Spicy Medicine!

When most of us add spices and herbs to our food we do it because they taste good! What most people don't realize is that these wonderful green, brown, red & yellow powders we add to our dishes have amazing health benefits. I have listed below some of the most healing spices and herbs you can cook with. You might be surprised to find you already use many of them!

• Cayenne- has been proven to be a natural pain reliever. The spicy flavor also shrinks blood vessels making it excellent for providing relief from a cold or the flu. It also speeds metabolism and has antioxidant properties! Here is a good recipe for sweet potato fries made with cayenne.
• Cinnamon - one of the most healing spices. It is really good for controlling sugar levels in the blood and can improve insulin function in people with diabetes. It is also good for reducing bad cholesterol, preventing blood clots and had anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.We sprinkle this warm spice on our coffee every morning!
• Garlic - oh how I love garlic! If you eat fresh garlic daily you could reduce your risk of heart disease by 76%!!! There are also studies claiming it can prevent certain cancers. It is also anti fungal and anti-bacterial.There are literally a million ways to use garlic, but here are a few good recipes to try.
• Ginger - most people know of ginger as being a good digestive aid. There is also the belief that it combats migraines by blocking inflammatory substances.Fresh ginger is good in many dishes, but I usually enjoy it when we go out for sushi.You can also add it to soups, stir fry's, cookies and drinks!
• Turmeric - this magic curry spice is good for stimulating appetite and aiding in digestion. It is also believed to contain strong cancer fighting properties. One study claims it can actually prevent Alzheimer when consumed regularly. Here is a recipe for Lentil curry that might be worth trying.

The next time you look to sprinkle a little extra flavor in your dishes remember all the healing benefits these spices offer. It's always good when you can get great taste with an added healthy bonus!

Happy Eating!