Nutritional Benefits of Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg and More
Adding aromatic and flavorsome spices to recipes has a variety of health benefits.
Spices are full of antioxidants which may help prevent certain conditions, such as premature aging and heart problems, from occurring. Although many spices can be purchased in capsule form from local health food store, a tastier option is to incorporate these health giving seasonings directly into culinary creations. It is much healthier to flavor foods with herbs and spices rather than sprinkling on loads of sugar and salt.
Benefits of Cinnamon
Cinnamon can be used to help control diarrhea and vomiting. Recently this spice has been studied to see if it can be used to help regulate blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. An added benefit of these studies is that cinnamon may also help to lower cholesterol levels.
Benefits of Ginger
Ginger has traditionally been used as a digestive regulating herb. It can help to alleviate the symptoms associated with nausea, morning sickness, motion sickness and indigestion.
Benefits of Clove
Clove oil can be used in an emergency to help alleviate the pain associated with a toothache. Saturate a cotton ball with a few drops of the oil and place it on the tooth that is causing discomfort.
Benefits of Nutmeg
Nutmeg is another spice that can be used to ease complaints associated with an upset stomach and may bring relief to anyone suffering with diarrhea.
Other Spices
Additional spices worth researching for their health benefits include garlic, turmeric, cayenne pepper and paprika.
Using Spices
Cinnamon can be sprinkled on top of cereal, oatmeal and lightly buttered toast and muffins. Cinnamon, ginger or nutmeg can be added to coffee beans or tea leaves before brewing the next cup. Sweet spices, such as clove and allspice, work well when paired with foods such as sweet potatoes, carrots and winter squash. Nutmeg also tastes great sprinkled onto baked squash or incorporated into meat dishes such as Swedish meatballs.
Exercise Caution
Anyone that has a history of heartburn should exercise caution when using some of these remedies. The hotter, spicier herbs, such as cinnamon and ginger, have been known to cause heartburn in certain susceptible individuals. Also, nutmeg can be a hallucinogen when used in excessive quantities.
