Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Experience The Goodness Of Healthy Spices

By Kate McMahon


Any cuisine is almost insipid without the addition of some flavor or spice to it. When these additives also bring along them with them a host of benefits, the result is nothing short of a culinary enchantment. As a matter of fact, many dishes that are cooked either in specific countries or worldwide are known to have arrived at their stature of popularity due to the ingredients they contain. Taste, aroma and wellbeing could all get packed in one if healthy spices are carefully chosen in and as the foods we consume.

To begin with, there is the highly aromatic cinnamon. It is sued in the beverages that we drink as well as the foods we eat. In coffee, it lends a rich flavor and a superb aroma. Sprinkled in cake batter, it makes for delightful baking accoutrement. Also used in cooking several vegetables and meats, cinnamon is resplendent in health benefits. It contains iron, manganese and calcium. It is also known to be excellent for lowering the levels of blood sugar in the body.

Another spice rich in iron is cumin. It also reduces blood sugar levels, like cinnamon does. Furthermore, it is a known remedy against bacteria such as the ones that cause stomach ulcers. Another area where it shows effectiveness is the reduction of inflammation caused by arthritis. It can be added to vegetables as an essential ingredient while cooking or as seasoning.

A spice used extensively in Indian cooking is turmeric. It adds color and flavor to many dishes it is used to prepare. Known for its anti-inflammatory qualities, turmeric is added to plain milk and handed to children suffering from a cold for almost immediate respite. Another benefit it its ability to reduce the risk of cancer when regularly consumed.

Ginger is a food that has a range of health benefits. Its anti inflammatory properties are quite popular. It proves effective in curing a sore throat. Ginger tea is a popular concoction the world over. Also used in cooking, ginger is a known accompaniment of its cousin, garlic.

A rather well known and used herb is sage. It goes extremely well with a lot of vegetable dishes. It can also be added to Italian, European and Indian cuisines. Sprinkled lightly over cooked vegetables, it is best savored in moderate quantities. Some of the known benefits of this food include the sharpening of memory and its qualities of boosting capabilities academically.

Saffron is often deemed the food of the kings. This is because it is both expensive and used in exotically prepared dishes. Used in rice, shellfish as well as herbal tea, saffron cures depression, anxiety and premenstrual angst.

Not a very popular spice, rosemary gels well with both meats and vegetables. Its goodness extends beyond imagination. It is known to reduce the risk of cancer. Moreover, it is replete in antioxidants, the oxygen for the human body. Not only does it come with healthy benefits, it adds a rich taste and fragrance to any food too.

Eating good food is indeed necessary. When it also comes with health benefits, you are up for a bonus package of sorts. This is what makes healthy spices so full of advantages. They not only add good taste to foods, but also raise the wellbeing quotient by multiple levels.




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