Spices Can Heal – The Proof is There
Spices are those wonderful things we cook with but did you know in many cultures they are also used for medicine? Studies are being conducted at some of the most prestigious research facilities around the globe on how and which herbs can be used to heal things such as diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer’s. Some common and some not so common spices can be found in the pantries of most homes.
Wars have been fought over spices. Before there was money there were spices. Did you know that most spice trade originated in India, Indonesia and other parts of Asia, as far back as 2600 BCE? They were brought into other areas of the Middle East and Mediterranean by travelers and traded for other goods and services. They were given as gifts and highly prized. Many spices were used as part of the mummification process and were also considered as the ultimate luxury item by many cultures in ancient times.
Spices contain phytonutrients, compounds that bestow health and healing in numerous ways. Most plants contain powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals, they are naturally anti-inflammatory. Chronic low grade inflammation has been shown to be linked to many of our most debilitating and deadly health issues including cardiovascular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s. It has been shown that populations eating a diet rich in spices have lower incident of these diseases. Did you know that the US has three times the incident of colon cancer than India? India also has one of the lowest rates of Alzheimer’s. Greece, with is diet rich in garlic, onions, rosemary and marjoram has one of the lowest rates of heart disease. Spain, which consumes large amounts of saffron, has low levels of LDL cholesterol.
BUT, you might ask, Can I not get all those phytonutrients from the fruits and veggies that I eat?
The answer would be NO. The phytonutrients in spices are quite unique. For example:
- Curcumin has potent anti-cancer properties. Studies show it is an effective way to fight many other diseases. It is only found in the spice Turmeric.
- Galangal Acetate can ease arthritis. Found only in Galangal that wonderful earthy spice in one of my favorites, Tom Kha Kai Soup. It is an Asian spice used in Thai foods.
- Hydroxycitric acid found in Kokum, an Indian spice, is a powerful appetite suppressant and is a leading ingredient in many weight-loss products.
- Rosmarinic acid makes Rosemary an antioxidant powerhouse.
- Carbazole Alkaloids are known to fight type 2 diabetes, colon cancer and Alzehimer’s and are found only in curry leaf, also an Indian Spice.
- Piperine is the compound that makes you sneeze when you use Black Pepper. It protects brain cells and has dozens of other healing properties.
- Capsaicin is one we have all heard of. It is only found in chiles, it is what brings on the heat. It is known to help relieve symptoms of arthritis and psoriasis and is found in medicines and other products already on the market.
- Eugenol is found Allspice, an all around healer. Allspice resembles the taste and smell of so many other spices. Eugenol is also found in Clove and is a well known pain desensitizer. But in addition to Eugenol, Allspice contains more than two dozen other compounds with even greater healing actions making it a cure-all!
Many spices, like essential oils, battle microbes, bacteria, viruses and fungi naturally. They can naturally boost metabolism, regulate blood sugar, calm you, relax muscles and relieve intestinal issues.
Spices add aroma and flavor to our daily meals. Spices are what define a dish, whether it is ice cream or curry, spaghetti or apple pie. More than 90% of recipes contain at least one spice and the average is four but that is really just a minimum.
There are many spices which have healing properties. I will be highlighting more in future articles. Look at your favorite spices and then see what their healing properties are! Step outside your norm and try a new spice in a new recipe! You can achieve health benefits by eating lots of spices! Remember, we are what we eat. Start Healing with spices Today!!!
Tom Kha Kai Soup Recipe
2 c coconut milk
1 two inch piece of galangal, sliced thin or 1 tbsp of galangal powder (Laos)
2 stalks lemongrass, cut into 1″ pieces
5 fresh kaffir (lime) leaves chopped
1 Lb of boned chicken breast thinly sliced
1 c chicken stock
2 tsp diced fresh red chiles
1/4 c Asian fish sauce
2 tbsp sugar
1/2 c lime juice
1 tsp blk chili paste
1/2 c cilantro chopped
Combine 1 cup of coconut milk with the next 3 ingredients in a sauce pan and bring to a simmer. Add Chicken, stock, chiles, fish sauce and sugar and simmer for 10 min. until chicken is cooked through. Add remaining coconut milk and heat just to a boil but don’t let it boil. Stir in the lime juice, chili paste and simmer for a few minutes. Sprinkle with cilantro, serve and enjoy!