Chili pepper and ginger for good eating and good health
Adding a few sprigs of rosemary or a sprinkle of cinnamon to your food not only adds to the flavor, it may also help you fight disease and give you a longer life.
That’s because many herbs and spices are rich in antioxidants, which are able to block the formation of compounds that contribute to damage caused by diabetes and aging.
In 2008, researchers at the University of Georgia published a study in the Journal of Medicinal Food, concluding that common herbs and spices are potent inhibitors of tissue damage and inflammation.
The following are a few that you may want to incorporate in your diet. The list is courtesy of Kristin Kirkpatrick, a registered dietitian and Manager, Disease Reversal, for the Lifestyle 180 program at Cleveland Clinic’s Wellness Institute.
Cinnamon. One study found that it helped individuals battling type 2 diabetes by increasing the cells’ ability to use glucose.
Turmeric. Turmeric contains an ingredient called curcumin, which helps increase cells' resistance to infection by disease-causing microbes. This spice also is being used in clinical trials to check its safety and effectiveness for colon cancer, psoriasis and Alzheimer's disease.
Ginger. Ginger has been used commonly to treat upset stomachs. A recent study shows that ginger also can help combat muscle pain caused by exercise.
Chili pepper. Capsaicin, a compound that gives chili peppers that flavorful kick, may help reduce blood pressure. One study shows the blood vessels relax in rats after eating chili peppers.
Rosemary. Researchers say adding rosemary to meat has helped reduce the total amount of HCAs (cancer-causing compound) when meat is grilled or fried.
To make a gift supporting the Wellness Institute or any area of Cleveland Clinic, visit our secure giving site or call Institutional Relations and Development at 216.444.1245 or toll-free at 800.223.2273, ext. 41245.
Related Links