Posts Tagged ‘Spice’

What are the health benefits of turmeric (a common spice)?

Turmeric is a very commonly used spice, used primarily to give taste and color to cuisines. It also has many medicinal properties. Turmeric contains Curcumin (diferuloylmethane), which is considered to be the main component of turmeric. This is the component which gives the yellow color to the turmeric stick. Turmeric is also known as Curcuma longa (botanical name). Turmeric is a herb which belong to the ginger root family. Many of us are quite aware of the benefits which turmeric provides. This article will discuss in detail the health benefits which are provided by turmeric and some them are such that they are commonly not known to people. In addition, turmeric is under medical investigation for many other properties such as anti-cancer.
The health benefits of turmeric can be listed as follows:
 One of the main benefits of turmeric is its power to prevent heart attacks and also make the heart strong enough so as to avoid further heart problems. Oxidation causes lipids to build within your arteries which my lead to heart attacks. Taking turmeric regularly for a period of time reduces the chances of formation of lipids in the arteries hence preventing heart attacks and it also helps in reducing the level of bad cholesterol in your body.
 The antioxidants present in turmeric also help reduce the chances of cancers like breast cancer and prostate cancer and lung cancer, skin and colon cancers. The combination of cauliflower and turmeric is very good for the treatment of prostate cancer. Regular intake of this mixture ensures the existing prostate cancer growth to stop.
 The neurodegenerative disease known as Alzheimer’s disease is also impacted by the use of turmeric. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties which help lower down the plaque burdens and amyloid levels. Turmeric also slows down the growth of this disease.
 Turmeric is very helpful in treating bruises, wounds and sprains. Turmeric along with hot milk is good for bones. If you are bleeding due to some wound or cut, application of turmeric on the cut will stop the bleeding immediately. Swellings and pain due to bruises can be reduced with the help of turmeric when mixed with lime juice or water.
 Skin problems can be treated very effectively with the help of turmeric. The application of turmeric along with til oil helps in reducing the eruptions caused on the body. Applying turmeric on the whole body before bath acts as antiseptic and fights against various skin problems. It also helps in decreasing spots caused due to ring worms. Turmeric paste is applied to the skin to tone up the skin evenly and enhance the complexion of the skin and stretch marks are also visibly reduced with the application of turmeric on affected areas.
 Turmeric is a very good supplement to reduce diabetes. The intake of herbal extracts of turmeric has shown great improvements in the blood sugar level of the diabetic patients.
 Arthritis can be reduced by turmeric. The regular intake of turmeric gradually decreases the chances of arthritis and also reduces the existing problems due to arthritis like swelling, pain, etc.
 Digestive problems are also reduced by the intake turmeric. Bile juice is responsible for efficient digestion. Turmeric stimulates the secretion of bile juice hence maintaining a proper digestive system.
Turmeric is a very beneficial herb and its list of health benefits is endless. This was just a glimpse of the benefits which turmeric provides. Increase the intake of turmeric in your diet to improve your present health conditions and increase the chances of leading a problem free life ahead.

| More

If you found this post informative, why not sign up to receive new posts ?
It's simple, and free, and you can even opt to receive by email:
Subscribe in a reader
Subscribe to Good Health Tips by Email

What are the health benefits of Savory?

The botanical name for Savory is Satureja Hortensis. Savory is an annual herb and is one of the plants belonging to the family of Lamiaceae (mint). Savory is used all over the world for culinary purposes as well as for making different medicines. Savory is very common and is extensively used in parts of East Europe and also United States. It is mostly used as a spice in many cuisines. Savory is present in two varieties for two seasons, one variety for the summer season and the other for winter season. It is considered to be the most fragrant herb amongst all. Savory is used for the cultivation of honey near beehives due to its strong fragrance.
Apart from this, there are many health benefits of savory which help to treat many problems. Savory is used to treat kidney and liver disorders due to its property of being an anti-septic agent. It is a considered to be a very good herbal remedy for the treatment of these problems. Savory is rich in many volatile oils due to which intestinal worms can be treated. Also anemia problem can be effectively treated using savory as a tonic due to the bitter compounds present in it.
A component of savory called Pyridoxine is beneficial for lowering your stress levels by increasing the content of GABA in the human brains. Mostly savory is used for preventing and curing problems like tuberculosis, diarrhea, flu, urine retention, headache, sore throat, goutiness, rheumatism, nausea and also cold. Also flu can be treated by taking a mixture of savory, chamomile and colt’s foot along with tea. Rachitic symptoms in children can be treated by using a tincture made of savory. This tincture can also be used to maintain good bone and dental health. For pregnant women suffering from edema and convulsions, savory infusions proves to be very beneficial. This infusion is also helpful in treating nervousness and diarrhea.
Dry Savory is very rich in minerals and vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin C. Vitamin A is very essential for maintaining a healthy skin and vision. Therefore, savory helps a great deal in improving vision and maintaining a problem free skin as well as a healthy mucus membrane. On the other hand vitamin C present in savory is responsible for fighting against infections and problems related to inflammation. Wounds and skin infections can be treated by using the alcohol made out of savory as it has power to act as a disinfectant. Savory promotes the formation of red blood cells and also helps in maintaining an excellent cardiovascular health. People suffering from flatulence and cystitis can also consume savory for curing the problems.
Savory contains properties which help it act like a herb for preventing various diseases and promotes health. The dietary fibers present in savory help in reducing the bad cholesterol level and increasing the good cholesterol level. Thymol, a volatile oil present in savory is known for its power to help build a strong immune system. This is because of the anti-fungal and anti-septic properties this volatile oil has. Many intestinal and lung infections can be cured with the help of some components like carvacrol, linalool, tannin, 1-borneol, cymol and x1-pinen which are present in high amounts in savory. These components also help in treating renal problems. Many internal health problems can be effectively cured by drinking savory tea on a regular basis.
Apart from all these health benefits, savory is a culinary spice. it is used in pickles and many types of salads and also various cuisines, specially made out of meat. Savory can be thought of as another miracle plant presented by nature for you.

What are the health benefits of Asafoetida ?

Asafoetida (generally referred to as Hing in Hindi – since it is an integral part of the cuisine of India) belongs to the family of Apiaceae. Other plants that belong to this family are celery, carrots, parsley, etc. Asafoetida is a very beneficial plant (with a very strong smell) due to which it is used in most of the Indian cuisines. Basically, the origin of Asafoetida is in Afghanistan and Iran, but it is also present in the Mediterranean and Central Asia. It is also used for various other purposes throughout the world. It is a perennial plant and is about six feet. Asafoetida is used all over the world because of its medicinal values as well as a spice for culinary purposes. The plant bears clusters of yellow flowers.
Asafoetida contains fats, carbohydrates, proteins, moisture, minerals fibers, etc. The minerals and vitamins present in asafoetida consist of calcium, iron, carotene, riboflavin, niacin. Resin, gums, ash and volatile oil also form the content of asafoetida. The resin is made up of asaresinotennol. This can be in the free state or can be combined with an acid called Ferulic Acid.
Asafoetida is a very effective herb which can be used as a remedy for nervous disorders. The strong and pungent smell of Asafoetida proves to be very helpful for Hysteria patients. In order to make Hysteria patients get back their consciousness, 3 grams of the Asafoetida gum mixed with 130 ml of water should be inhaled by the patient. In order to get quick relief, this activity can be repeated two to three times a day. Asafoetida also cures many respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis and it is also helpful in curing problems like an upset stomach and enhances your digestive power. It is used for the purpose of curing constipation by many people.
Many of us are unaware of the properties of Asafoetida, such as acting as an effective insect repellant. Its strong smell prevents insects from coming near it. For ladies suffering from painful menstruation, Asafoetida is a quick and effective remedy. Asafoetida powder taken with meals followed by at least two glasses of water will ensure less painful menses. Also, women are prescribed to take it after the delivery of the baby. This helps in curing problems caused in post delivery periods. It is a very useful herb for women who face the problems like infertility, pre-mature labors.
People having low blood pressure should include Asafoetida as a medicine. It is used as an antidote to a narcotic drug called opium, and there can be a great many addicts to opium. In order to reduce the effect of opium on body, Asafoetida is given to the patient in the same quantity as that of the consumed opium. Also it has properties, which can help a person suffering from toothache. A heated mixture of a pinch of Asafoetida and lemon juice applied on the affected area can give relief from toothache. Asafoetida is also used to cure stomach ache in kids as well as adults. To cure the stomach ache Asafoetida can be taken along with some curd in case of adults and for children it can be massaged around their naval.
One of the very important and rare benefits of Asafoetida is that it has properties with which it can cure swine flu. Its roots produce an antiviral drug with the help of which flu can be cured. Apart from all these medicinal properties Asafoetida can also be used for enhancing the taste and aroma of the food. It is commonly used as a flavoring agent. It is also mixed with other spices to add up taste in the food. Most of the Indian cuisines are not considered complete without the use of asafoetida. It is used by cooks to flavor food like curries, pickles, meatballs, etc.