In the kitchen of each housewife there is a supply of spices that she uses to improve the taste of her dishes. As a rule, spices are added intuitively - a little of this, a little of another. However, if you find out what the properties of various seasonings actually are, then you will stop taking them lightly. Spoiler alert: They are far more beneficial than a handful of pills. Everything else is in the Novate.ru article.
1. Cinnamon
This spice is the best friend of those people who watch their diet and dream of losing weight. It not only improves carbohydrate metabolism twenty times, but also reduces appetite: just a quarter of a teaspoon of cinnamon regulates blood sugar levels, and its smell creates the illusion of satiety. Therefore, if you do not want to overeat, just add a pinch of cinnamon to your meals or drinks more often - the result will be noticeable in a few weeks.
2. Coriander
This spice has special functions - it not only enriches the taste of dishes, but also changes the properties of some products. For example, if you add it to a stew or any other dish that uses this vegetable, you can neutralize its gas-forming effect, which usually leads to bloating and abdominal pain. So remember to add a pinch of coriander so you can enjoy your meal without feeling any discomfort.
3. Cloves
This spice has a very intense aroma and memorable taste. Whoever has tried it once will not be able to confuse it with anything in the future. Cloves are widely used in the preparation of meat dishes, added to baked goods and various drinks, such as mulled wine. If we talk about its benefits, then the list will be impressive. The spice is chewed to freshen breath and fight off infections. It also relieves painful cramps, is a natural antiseptic, has a calming effect, relieves coughs and bloating, and lowers the risk of developing cancer.
4. Thyme
This spice is very important for maintaining brain health and stimulating brain function. It contains volatile oils that increase omega-3 acid levels and docosahexaenoic acid concentration in cells. Due to this, thyme stimulates brain activity, improves memory, attention, protects the brain from age-related changes.
Thyme oil contains thymol, which has strong antifungal and antibacterial properties. Also, the spice is used to gargle with bronchitis, as a component for powders, pastes, syrups, cough tablets, medicinal tea.
Sometimes a decoction is made from fresh or dry thyme leaves, which helps with neuralgic diseases, heart pains, as well as radiculitis and joint pain.
5. Saffron
Saffron has an intense peculiar aroma and a bitter spicy taste. It is often used for coloring and flavoring confectionery, in the production of cheese, sausages and liqueurs.
In oriental medicine, saffron is called the spice of happiness, and this is quite logical - its very smell and its bright appearance raises your spirits. And the results of research by scientists from Iran have shown that the spice works in much the same way as traditional antidepressants.
Saffron has other health benefits as well. It has a sedative, antispasmodic and mild analgesic effect. And people who regularly add it to their food note that their sweating has decreased, their appetite has improved, and the digestion process has normalized. Saffron also strengthens the immune system, speeds up metabolism and activates human mental activity.
6. Turmeric
The spice is very useful and is used far beyond in cooking. In particular, she is a "frequent guest" in cosmetology and medicine. Turmeric is a part of many cosmetic products for problematic and oily skin, and masks with this seasoning are used to lighten scars, relieve redness from acne, and heal small wounds on the skin.
And according to recent research by scientists from the University of Central Florida, turmeric has been shown to be a significant cancer-fighting aid. It contains the strongest antioxidant curcumin, which is able to penetrate and destroy cancer cells. At the same time, unlike most medicines, it does not damage healthy tissues of the body.
7. Chili pepper
Chili peppers may reduce the risk of dying from cancer and heart disease, according to preliminary studies published in Scientific Sessions. Previous experiments have shown that the use of this spice is able to regulate blood sugar levels, as well as have anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects. This is possible due to the fact that the alkaloid capsaicin is part of the chili pepper.
Scientists analyzed information on health and nutrition of 570,762 people from different countries, taken from the world's leading health databases. Among other things, they contained materials about whether these people consume chili. After examining the information, the researchers concluded that people who regularly use the spice reduced their risk of death from cardiovascular disease by 26%, and from cancer by 23%.
And hot pepper also plays an important role in raising the mood: in response to the effects of capsaicin, the body begins to release endorphins, as a result of which a person's well-being improves.
8. Mint
It comes as no surprise that mint is present in most refreshing summer drinks. This perennial herb is capable of cooling the body, which should be used when the temperature rises above +30 degrees. Make natural lemonade with fresh mint leaves, or use herbs as an ingredient in fruit salad. Include such dishes and drinks in your daily diet and the summer heat will no longer seem so exhausting. But if you are cold, make warming ginger instead of mint tea.
9. Cardamom
Many of us are owls and have a very hard time waking up in the morning. A contrast shower sometimes helps, but there is not always time to take it before work, since the alarm clock is translated more than once. Try coffee with a few grains of cardamom as an invigorating remedy. In combination with your favorite espresso or Americano, the invigorating effect of the spice is doubled. And cardamom is also very useful for physical exertion - the seeds normalize blood pressure, restore the normal rhythm of the heartbeat and lower the level of "bad" cholesterol.
10. Basil
Basil is now used mainly to improve the aroma of a dish, and earlier it was considered the best way to strengthen the nervous system, restore physical and emotional strength. If you are nervous or cannot sleep, take 20 grams of basil, pour a glass of boiled water and heat in a water bath for 15 minutes. The broth should be infused for at least an hour, after which it can be taken - drink a few sips before eating.
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