The Hidden Benefits of Herbs and Spices

Spices are absolutely wonderful, and can help make a dramatic difference in not only the flavor of food but its health benefits. It is not common to get a double win like this in health  The typical approach that most of us use is that if tastes good then spit it out as it could not possibly be good for you. But with spices this just doesn't have to be true.

Many plants synthesize substances that are useful to the maintenance of health in humans and other animals. These include many healthy substances like phenols or their oxygen-substituted derivatives such as tannins. Many are secondary metabolites of which at least 12,000 have been isolated — a number estimated to be less than 10% of the total. It is important to understand though that many of the benefits of herbs disappear once you take high dose isolated concentrates.  Just like food, most herbs seem to work better in an unprocessed from where the known active ingredients can work synergistically with other accessory factors in the plant.

I also find it amazing that not only do we get a flavor boost, but many of the spices will actually improve your health.

Half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day significantly reduces blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, and it can also reduces triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol levels. Herbs such as oregano, dill, garden thyme, rosemary and peppermint are packed full of antioxidants, and garlic can help boost your immune system.

Some of my favorite spices are the hot spices. So I think it’s great news that cayenne pepper in particular is such a healthy food. The active ingredient in cayenne pepper, called capsaicin, has been found to reverse Type 1 diabetes in mice, for example -- an astounding breakthrough that the medical community keeps quiet about. Jamaican healers use it to treat diabetes, although I don't believe it should be relied upon for primary control. Capsaicin also has cancer-fighting benefits.

However, in spite of the many benefits of turmeric and its component curcumin, I am not very fond of curry. That brings up an important point, as you really do want to honor what your body tells you. If any food or spice does not taste good or "feel right," stay away from it -- no matter who is telling you how good it is for you. Your body is a far better judge of that than anything you will ever read. In other words:

Listen to your body and start to Take Control of Your Health