Cancer-Fighting Spices - These Superstars Fight Cancer

 

 

The spice rack may just replace the medicine cabinet in the anti-cancer fight, judging from research suggesting that spices and herbs help reduce cancer risk and slow tumor cell growth. Here's a pinch of info on the most powerful, and a delicious way to enjoy them.

Cayenne
Capsaicin, the active chemical in cayenne pepper, has long been known to help reduce ulcer symptoms, and may have a related ability to lower your risk of stomach cancer.

Nutmeg
In a 2007 study, extracts of nutmeg were able to help cause a type of leukemia cells to self-destruct.

Rosemary
Rosemary's anti-inflammatory properties are proving to be promising against colon cancer.

Turmeric
This key ingredient in curries has been shown to inhibit the development of cancers of the breast, cervix and uterus. Also, a new study suggests turmeric could help keep colorectal cancer cells from spreading.

Cloves
Cloves contain substances that, when eaten, displayed protection against a type of skin tumor in recent studies.

Cinnamon
Compounds in cinnamon called polyphenols may help prevent cell damage that increases cancer risk. Plus, cinnamon has shown an ability to stop the growth of melanoma cells.

9 Spices for Health, Energy and Longevity!

The colder weather is beckoning us back to our kitchens. Break out the spices to bring warmth, robust flavor, and a bounty of health benefits, including higher energy, increased immunity, and other life-enhancing surprises.

Considered to be dried seeds, fruit, roots or bark, spices have been valued for centuries by ancient cultures for their culinary and medicinal properties. For instance, a traditional Indian beauty trick was to spread turmeric paste on the skin to beautify it and prevent pimples. And Chinese doctors have used ginger since ancient times to cure aches and pains.

Here are some spices that you can start cooking with right away to elevate your longevity and health!
 
1. Garlic wards off heart disease
In addition to warding off Count Dracula, garlic, the spicy favorite in Italian fare, has been shown to improve cholesterol and lower blood pressure. According to the National Health and Medical Research Council, consuming half to one clove of garlic daily may reduce cholesterol by nearly ten percent. Your breath might suffer, but your heart will thank you. As an antibacterial, garlic is often used to treat minor infections.
 
2. Spotlight on cinnamon
Another ancient spice to recently come under scientific investigation is cinnamon. In the United States, cinnamon is usually thought of as the delicious spice in apple pie filling, but in other parts of the world, especially India and Asia, cinnamon has been used as a healing herb for centuries. Research is finally catching up to the wisdom of the East; many clinical studies have linked cinnamon consumption to lowered blood sugar. Both in vitro and human studies show improvement in insulin sensitivity with cinnamon polyphenols, as well as improvement in total and LDL cholesterol. Cinnamon is also thought to detoxify the system and stimulate brain function. Its antiseptic properties give it the ability to fight bladder infection, and if taken in the first 48 hours, a cup of strong cinnamon tea might just nip a bladder infection in the bud. Keep in mind that mixed study results make it difficult to prove these benefits on paper -- but it doesn't hurt to sprinkle a teaspoon into your next bowl of oatmeal.

3. Curry for joint health
Are your aching joints not jumping for joy in these autumn days? Try sprinkling some curry on your veggie omelet. Curry, a staple spice combo in Southeast Asian cuisine, contains turmeric, the yellow spice that gives curry its distinctive color. The active component in turmeric is called curcumin. If you are a fan of curry, you will be happy to know that this substance is associated with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor, and anti-amyloid properties; amyloids are plaque-like proteins that build up in brain tissue, and are responsible for diseases like Alzheimer's and rheumatoid arthritis. In one randomized control study 107 patients with knee osteoarthritis received either 800 mg per day ibuprofen or 2 grams per day Curcuma domestica extract. Both groups showed improvement in pain on level walking and climbing stairs.

4. Star Anise aids digestion
As the name suggests, star anise is indeed star-shaped. Though it is not actually related to anise, star anise shares a similar licorice flavor, due to its content of anethole. Used to bring out flavor in slow-cooked meat dishes and long-simmered soups, this spice frequently makes an appearance in Indian cuisine and is an ingredient of the traditional five-spice powder of Chinese cooking. Star anise has been used in a tea to remedy rheumatism, and the seeds are sometimes chewed after meals to aid digestion.

5. Cardamom improves energy
Found in curries, rice dishes, herbal teas, and breads, cardamom is the spice that gives chai tea its main flavor. In Asia, cardamom has long been valued medicinally for its ability to increase circulation and improve energy. Considered an aphrodisiac in the Middle East, cardamom may also improve digestion, asthma, bronchitis, halitosis, and even help improve a bad mood.

6. Clove curbs cramping
A delicious addition to cooked fruit, roasts, sweet vegetable dishes, and teas, clove has been used since ancient times in India to improve digestive function. You may chew on some to alleviate toothaches, sore throats, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.

7. Cumin boosts immunity
An excellent addition to meat curries, stews, vegetables, seafood, and sauces, cumin is thought to boost the immune system and also to improve liver function, reduce flatulence, and aid in digestion.

8. Fennel Seed soothes your intestines
Often used to spice up recipes with meat, beans, or legumes, fennel helps digestion in two ways: It stimulates the production of gastric juices and also soothes the nervous system, regulating the action of the muscles that line the intestine.

9. Ginger: Remedies aches and nausea
A perfect compliment to vegetables, marinades, and sweets, ginger is also delicious in tea. Ginger may help relieve nausea, arthritis, headaches, menstrual cramps, and muscle soreness.
A word of warning: always discuss with your physician before treating conditions with spices to avoid any adverse interactions; for example, because garlic and ginger possess natural blood-thinning properties, individuals about to undergo surgery and those taking blood thinners should take extra precaution.

To maintain peak flavor, use spices within six months -- but the spice police won’t come knocking at your door if you keep them longer. They like to hang out in a cool, dark place in your pantry to preserve their oils and prevent loss of pungent flavors.

7 Miracle Spices With Huge Health Benefits (and Big Flavor)

Spice up your life with these herbs, roots, and plants that benefit your health as much as they do your taste buds: From keeping your heart healthy and your arteries clear to reducing pain and warding off cancer, these everyday flavors will add a healthy punch to all your breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.

1. Chili Peppers

Add some heat to your dish with chili peppers -- and choose versions that are especially spicy to get the maximum amount of capsaicin. Capsacin, the ingredient that provides the plants with their spice, also has medical benefits that include pain relief, heart health, fighting prostate cancer, and stopping ulcers. If you're ready to take on the hottest peppers out there, try habanero or Scotch bonnet; for less of a jolt, try jalapenos, Spanish pimentos, or cherry peppers.

2. Cinnamon

 You already love cinnamon in pumpkin pie, cinnamon rolls, raisin bread, and cinnamon sugar topping, but there are healthier ways to reap the benefits of this power spice: Add it to your coffee, sprinkle it on oatmeal, stir it into peanut butter for celery sticks, and dash on sweet potatoes or carrots. While it brings out (and warms up) the flavors in the foods it is paired with, cinnamon will also help keep your arteries healthy, manage blood sugar levels, and lower cholesterol.

3. Tumeric

 
Brightly-colored turmeric comes from the same family of spices as ginger -- which means both plants can reduce inflammation in arthritis patients (and may block the formation of some cancers). Try it in a curry chicken dish from Planet Green's Kelly Rossiter -- and then add black pepper, since that tabletop staple is believed to help the body absorb turmeric for maximum effect.

4. Parsley

It's easy to ignore that little piece of parsley that always arrives next to your main dish, especially when it seems little more than a decoration (even if the bright flavor does fight bad breath). But this early spring green has been connected to health since the days of the Romans, and today its supporters believe the herb helps pass kidney stones, battle deafness, and prevent buildup in the arteries.

5. Oregano

 
When you shake extra oregano onto your slice at the local pizza joint you aren't just adding some classic Italian flavor to your pepperoni-and-mushroom: Oregano is a major source of thymol and carvacol -- two antibacterial agents that fight off infection -- and has quadruple the antioxidants of blueberries. Like thyme, it's easy to grow at home and adds traditional flavor to any dish whether you use it fresh or dried.

6. Garlic

 
Love garlic or hate it, you can't deny that it's good for you: As a staple of natural remedies and traditional medicine, garlic has anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antiviral effects, and some studies show that it can stop blood clots from forming in your arteries. It's also an easy spice to add into your diet: Try it in pasta sauce, on pizza, roasted with other vegetables, or finely chopped in homemade spreads.

7. Thyme

 
The strong flavor of thyme pairs well with comfort food -- think wintry soups, stews, and roasts -- and it's easy to grow at home with full sun and well-drained soil, so you can use it fresh or dried all year-round. But the health benefits go beyond warm soup on a cold night: The herb's oil is antiseptic and antibacterial, and recent studies show thyme can kill MRSA infections, which are resistant to other antibiotics.

Health Benefits of Turmeric Spice and How to Use in Recipes

Turmeric is a spice dating back to bible times and was used by Hellenistic Jews for seasoning, and herbal medicines. The active ingredient of turmeric is curcumin. The intense yellow-gold color earns it the nickname: Indian Saffron, and it is a marvelous way to add a golden color to chicken or rice dishes. An excellent substitute for those who dislike the taste of the spice cumin, but like southwestern and Indian style cuisine, turmeric can be substituted in equal amounts for cumin or curry. A dash of turmeric is an excellent way to perk up vegetarian dishes and increase the healing powers of whole foods like beans, peppers, and onions.

Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic food. It provides manganese, iron, vitamin B6, potassium, and fiber. Researchers have dubbed it a "super food" because of the many health benefits of this yellow magic spice.

When used regularly as a dietary supplement, turmeric reduces risks of prostate, skin, breast, colon, and stomach cancers. Childhood leukemia risks go down, and so do risks of heart disease and Alzheimer's.

Those who suffer from bowel disorders or irritable bowel syndrome find relief when turmeric is added to their meals. This power-packed spice has been used with success in treating rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. Ulcers, scabies, and viral infections respond to treatment with turmeric. It prevents blood clots and gallstones, relieves heart burn, and lowers cholesterol.

Be sure to consult with your health care professional before adding turmeric or other any dietary supplements to your meal plans, as it could cause reactions with other medications. Moderation is key -- using twice the amount does not equal twice the benefits.

Here is a simple guide to some delicious recipes so you can start enjoying the health benefits of turmeric.

Yummy Vegetable Dip - so easy children can make it.
Golden Squash Soup - superb nutrient dense soup.
Bread and Butter Pickles - perfect with sandwiches.
Chicken Curry - from Bangladesh.
Garbanzos with Tomatoes - hot and spicy.
Cold Carrot Soup with Red Pepper and Mint - from the Healing Foods Kitchen.
Sweet Potato and Roasted Corn Soup - tasty and filling on cold winter evenings.
Mustard pickles - adapted from family recipes.
End of the Garden Pickles - this is a great way to use up odds and ends from the garden.
Indian Lentils and Pasta - lots of Vitamin C.

Source:
www.whfoods.org