By
Dr. Joseph Mercola
with Rachael Droege
Nothing signals the start of the holiday season better than
the scent of holiday spices filling your home. But popular
holiday spices have much more to offer than pleasing scents--they
each have unique health benefits that will add not only great
taste to your holiday dishes but also a healthy boost.
Cinnamon
The sweet and spicy flavor of cinnamon has been used by many
different cultures for its medicinal properties for hundreds,
even thousands, of years.
One of the most talked about benefits of cinnamon relates
to type 2 diabetes.
A
study published in the journal Diabetes Care found that
half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day significantly reduces blood
sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It also reduces
triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol levels
among this group.
Cinnamon’s other benefits include:
- Supports digestive function
- Constricts and tones tissues
- Relieves congestion
- Relieves pain and stiffness of muscles and joints
- Relieves menstrual discomfort
- Blood-thinning compounds that stimulate circulation
- Anti-inflammatory compounds that may relieve arthritis
- Helps prevent urinary tract infections, tooth decay and
gum disease
- It’s a powerful anti-microbial agent that can kill
E. coli and other bacteria
Nutmeg
Nutmeg is another spice that has a variety of healing properties
and can be used in a wide range of dishes during the holidays
and all year long. It is useful for:
- Insomnia (nutmeg can produce drowsiness so it should
be taken when you have a chance to relax or sleep)
- Anxiety
- Calming muscle spasms
- Nausea and vomiting
- Indigestion
- Diarrhea
- Joint pain and gout
- Lowering blood pressure
- Male infertility and impotence
- Improving concentration
- Increasing circulation
- Lowering cholesterol
- Toothaches (nutmeg oil)
** Please note that taking too much nutmeg (one to three
nuts or less) can cause side effects such as nausea, hallucinations,
swelling and shock.
Clove
Cloves have a potent, sweet and spicy, aromatic flavor that
makes a great complement to many foods. They have been consumed
in some areas, such as Asia, for more than 2,000 years. Among
the clove’s most well-known healing properties is its
ability to relieve tooth and gum pain, but it has many benefits
beyond that. These include:
- Anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties
- Relief from respiratory ailments such as asthma and bronchitis
- Relief from muscle pains from injuries or arthritis and
rheumatism
- Eliminates intestinal parasites, fungi and bacteria
- May encourage creativity and mental focus
Ginger
Ginger is another spice with a potent flavor that is great
for warming your body and adding kick to foods. It’s
medicinal properties include:
- Soothes nausea, motion sickness and other stomach upset
- Relieves morning sickness
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Eliminates intestinal gas
- Relaxes and soothes the intestinal tract
- Antioxidant properties
- Relieves dizziness
- Boosts the immune system
- Protects against bacteria and fungi
- Encourages bile flow
- Promotes cardiovascular
health
Peppermint
The therapeutic effects of fresh peppermint leaves have been
known since ancient times and its aromatic aroma has come
to symbolize hospitality in many cultures. Its healing properties
include:
- Soothing to the digestive tract
- Relieves symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
- May protect against cancer
- Inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungus
- Relieves the symptoms of allergies and asthma
While there are many benefits to be had by adding spices
to your diet, don't forget that these foods should not be
taken every day or you run the risk of developing an allergy
to them. Spices should not be looked at as a "cure"
for your health problems, only by addressing the underlying
causes of illness with a healthy diet and lifestyle will you
be able to achieve optimum health.
Please use care when choosing your spices, as in the United
States over 65 million pounds of spices, herbs and dry ingredients
are irradiated
each year. Fortunately, in the United States and Canada irradiated
spices have to be labeled with the international symbol for
irradiated foods, the "radura" symbol. However,
processed foods that contain irradiated spices do not have
to be labeled in the United States. So before you purchase
a spice be sure to check the label to ensure that it has not
been irradiated--organic varieties are your best bet.
But don’t let this discourage you from taking advantage
of all that spices have to offer. Spices used with the above
advice in mind are indeed an excellent way to add flavor and
healing properties to your diet.
Related Articles:
Cinnamon May Help
Control Blood Sugar
Herbs Rich Source of Healthy
Antioxidants; Oregano Ranks Highest
Six Tips to Avoid
Holiday Overeating
FDA Failed to
Follow Safety Rules Before Legalizing Irradiated Food