteria that causes pimples. 1 tablespoon dried provides 10% of your daily value of Iron.

Nutmeg:

• It zaps zits: Got a blemish? Mix a little milk with ground nutmeg to form a paste, then aply it to the trouble spot. Its ant-inflammatory effects will help reduce the redness and puffiness.
• It soothes tummies: Sprinkle a little on top of your morning oatmeal--it can can help regulate your GI tract, say experts.
• It may help sleep: Drink a glass of warm milk with a dash of nutmeg--the perfect sleep-inducing cocktail says Micahel Murray, ND, co-author of The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods.
• It helps relieve tooth pain: Nutmeg oil on the gums may help reduce tooth aches and sore gums, say experts.
• It can get you in the mood: While there's little research to support the claim, sex therapists have long recommended cooking with nutmeg to increase sexual desire. (Try adding it to sauteed spinach!)