Day One Hundred and Nine!!

Spices


There is nothing that makes food better than adding flavour by using spice. Spices add colour and fragrance and, as well, they also have therapeutic effects. 


Cinnamon for example adds wonderful flavour. If you add as little as 1 gram of cinnamon to your daily diet, you can improve blood sugar and blood fat levels, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Cinnamon has been shown to mimic the action of insulin by stimulating insulin receptors, helping to release sugar out of the blood. Cinnamon is also known for increasing circulation, and helping to reduce muscle soreness after exercise by reducing the damage of oxidation and inflammation. 


Ginger is known to improve circulation in the body, and is known for helping to sooth upset stomach and boosting the immune system, having a cleansing effect on the digestive tract. Boosting your ginger intake daily can reduce and heal painful inflammation by inhibiting the effects of arabinonic acid. Ginger can be added to just about anything. Ginger can be added to stir fries, grated into tea, and you can actually add it to your hot bath, as it is known to relax muscles.


Another spice is turmeric, which also contains powerful anti oxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric improves circulation, stimulates the liver and gallbladder, reduces symptoms of bloating and gas, and helps with the conversion of cholesterol into bio-salt. Turmeric is an ideal herb for detoxing the body, and it has been shown to reverse elevated blood levels of fibrinogen. Fibrinogen is a protein known to be a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke. Turmeric reduces inflammation. It is also a root like ginger and makes a great and healthy herbal tea or can also be added into anything savoury.


Cardamom is known as the queen of spices, helping to reduce symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders, as well as lowering blood pressure. Cardamom has been shown to be an anti microbial, working against dental cavities and bad breath. Cardamom adds a sweet aromatic vanilla undertone to your cooking.


Coriander can relieve IBS, as it is known to have anti spasmodic properties which, also work on the arteries of the cardiovascular system, and has a positive impact on blood levels, reducing cholesterol and triglycerides, helping with the break down and excretion of cholesterol. 


Garlic has beneficial properties as well, “What!? It’s healthy and makes my breath smell great?! How can this be???!!!” Garlic intake boosts the immune system, reduces blood pressure, lowers bad cholesterol levels, and helps prevent diseases such as Alzheimer's and dementia. Wow!


Spicy spices, such as Jalapeños can reduce weight; peppers contain a chemical known as capsaicin, it gives the peppers their spice and helps in weight loss, it is found in most weight loss supplements and pills. Spicy foods can also help with arthritis, headaches, nasal congestion, and high blood pressure.


Lemon is amazing, because it aids in digestion, promotes weight loss (whew!), encourages liver detox, boosts immune function, and freshens breath.
Olive oil is rich in omega-6, and omega-3 fatty acids. They also have fatty acid monounsaturated fat called oleic acid which is anti-inflammatory. It helps protect you from heart disease, and according to Google is not associated with obesity or weight gain, so have a pint (just joking).


Coconut oil, similar to olive oil… but tastes like coconut. Don’t let those vegans fool you! Offers the same beneficial properties.


Paprika is great on devised eggs, it also contains antioxidants, helps in the treatment for autoimmune conditions, and keeps your heart strong.


Rosemary is underrated! It contains properties that help prevent cancer, brain aging and protects memory and helps with concentrating. 


Thyme is great for aiding diarrhea and stomach ache, it can also be infused in a salve that helps heal small cuts when applied. 


Spices are good for you. Way better than using salt, because spices can taste better for your taste buds and can undue the damage that has been done, to your system by not eating well. Spices add flavour, help you to feel better and are therapeutic to your system and help support weight loss. When you look at the recipes, you can see how these spices have been added to everything!