FIVE SPICES WITH HEALTH BENEFITS

Recent studies suggest that when it comes to cuisine,

kicking it up a notch can be as good for your health

as it is tasty for your palate.

Five Spices with Health Benefits
Shared by Linda H., Rosharon, TX

These five hot spices can be good for everything

from easing arthritis pain to keeping your heart healthy.

Recent studies suggest that when it comes to cuisine,

kicking it up a notch can be as good for your health

as it is tasty for your palate.

Some spices, particularly hot ones,

contain phytochemicals

that may help ward off cell damage

associated with chronic diseases.

Chili Powder

Potential health perk: Relieves achy joints.

Research shows that capsaicin, found in chili peppers,

has an anti-inflammatory effect,

which may help ease arthritic swelling and pain.

Hot way to dish it: Sprinkle a few shakes of chili powder and salt on baked French fries.

Cinnamon

Potential health perk: Protects against Type 2 diabetes

and heart disease.

A 2003 study found that about half a teaspoon

lowered blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.

Hot way to dish it: Mix half a teaspoon of cinnamon

into your coffee, or jazz up whipped cream

with a couple of pinches.

Curry Powder

Potential health perk: Safeguards your brain.

The yellow curry pigment curcumin may fight Alzheimer's

by thwarting development of the disease's

signature amyloid brain plaques, says a study.

Hot way to dish it: Whisk 1 1/2 teaspoons mild curry powder into mayonnaise to dress up sandwiches.

Garlic

Potential health perk: Improves your heart's health.

Brigham Young University researchers found that

garlic consumption can lower total cholesterol and

triglyceride levels by an average of 10 percent.

Hot way to dish it: Add minced garlic and chopped cucumber to plain yogurt for a light dip or salad dressing.

Wasabi

Potential health perk: Prevents ulcers.

A 2004 South Korean study suggests Japanese horseradish can kill ulcer-causing Helicobacter pylori bacteria.

Plant chemicals may also prevent tooth decay.

Hot way to dish it: Mix a smidgen of wasabi paste

with mashed avocado for a snappier guacamole.

Originally published in

Ladies' Home Journal magazine, May 2005

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