Spices, used to season and add flavor to food, are a unique type of food because many of them also provide natural, ample health benefits. Here is a look at the health impact of using spices, and four spice supplements which can provide significant benefits.
Spices as Natural Medicine
Spices are historically used and renowned for their contribution to culinary quality, primarily by improving the taste of prepared food. The healthful qualities of spices, however, is just as important. It is the natural, bioactive molecules contained in spices which make them healthy./
The healthy benefits of spices are very accessible with some spices, since small amounts are packed with beneficial compounds. This is the case with cinnamon and some others, but it is not the case with spices such as turmeric. A supplement containing concentrated amounts of a spice is the best way to take in sufficient amounts of spices that would have to be consumed in excess to provide any health benefit.
Four Healthy Spices In Supplement Form
Cayenne is a type of chili pepper, but it is often made into powdered form and is also available in supplement form. Cayenne contains capsaicin and a variety of other healthy compounds such as flavonoids and carotenoids. A foremost benefit of taking a cayenne supplement is its antioxidant properties. By reducing oxidative stress, cayenne can help sustain optimal health and reduce risk of disease, including heart disease. Even if you are not keen on the flavor of cayenne in your food but want a powerful natural antioxidant, then choose a cayenne supplement regardless.
Cinnamon bark: Cinnamon, as a spice, refers to the bark of the cinnamon tree. Cinnamon has been used as a medicinal remedy for thousands of years, and a cinnamon bark supplement is a convenient way to take in a sufficient amount of it. Like most of the other spices in this list, a cinnamon supplement can help reduce both inflammation and oxidative stress. Cinnamon also has an antibacterial quality because of its active ingredient cinnamaldehyde, which can combat E. coli and other bacterial strains after it is ingested. Cinnamon is great for all of these reasons, and the easy nature of this spice also gives it the potential to help settle and irritable bowel.
Ginger root is a supplement made, of course, from the root of the ginger plant. Ginger root contains a natural compound called gingerol which is known for stimulating gastrointestinal motility (digestion). Ginger root is taken to encourage digestion and can be helpful for nausea relief, as well as clearing up bloating and gas. Aside from remedying constipation, ginger root can reduce oxidative damage to preserve cells, and also combat bodily inflammation. Ginger root is available as a solo supplement, and can also be found combined with cayenne in a combination supplement.
Turmeric is perhaps the most well-known, and most researched, natural spice utilized for its health benefits. It contains an active ingredient called curcumin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as other healthy phytochemicals. Its ability to combat bodily inflammation has been proven, and it is known for the ability to reduce complications and symptoms of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. Research also supports the consumption of turmeric to help with metabolic syndrome, hyperlipidemia, dome degenerative eye conditions, and some kidney issues. A turmeric supplement, or even a concentrated curcumin supplement, is a great natural choice to combat inflammation and help prevent disease.
If you want natural, plant-based remedies with multiple uses, or if you just want a healthy all-around supplement, consider these four powerful spice supplements. It is always recommended that you talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplement for the first time.