Could spices be good for you?

Spices like turmeric, cinnamon, ginger and cayenne pepper not only make food taste good, they are also known as ‘super spices’. For millennia, natural medicine and Ayurveda teaching have claimed that spices are good for our health. Now, more and more studies are examining their health-promoting effects. Today, we shed some light on spices that could be particularly good for your body.

Chilli

The heat in chilli really warms the body. There are good reasons why chilli is considered to be a warming spice and an analgesic. Capsaicin, an active component in both chilli and cayenne pepper, is believed to have an extremely positive effect on our blood vessels and can prevent blood clots and reduce blood pressure. Hot spices are also said to have antibacterial properties.

Ginger

The volatile oils contained in ginger can have analgesic and antispasmodic effects. Gingerol, the active constituent in ginger, is also claimed to stimulate gastric juices. It can therefore be particularly helpful as a remedy for stomach cramps and mild nausea. Due to its anti-inflammatory effects, the rhizome is often used to treat colds and sore throats.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is considered to be a mood enhancer. The colourful spice has a positive effect on digestion. The substances that are produced in the cinnamon bark are also said to reduce blood sugars. However, the ‘real’ Ceylon cinnamon, and not the cheaper cassia cinnamon, should be used. The latter contains coumarin, which is considered to be dangerous in high doses.

Turmeric

Turmeric is well known for its constituent ingredient curcumin, which acts as an antioxidant, protecting our cells from free radicals. Curcumin also has an anti-inflammatory effect. Turmeric can be used as a remedy for minor digestive complaints.

Caraway

Caraway is considered to be a proven home remedy for gas and bloating. This is due to the volatile oils in the caraway, which can have relaxing, antispasmodic and antibacterial effects. These oils also stimulate the production of gastric acid, which can make digestion easier. Caraway is therefore often added to rich dishes.

Are spices good for your health?

While it cannot be claimed that spices actually have a healing effect, ginger tea and similar products can help you to feel better, which can definitely aid your recovery. As a regular addition in a balanced diet, spices can also add plenty of variety to your cooking.

Enjoy spicing things up!

Your Dole Team