Spice Up Your Life!
ByHi,
Today, I want to invite you to spice up your life!
There’s more and more scientific evidence that certain spices are really good for our brains, and strong spicy flavors in our foods often cause us to be satisfied quicker and thus eat less. So, here are five spices that are easy to add to our foods and also enhance brain health:
Garlic. We know it has heart-healthy benefits, and it may help fight brain cancer. The scientific journal, Cancer, in 2007 reported that garlic compounds eliminated brain cancer cells and could become part of brain cancer treatment regimens. Garlic may also stimulate immune function. Add a couple cloves of garlic or some garlic powder to salads and other dishes, or add chopped garlic with tomatoes, fresh basil, and fresh mozarella for a wonderful appetizer or side dish.
Saffron. Eating two servings of this pungent herb twice a day works as well as Prozac for treating mild to moderate depression, according to a 2007 study. Saffron may help lower cholesterol, and it’s a powerful antioxidant. An Italian university study found that saffron may protect and correct vision in individuals who have retinitis pigmentosa or macular degeneration. Throw a half teaspoon of saffron into the water when you cook 2 cups of rice for a simple way to add it into your diet.
Ginger. A researcher at the Headache Care Center in Springfield, Missouri, found that more than 80% of migraine-prone patients with mild headaches who he treated with a combination of ginger and the herb feverfew staved off migraines. After 2 hours, 48% were pain free. For another 34%, the pain stayed mild, which is huge if you suffer from migraines. Ginger has also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties and is a powerful, natural painkiller. You can actually make a tea with 3 teaspoons of grated ginger, steeped 10 minutes in a cup of boiling water. Even grated ginger in cold water adds flavor. And now, you can buy crystallized ginger, but watch the calories.
Turmeric. A UCLA study on mice found that curcumin, which is the active ingredient in turmeric (and what gives curry that distinctive yellow color), broke up brain plaques of amyloid beta, the abnormal protein buildup that is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s. In India where people eat curry almost every day, the rate of Alzheimer’s is one-fourth what we have here in the United States. One-fourth. Turmeric is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, a natural liver detoxifier, and it is a natural treatment for arthritis. It may aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management. I love curry chicken salad — put a couple teaspoons of curry powder with 2 cups of cubed chicken, saute in olive oil, then add your favorite chicken salad ingredients with low-fat yogurt rather than mayo.
Cinnamon. This spice may speed the rate at which your brain processes visual cues. Studies have shown that just half a teaspoon of cinnamon per day can lower LDL cholesterol by 7 to 27%. One study found that just smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory. Taking half a teaspoon of cinnamon daily, along with one tablespoon of honey, according to a study at Copenhagen University, provided significant arthritis pain relief. It’s easy to sprinkle a teaspoon of cinnamon on your morning oatmeal for a brain-healthy start, and I’ve taken cinnamon capsules to be sure I get it in every day.
Remember, spices have a shelf life of about 6 to 12 months if stored properly in glass jars. If your spices are older than that, it’s time to replace them.
If five additions to your way of eating is too much at once, choose one spice whose benefits you’d like the most and incorporate it today. It’s the small changes that add up to powerful health benefits in the long run.
Warmly, Barbara
