Spice

What are different health benefits of whole peppercorns ?

Peppercorns, scientifically known as Piper nigrum, is a very popular seasoning used throughout the world. It is indispensable from our kitchen and the dinning table. Since ancient times, pepper has been used to add that extra bit of taste to food not just because of its taste but also because of it innumerable health benefits.

Peppercorn is rich in proteins and minerals like calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium and zinc. Pepper is also rich in Vitamin A, B, C, E and K. Pepper also contains some amount of fats and dietary fiber. All of these components of pepper make it invaluable for maintaining good health. Some of the important reasons why pepper is a must in our diets are discussed below.

Anti inflammatory
Peppercorns have been used since ages as anti inflammatory agent. One of the commonly known health benefit of whole peppercorns is that it helps in reducing pains and is a popular medication given to cure throat infection and cough. Due to its strong and spicy taste it helps immensely in treating colds and flu.

Digestion
The presence of pepper in the food allows easy digestion and absorption of nutrients. It has been observed that pepper increases the absorption of selenium and Vitamin B and Vitamin A from food, these are essential nutrients required by the body. Moreover, easy absorption of food allows easy motility in the gastro intestinal tract. Pepper is also know for its carminative property and helps in avoiding gas or flatulence.

Cardiovascular heath
Pepper is rich in potassium, one of the various minerals found in pepper. Potassium is an essential mineral required by the body to maintain the fluid levels. Potassium helps in maintaining blood pressure and also helps in controlling the heart rate.

Blood
Pepper is also a rich source of iron which is an important mineral required to maintain hemoglobin level in blood. Deficiency of iron may lead to anemia causing breathlessness and weakness. Hemoglobin is that part of the blood which carries oxygen to different parts in the body.

Antioxidant
Pepper is a rich source of Manganese. Manganese is an essential cofactor required by the enzyme superoxide dimutase which helps in removing free radicals. Apart from manganese, peppercorns are also rich source of vitamin A and C which are again active antioxidants which in getting rid of the harmful free radicals from the body which may otherwise lead to the formation of cancer cells in the body.

Anti microbial
The pepper corns are popularly used for their antimicrobial properties. They are anti bacterial in nature which helps in getting rid of any bacterial infection in the body .Pepper also helps in removing intestinal parasites. Due to the anti inflammatory and antiseptic nature of pepper corns it is also used in dental treatment for tooth decay and gum swellings or ulcers.

Sinusitis
Pepper corns are also used in the relieving sinusitis. Peppercorns help by drying the mucus membranes and stopping the further build up of mucus thus reliving of blocked sinuses.

There are various other heath benefits of whole peppercorns which through the ages have helped in keeping health disorders at bay. Although research is being conducted to understand it further, many health claims are baser on clinical experiences rather than scientific data.

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Various Health Benefits of Saffron Spice….

Saffron is indeed a very special and a precious spice which has numerous health benefits too and is termed as golden spice. Saffron is a spice derived from the dried stigma of the flower of the saffron crocus. They are often dried and used in cooking as a seasoning and coloring agent. Saffron is one of the most expensive spices. Its golden-orange color comes from the carotenoids.
The saffron crocus grows from five to nine inches tall, with long thin leaves and lilac colored flowers. Saffron threads were traditionally used to dye cloth as a yellowish-orange color for the yellow-red color of robes for Hindu and Buddhist monks in India, Tibet and China. Powdered saffron is considerably stronger than saffron threads, but the powdered variety is frequently adulterated, so purists stick to the threads.
The carotenoids have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may reduce the risk of macular degeneration of the eyes as well as some types of cancer.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF SAFFRON

- Saffron has medicinal applications like
healing menstrual pain.
menopausal problems.
depression.
chronic diarrhea.
neuralgia.
treats inflammation.
treat high blood pressure.
Saffron has long been considered an aphrodisiac.
- Studies show that saffron can prevent cancer. Its anti-cancer properties come from a certain carotenoid called crocetin that’s abundant in saffron and has strong anti-oxidant properties.
- Saffron improves your memory and is good for the brain.
- Saffron is used in suji halwa, and kheer. Apart from adding a pleasing color,it also makes the dessert nutritious.
- Saffron tea is used to treat mild to severe abdominal pain and upset stomach.
- Saffron tea has been used to induce vomiting and coughing in order to cause stomach, throat or chest relief.
- Studies have shown that saffron tea is used to treat a number of other maladies, including asthma, coughing, dry skin, shock, gas, heartburn, insomnia and premature ejaculation.
- Compounds in saffron may also have some effects on lowering cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Saffron is also rich in many vital vitamins including vitamin A, folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin-C that are essential for optimum health.

Some common herbs and spices that not only add flavor to food but also helps preserve brain health and boost cognition.

Herbs and spices are natural products made from leaves, roots, flowers, and seeds of plants. They have been used to preserve foods and add flavor and also for medicinal qualities. Many herbs and spices are excellent sources of antioxidants, vitamins and molecules that can help protect brain cells from aging and damage caused by toxins.
GARLIC
- Garlic may protect neurons against cell death.
- Garlic promotes the growth of neurons.
- Garlic increases learning and memory capacity.
- Garlic lowers the risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease.
- Garlic increases internal antioxidants.
- Garlic inhibits inflammation.
- Garlic reduces cholesterol and platelet aggregation.
- Garlic lowers blood pressure.
- Garlic prevents brain injury associated with stroke.

ROSEMARY
- Rosemary contains a powerful antioxidant carnosic acid protects brain cells from oxidative stress and promote dilation of cerebral arteries.
- Rosemary may lower blood glucose and increase serum insulin levels in diabetic animals.
- Rosemary odor lowers pulse rates and anxiety levels.
- Rosemary scent may help in improving memory performance.

SAGE
- Sage may help protect against some of the injurious effects on brain cells of toxic beta- amyloid plaque.
- Sage appears to alleviate some Alzheimer’s disease symptoms by improving communication among various regions of brain.
- Sage is a powerful source of antioxidants.
- Sage helps in fighting inflammation.
- Sage is thought to have anti-anxiety effects.