Do you use spices to make your food taste better? Spices can change the taste of any dish simply beyond recognition. But they also have more important advantages. If they are used correctly and competently, they can affect the entire body only for the better. It is believed that spices can activate all metabolic processes, have a stimulating and enhancing effect on the work of the digestive glands, improve intestinal motility and normalize digestion in general. You can say more, spices prolong human life.
Let’s look at some of the benefits. Spices protect blood vessels and the heart. At the University of Pennsylvania in America, a study was conducted that showed that the level of bad cholesterol in those who systematically added cinnamon and turmeric to fatty foods was 15% less than those who did not like spices.
Spices fight cancer. In the Johnson Cancer Center in America, this statement was confirmed in practice. It turned out that turmeric (more precisely, its active substance curcumin) can block biochemical chains that contribute to the development of neck and head tumors. It is clear that a strong effect should not be expected and it is not necessary to talk about turmeric as a cure for cancer. But doctors advise using this spice as an adjuvant, in the process of treatment, thus complementing chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Curcumin also helps reduce the risk of cancer in smokers. As for smokers, it is better for those who quit smoking, as their bad habit does not exactly prolong their life.

It will help to cope with colds and relieve muscle pain. Especially for those who lead an active lifestyle, doing fitness or sports. Athletes need to eat a little ginger every day. It helps muscles recover and relax after a workout. This product has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which makes it an excellent remedy for colds and SARS.
Some spices increase libido. It was in ancient times that they were considered aphrodisiacs. At the Center for Molecular and Integrative Clinical Medicine in America, employees conducted a study of fenugreek (it is also called shambhala or fenugreek). This herb is consumed on its own or as part of a curry seasoning. It turned out that this spice has a large number of special compounds – saponins, they affect the production of sexual hubbub, and primarily the production of testosterone.

Accelerate metabolism. If spices are hot, then they increase body temperature, accelerating metabolism by 8%. First of all, chili peppers have such an effect, which has a lot of capsaicin substance. This is what provides the spicy taste. Ginger and black pepper give a similar effect. In addition, capsaicin can kill certain types of cancer cells. Animal experiments have been carried out.
Helps you feel full faster. Researchers from Canada have found that if you eat a spicy snack before lunch, as a result, a person will eat 200 kcal less. The reason is the same capsaicin, which causes a feeling of satiety.

Now a little about youth. The main advantage of spices was discovered not so long ago. It turned out that there are more antioxidants in spices than in other products. As you know, they resist free radicals, which have a destructive effect on the body. Thus, they help us stay young longer. Scientists analyzed the antioxidant properties of 227 drinks and foods. The unit of measurement was SARK (degree of absorption of oxygen radicals). So the higher the SARK value, the better the spice neutralizes free radicals.
It was found that there are more antioxidants in spices than in berries, which were considered the absolute champion in the presence of this substance. The first place was taken by cloves and cinnamon. Just 1 tsp spice has more antioxidants than half a glass of cranberries or blueberries. And dried turmeric and oregano are healthier than pomegranate and strawberries.
The antioxidant activity of spices was also tested by another indicator. This is the ability to resist SROSZH, oxide compounds of iron. Scientists from Ireland, after conducting a study, isolated cloves from different products. It turned out that this is the most versatile antioxidant and the most useful spice. All other spices act in different directions, so scientists have come to the conclusion that the best and most complete effect can be achieved if there is a variety of spices in the human diet.

Be careful. Like all products, spices also have side effects and contraindications. For example, garlic, turmeric, and cumin can reduce or enhance the effects of many medications. This was proven by researchers from the Northwestern Memorial hospital in the USA.
Hot black and red pepper should be used very carefully for those who have gastritis or other stomach problems. But perfectly healthy people are also not recommended to consume more than 6 grains or 14 tsp. ground spices at a time. Otherwise, a burn of the mucous membrane may occur. Do not abuse spices that are hot and spicy.

Although clove is a leader among spices in terms of antioxidant properties, it is not recommended to give babies under 2 years old. And those who have stomach disease, hypertensive patients. Garlic contains sulfur and can provoke bloating and flatulence, besides, garlic has the ability to lower blood pressure. Useful share of this product is not more than three cloves per day.
Bay leaf impairs blood clotting, so if you are prone to bleeding, do not put it in a stew or soup. This also applies to mothers who are breastfeeding and pregnant. And in very small doses, you need to add nutmeg. He, of course, has many advantages, but in case of an overdose, headaches, dizziness and tachycardia may appear. Spices, of course, prolong life and youth, so they should be regularly consumed along with healthy food.