HealthyLife Articles

Tag: spice

  • Turmeric

    HEALTHY EATING

    Small bowl filled with turmeric spice.

    Turmeric is a member of the ginger family and widely grown in India. Its color comes from curcumin, the major active compound in turmeric.

    Using Turmeric In Cooking

    The savory, earthy flavor of turmeric can add depth to many dishes. Experiment with adding it to some of the foods you commonly eat. You might be surprised how well it complements dishes you already love.

    Here are some foods that are delicious when flavored with turmeric:

    *  Rice

    *  Eggs

    *  Smoothies

    *  Soups and stews

    *  Vegetable dishes

    *  And, of course, curry

    Whenever you use turmeric, add a bit of pepper as well. Pepper contains a compound called piperine, which enhances the absorption of the curcumin in turmeric.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Is Cinnamon Good For Your Health?

    HEALTHY EATING

    Image of cinnamon.

    Cinnamon is often used in sugar-loaded treats like cinnamon rolls and lattes. And though it’s a popular spice for desserts, it’s not necessarily an unhealthy choice. The spice has been used for thousands of years, and some recent studies suggest cinnamon may even have health benefits:

    *  A study in the journal Diabetes Care studied 60 people with type 2 diabetes. Some were given cinnamon capsules, and others were given a placebo (a fake pill that contained no cinnamon). Those who consumed the cinnamon for 40 days had lower levels of blood sugar, triglycerides, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and total cholesterol.

    *  A study in the Journal of Nutrition suggests that cinnamon and other spices may help reduce triglyceride levels after eating a fatty meal.

    *  The Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology published a study that suggests cinnamon may be able to protect the brain against changes that can cause Parkinson’s disease.

    Want to spice up your health with cinnamon? Try adding it to your favorite foods or drinks in place of sugar. Its natural flavor can be a welcome addition to coffee, tea, oatmeal, fruit, and even chili.

    High doses of cinnamon can be dangerous, though. Be sure to talk with your doctor before taking cinnamon or other natural supplement.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine