Posts tagged: spices

Health Benefits Of Herbs And Spices

Health Benefits Of Herbs And Spices
Graphic © herbshealthhappiness.com

Here are 7 of the world’s best known herbs and spices, with a few of their noted health benefits according to scientific research:

Cinnamon: Cinnamon can lower blood sugar levels by imitating insulin function and increasing glucose transport into the cells. It can also be used for the treatment of insulin resistance. [1]

Garlic: Allicin is the major active ingredient in garlic that exhibits antibacterial and antifungal properties. A study has shown that garlic extract can inhibit fungal infection due to aspergillosis. [2]

Paprika: Paprika has many health beneficial compounds including vitamin A, capsicin, and carotenoid antioxidants that can improve cholesterol level, eye health, and blood sugar levels. The anti-inflammatory effect of paprika is due to capsaicin that binds to receptors on nerve cells to reduce inflammation. [3]

Ginger: Garlic has been used historically to treat motion sickness. A study has reported that ginger effectively reduces nausea, tachygastric activity, and the release of vasopressin, thus preventing and treating motion sickness. [4]

Turmeric: Curcumin, the main active ingredient in turmeric has an anti-cancer effect. It can kill cancer cells and prevent their growth. [5] It can protect against breast cancer, bowel cancer, and skin cancer.

Oregano: Oregano has antibacterial and antioxidant properties that are mainly attributed to its main active ingredients, carvacrol, and thymol. Various studies have reported the antibacterial effects of oregano against gram-positive bacteria. [6]

Rosemary: Rosemary may provide benefit in the fight against obesity, liver diseases, gastritis, cholesterolemia, bronchial asthma, edemas and even memory loss. These health benefits are attributed to polyphenolic compounds such as rosmarinic and carnosic acid. [7]

Learn More: List of over 200 herbs with full health information: https://www.herbs-info.com/list-of-herbs.html

References:

[1] Jarvill-Taylor, K.J., R.A. Anderson, and D.J. Graves, A hydroxychalcone derived from cinnamon functions as a mimetic for insulin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. J Am Coll Nutr, 2001. 20(4): p. 327-36. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11506060/

[2] Pai, S.T. and M.W. Platt, Antifungal effects of Allium sativum (garlic) extract against the Aspergillus species involved in otomycosis. Lett Appl Microbiol, 1995. 20(1): p. 14-8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7765862/

[3] Hayman, M. and P.C.A. Kam, Capsaicin: A review of its pharmacology and clinical applications. Current Anaesthesia & Critical Care, 2008. 19(5): p. 338-343. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0953711208000756

[4] Lien, H.C., et al., Effects of ginger on motion sickness and gastric slow-wave dysrhythmias induced by circular vection. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol, 2003. 284(3): p. G481-9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12576305/

[5] Tomeh, M.A., R. Hadianamrei, and X. Zhao, A Review of Curcumin and Its Derivatives as Anticancer Agents. Int J Mol Sci, 2019. 20(5).
6. Saeed, S. and P. Tariq, Antibacterial activity of oregano (Origanum vulgare Linn.) against gram positive bacteria. Pak J Pharm Sci, 2009. 22(4): p. 421-4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30818786/

[6] Saeed, S. and P. Tariq, Antibacterial activity of oregano (Origanum vulgare Linn.) against gram positive bacteria. Pak J Pharm Sci, 2009. 22(4): p. 421-4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19783523/

[7] Loussouarn, M., et al., Carnosic Acid and Carnosol, Two Major Antioxidants of Rosemary, Act through Different Mechanisms. Plant Physiol, 2017. 175(3): p. 1381-1394. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5664485/

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categories Uncategorized | | datetime January 18, 2021 5:44 am | comments Comments (0)

Four Anti-Inflammatory Spices

Four Anti-Inflammatory Spices
Four Anti-Inflammatory Spices. Graphic © herbshealthhappiness.com

Cloves: Cloves have antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. The key active ingredient present in cloves is eugenol, which hasantiviral, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. A study has found that cloves inhibit the production of many pro-inflammatory biomarkers, thus helping in infection and chronic inflammation. [1] The study also showed the anti-inflammatory activity of eugenol in human fibroblast and pulp cells.

Turmeric: Turmeric is a spice belonging to the ginger family, that has been used in traditional Indian medicine to treat anorexia, cough, diabetic wounds, arthritis and much more. Turmeric paste is a popular home remedy to treat inflammation and wounds. The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric are due to curcumin, the active ingredient found in turmeric. A review of multiple studies has found that curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma has been associated with curcumin’s anti-inflammatory effects. [2]

Ginger: Ginger contains anti-inflammatory compounds gingerol, shogaol, and zingerone, that function in the same way as anti-inflammatory drugs such as COX-2 inhibitors/NSAIDs. These compounds inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the body, thus stopping the inflammation process. A study has found the effectiveness of ginger in the treatment and prevention of allergic reactions [3], thus could be a good remedy for allergic diseases.

Rosemary: Rosemary leaves are used to flavor food and as a folk medicine as antispasmodic, analgesic, and antirheumatic. Rosemary has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that are attributed to polyphenolic compounds like cineol, camphene, bornyl acetate, rosmarinic acid, and carnosic acid. A study has shown the anti-inflammatory properties of rosemary in an animal model. [4]

Learn More:

Cloves: https://herbshealthhappiness.com/study-confirms-clove-oil-works-just-as-well-as-orajel-for-dental-pain-relief/

Turmeric: https://www.herbs-info.com/turmeric.html

Ginger: https://www.herbs-info.com/ginger.html

Rosemary: https://herbshealthhappiness.com/rosemary

References:

[1] Han, X. and T.L. Parker, Anti-inflammatory activity of clove (Eugenia caryophyllata) essential oil in human dermal fibroblasts. Pharm Biol, 2017. 55(1): p. 1619-1622. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28407719/

[2] Jacob, A., et al., Mechanism of the Anti-inflammatory Effect of Curcumin: PPAR-gamma Activation. PPAR Res, 2007. 2007: p. 89369. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18274631/

[3] Chen, B.H., et al., Antiallergic potential on RBL-2H3 cells of some phenolic constituents of Zingiber officinale (ginger). J Nat Prod, 2009. 72(5): p. 950-3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19271742/

[4] Takaki, I., et al., Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oil in experimental animal models. J Med Food, 2008. 11(4): p. 741-6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19053868/

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6 Super Spices

6 Super Spices
Graphic: © herbs-info.com. Image sources – see foot of article.

1. Cinnamon: Even as little as a quarter or half spoonful a day has been found to lower blood sugar, LDL cholesterol and even triglycerides. This is in addition to the fantastic taste either when added to food or even drinks. Cinnamon can be sprinkled on apple sauce or oatmeal, or mixed with honey.

2. Cumin: Cumin has very powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that fight the growth of tumors within the body. Cumin can be consumed in many different ways, but it is popularly as an ingredient in tacos and rubbed on meats.

3. Dried Red Pepper: Pepper may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Did you know that the compound that gets the tongue burning and shedding of involuntary tears is known as capsaicin? Dried red pepper may lower the risk of getting cancers of the skin and colon, with studies also showing that it helps people consume lower calories. Pepper is a staple in many dishes but is mainly added to pasta dishes and pizza.

4. Ginger: As another acquired taste depending on the quantity, ginger is full of health benefits. Fresh ginger tea may relieve nausea, bloating and heartburn. For salad dressings and stir-fries, ginger would be a super addition.

5. Nutmeg: Nutmeg contains antibacterial compounds that help fight against listeria, E. coli, and salmonella, according to research. It is best used in soups, sweet potatoes or those tasty chicken dishes.

6. Turmeric: Turmeric has curcumin, a compound which may aid in stopping the spreading of cancerous cells while helping prevent type 2 diabetes. Try this in soups and stew curry dishes.

Please note that this content should never be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinicians.

Image For Pinterest:

6 Super Spices
Graphic ©herbs-info.com. Image sources – see foot of article.

Infographic Photo Sources:
Cinnamon Powder – https://pixabay.com/en/cinnamon-stick-cinnamon-powder-spice-514243/
Cumin – https://pixabay.com/en/cumin-spices-seasoning-756966/
Dried Red Pepper – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Redchiliflakes.jpg
Nutmeg – https://pixabay.com/en/india-coconut-muskat-nutmeg-1089390/
Ginger – https://pixabay.com/en/ginger-the-root-of-the-pepper-1191927/
Turmeric – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Curcuma_longa_roots.jpg

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categories Uncategorized | | datetime May 11, 2020 6:42 pm | comments Comments (0)