Posts Tagged ‘Phosphorus’

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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Benefits of Cardamom – a spice that can benefit your health

Cardamom is widely grown in the tropics especially in Southern India, Srilanka and the East Asian countries. it is scientifically called as Ellettaria cardamomum and is used as an herbal spice due to its strong aroma and flavor. Cardamom is used in the form of seeds, powder and essential oils. This spice is one of the costliest next only to saffron and is found in Southern India. The flavored seed is used extensively in cooking especially sweet meats and of course who can forget the cardamom tea?
Cardamom is rich in calcium, phosphorous, Iron and Vitamins. According to Ayurveda, traditional Indian medicinal system, Cardamom is a stimulant and eases digestion. I remember chewing cardamom after eating a sumptuous lunch. It is supposed to prevent stomach cramps and improve the digestion. It also removes flatulence and gas.
Have you ever wondered why people chew cardamom after eating fish or meat? Yes, to get rid of that bad breath which lingers even after a thorough brushing. Cardamom not only dispels that bad mouth odor but also strengthens gums and teeth improving oral health.
Cardamom also cleanses and detoxifies your system. It gives warmth to the body and is used during the cold winter months in your morning cup of tea. It also prevents those viral attacks thus preventing those common colds during the really cold months. It is also given to asthmatic to alleviate their symptoms.
My mother used to carry cardamom and lemon for long bus journeys to prevent those nauseous traveling sickness. It is said to prevent nausea and is also a good mood lifter. Cardamom improves appetite and is a must for those convalescing to get back their energy. Just as it prevents that foul smell from your oral cavity, Cardamom prevents that pesky mouth ulcers. Try curd spiked with ground cardamom or nutmeg to get that ulcers off their roots. It also helps to prevent diarrhea if given in very small quantities in children.
Cardamom is used to treat fevers, spasms and even liver disorders. There is no much scientific research pointing to this but it can be tried as it has no side effects. Some south East Asian countries use cardamom for allergies and bites. Cardamom has a detoxifying effect and its antimicrobial action helps in controlling worm infestation in children. It is used to cleanse the kidneys and is said to prevent urinary tract infection.
Cardamom oil is a great cleanser and detoxifies the system. If used in your skin care routine along with rose water, it keeps the skin hydrated and supple. Last but not the least, cardamom is a great Aphrodisiac. It is said to cure erectile dysfunctions, loss of libido and sexual weakness.
Cardamom can be procured in the powdered form from the market. But it is better to buy the pods and grind it manually using a pestle and a mortar to preserve the flavor. Just remove the pods and grind the seeds, you can use the pods for flavoring your tea. But a word of caution, do not use cardamom in excess as it may cause stomach ailments and vomiting. Try using your cardamom in your tea, buttermilk, sweet meats and daily cooking to improve the taste and to get those health benefits.