Food is a great tool to keep our body healthy and prevent many diseases. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to our diet and how we eat food. Natural spices have long had a reputation as medicinal condiments used by ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Indians and Chinese. They were used to heal certain pathologies and alleviate ailments and disorders.
Due to the complications of the time to access seeds, bark and plants, only the upper classes could use them. It was from the 15th century, with the discovery of America, when these spices became popular in Europe.
The only disadvantage of some of these seasonings is the quantity, since it is necessary to ingest large quantities to notice their results.
The six most beneficial spices:
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Table of Contents
Cinnamon
This bark of the cinnamon tree comes from Sri Lanka. Its aroma makes it an indispensable garnish for various desserts, as well as in countless beverages such as herbal teas or coffee.
- It improves insulin sensitivity and lowers blood sugar levels.
- Relieves premenstrual syndrome, due to its high manganese content that reduces abdominal pain and other symptoms.
- Great ally against bad cholesterol. Reduces triglycerides and LDL cholesterol in the blood, thus preventing heart disease such as arteriosclerosis.
- Anticarcinogenic. By reducing blood sugar, it also prevents cancer cells from having access to it to feed themselves. Its efficacy has been proven in leukemia, colon cancer, gastric cancer, melanomas and lymphomas.
- High anti-inflammatory and antioxidant power.
- Prevents Alzheimer’s disease by preventing the birth of filamentous tangles in brain cells.
- Helps improve memory and cognitive development.
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Turmeric
This curry ingredient has the ability to protect important organs such as the liver and heart, as well as the joints. It is attributed with anti-inflammatory, choleretic and carminative properties, as well as protecting the digestive system, the immune system and the skin.
- It prevents the appearance of gas and flatulence.
- Cuts diarrhea caused by gastrointestinal inflammations, allergies or intoxications.
- Repairs stomach tissues and is a great substitute for some anti-ulcer drugs.
- Anti-inflammatory of the digestive system in general.
- Stimulates bile production and helps metabolize fats.
- It is a great ally for those who want to lose weight.
- Rejuvenates the skin.
- Used as a poultice, it promotes the healing of burns and wounds.
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Ginger
This oriental plant has been offering its medicinal values to the sick people of the Asian continent for many centuries. Among its many properties, the following stand out:
- High antioxidant power that prevents the appearance of certain tumors and cancers such as colon cancer.
- It is an excellent antiseptic.
- Promotes good digestion.
- Improves blood circulation.
- It has a protective effect against viruses and, in particular, against flu and colds. It also relieves throat infections.
- Excellent accelerator of metabolism, so its intake promotes weight loss.
- Blocker of the effects of protasgladin, the cause of inflammation of blood vessels in the brain that trigger migraines.
- Muscle relaxant. Recommended for sports enthusiasts.
- Strengthens the immune system.
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Saffron
In Spain, its use is widespread in all kinds of rice dishes, in vegetable stews and as a seasoning for meat and fish. Its most outstanding qualities are:
- It reduces the level of cholesterol in blood so it improves cardiovascular health.
- It provides vitamins A, D, C, B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12, as well as minerals such as zinc, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium and phosphorus.
- It increases the secretion of saliva due to its bitter taste and promotes the production of bile.
- It prevents and eliminates intestinal gas.
- It is a great anti-inflammatory, mainly at gastric level.
- It has a great antibacterial power that protects against infections and other diseases.
- Another of its most remarkable qualities is its antispasmodic power: it prevents the appearance of cramps and contractures.
- It is analgesic and reduces menstrual pain and headaches.
- It helps to combat stress and anxiety due to its antidepressant properties.
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Cumin
Cumin is the aromatic seed extracted from the herbaceous plant Cuminum cyminum belonging to the Apiaceae family. It is native to certain areas of the Mediterranean (Egypt and Syria), although its use is now also widespread in America. It is also closely related to Indian gastronomy as it is one of the condiments used to make curry.
- Rich in vitamins A and E, and in potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium and iron. It is a great ally of our immune system.
- It fights insomnia due to its sedative capacity.
- Its antibacterial quality makes this spice a great weapon to eliminate oral problems such as gingivitis, plaque or tooth decay.
- It is rich in terpenes and flavonoids which make it a powerful antioxidant and metabolism accelerator.
- It gives us a lot of energy and improves gastric secretions.
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Pepper
It is the most consumed spice in the world. Originally from India, it is a versatile spice in terms of its gastronomic use. Black, white, green and red pepper are berries taken from the same plant: Piper nigrum.
- Great ally against gastritis.
- Helps digestion by promoting intestinal activity.
- Its high concentration of antioxidants reduces wrinkles and protects the skin against the signs of aging.
- It is a great ally against depression. Piperine improves the cognitive functions of the brain and therefore reduces the symptoms of this pathology.
- Pepper stimulates skin coloration helping in certain pathologies such as vitiligo that produces discolored areas in some areas of the body.
- It prevents several types of tumors such as breast cancer. Curcumin and piperine slow the spread of this type of malignant cells.
- Stimulates the functioning of the immune system. In particular, it favors an increase in the number of splenocytes, responsible for the release of immune substances.
- It decreases the absorption of cholesterol by the organism.