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Organic Seasonings
Spices add flavor and help promote health
New research has shown the spices like cinnamon not only add flavor to your foods; they have health benefits, as well.
"There have been many recent studies validating the historic habit of using spices for health benefits," says Donna Tainter, a food technologist and author of Spices and Seasonings, A Food Technology Handbook(Wiley-Interscience, 2001).
Background: Cinnamon comes from the dried brown bark of the cinnamon tree.* Blood sugar control: In December 2003, a study in the journal Diabetes Care suggested that one to six grams of cinnamon a day significantly reduce blood-sugar levels in patients with type-2diabetes.A number of studies suggest that as little as half a teaspoon a day can improve the insulin response of individuals with type-2 diabetes.A recent study suggests cinnamon might stabilize blood sugar even when eating foods high in sugar.* Antioxidant activity: Of all the spices, cinnamon is among those with the most anti-aging, disease-fighting antioxidants, according to a Norwegian study in the Journal of Nutrition.* Nutrients: Manganese, dietary fiber and iron --all typically lacking in our diets.* Uses: Sprinkle on cappuccino, coffee or toast,or, for an interesting twist, on chicken or mix into ground meat.Background: The capsicum family includes red andgreen chilies that add "heat" to all kinds of foods.Two teaspoons of dried red chili peppers have 25 calories; dried cayenne pepper contains 11 calories in 2 teaspoons.* Purported health perks: It contains high concentrations of the potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory curcumin ,which has been said to inhibit tumor growth and help treat rheumatoid arthritis and cystic fibrosis.Curcumin also has been associated with reduced risk of childhood leukemia and improved liver function.It has been shown to slow the growth of prostate cancer and prevent the activation of genes that cause cancer.* Gastrointestinal relief: Certain properties inginger seem to ease motion sickness.
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