15 April 2010

The Spice of Life

"Let you food be your medicine" is an axiom attributed to Hippocrates. This ancient wisdom is brought up to date in "How to Eat to Live" by the Hon Elijah Muhammad. The knowledge of food and spices is essential to health. The following article helps to guide our understanding.
Enjoy. Learn. Share.
8 Superstar Spices Boost Your Health
By Sylvia Booth Hubbard
Man has been using spices for thousands of years, and the desire for exotic seasonings spurred world trade and exploration. But in addition to making food taste great, modern science has discovered that spices are potent sources of antioxidants and other nutrients that help fight numerous diseases.
Check out these spices, and find out how adding them to your diet can improve your health:
• Cinnamon. Research has shown cinnamon reduces inflammation and may help treat Type 2 diabetes by lowering sugar levels. Also, a study presented at a meeting of the Association for Chemoreception found that simply smelling cinnamon boosted several areas in the brain involved in everything from memory to attention and focus.
• Cloves. Cloves have been used as a treatment for toothache long before modern dentistry. Its anti-inflammatory properties also help ease the pain and stiffness of arthritis. A recent Japanese study found that cloves helped suppress the growth of E. coli.
• Cumin. Cumin has been used for centuries to help digestion and fight bloating, but modern science has discovered cumin contains unique phytochemicals that spur a protective enzyme that helps protect the body against cancer. According to Dr. Ray Sahelian, author of "Mind Boosters," cumin may also inhibit blood clots and be beneficial in fighting diabetes.
• Garlic. Numerous studies have detailed garlic's cardiovascular benefits, which include lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. Some studies have suggested that garlic inhibits the development and progression of prostate, breast, colon, stomach, esophageal, and skin cancers in test tubes and in animals.
• Ginger. Ginger contains antioxidants and has been used as a treatment for nausea for hundreds of years. Some research has indicated it is effective in treating the pain of arthritis.
• Rosemary. Researchers at Kansas State University found that adding rosemary extract to ground beef reduces the cancer-causing chemicals that can form when meat is cooked, especially at high temperatures. Anti-inflammatories in rosemary also boost immunity and may even lessen the severity of asthma attacks.
• Saffron. Australian researchers call saffron "nature's sunglasses" and say it may shield the eyes from damage caused by bright sunlight and even reverse age-related macular degeneration. Other studies suggest that saffron enhances memory and fights cancer.
• Turmeric. Studies show that turmeric, an herb used in Indian cooking, may treat or even prevent Alzheimer's disease, according to an article published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry. Other research has shown turmeric to enhance memory and improve cardiovascular health. A study at the University of Missouri found that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, decreased the incidence of progestin-accelerated breast tumors in animals. It also delayed onset of the disease and reduced the incidence of multiple tumors.
Combining spices into marinades adds flavor and nutrition to meats. Canadian researchers found that marinades — especially the spicy varieties — are powerful sources of antioxidants and are a tasty way to add more heart-healthy and cancer-fighting nutrients to your diet.
© 2010 Newsmax. All rights reserved.
Special Links
Cut Your Cancer Risk by Spicing Up Your Diet
Tiny Nutrients Could Make You Live Longer
12 Nutrients Will Sharpen Memory, Protect Your Brain

3 comments:

Cassandra Muhammad said...

ASA, my dear Bro. Dr. Aleem. I really enjoy reading your blog and the information that you provide. I have question...can we eat dandelion greens?

Alim said...

ASA Sis Cassandra, Dandelion is not mentioned in How to Eat to Live. I'm sure if it were very harmful it would be mentioned. By the same token it can't be very good either. It's kind of a rough green, hard to digest. I wouldn't eat much of it if at all.

Cassandra Muhammad said...

ASA, thank you my dear bro. for answering my question. Ok I will not be eating them just wanted to know if they were good to eat. Sorry for spelling your name wrong I thought I have seen spelled that way. Peace my dear bro.