Are you looking for delicious and simple ways to boost the health quotient of your meals? While many herbs, fruits and vegetables have their own specific benefits, and variety is key, including the following three diverse ingredients in your cooking on a regular basis can help you and your family look and feel their absolute best.
Cinnamon
The many benefits of cinnamon have been known since ancient times to Ayurvedic and Chinese cultures, who used this pungent and aromatic bark to treat indigestion, colds, and cramps, as well as to boost vitality and energy. An extremely diverse ingredient, cinnamon:
- Helps to lower blood sugar levels, and may stabilize blood sugar in general. It has also been shown to increase the body’s production of insulin. These properties combined may be very beneficial against type 2 diabetes.
- Demonstrates an anti-clotting effect on the blood and improves circulatory system function.
- Can provide relief from headache and migraine pain. When combined with honey, it has been found to lessen arthritis pain.
- Has significant anti-fungal properties, keeping the body free of excess candida (yeast).
- Is a natural food preservative, as it inhibits food spoilage and bacterial growth. It also combats E. coli bacteria in unpasteurized juices, making it a perfect addition to your smoothies, sauces and homemade juice creations.
- Provides potent aromatherapy benefits. The smell of cinnamon can boost your memory and mental functioning as a whole.
- Has been shown to inhibit the growth of lymphoma and leukemia cancer cells in some studies.
Note: A stick or two or a few dashes of cinnamon added to a meal or beverage is all you need, as it can be toxic in very large doses.
Cayenne Pepper
Traditional Native American and Chinese medicines have long harnessed the anti-inflammatory properties of cayenne pepper to treat all sorts of ailments, including nausea, fevers, gout, heartburn and paralysis, to name only a few.
Cayenne is currently gaining increased attention as an excellent addition to a detox regime, as it stimulates the circulatory system, and also encourages the body to sweat out toxins. Additionally, cayenne pepper:
- Can be a highly effective digestive aid, and can provide relief from upset stomach, gas, diarrhea and ulcers.
- Has been shown by some studies to aid in relieving sore throats, coughs, and allergies. It can also help break up congestion and mucus, making cold and flu symptoms dissipate quicker.
- Can help prevent migraines when used regularly as part of a healthy diet.
- Promotes oral health by stimulating the saliva glands.
- Helps relieve pain associated with arthritis, diabetes and psoriasis, as well as joint pain, due to its function as an anti-inflammatory.
- May be used as a preservative, as it inhibits bacterial growth and contamination by food-borne bacteria.
- May help to regulate appetite and cravings, leading to less calorie intake throughout the day, according to researchers at Laval University in Quebec.
- Has traditionally been applied externally as a poultice to treat wounds such as snake bites and sores.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is diverse, delicious, and great for a variety of cooking functions. The oil is the most nutrient-dense part of the coconut; it has antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal properties, and also helps your body to assimilate fat-soluble vitamins. Coconut oil:
- Is composed of 90 percent healthy, saturated fat, which is paramount to cellular growth and function. A number of recent studies have linked diets high in saturated Fats to better health, weight loss, and even decreased belly fat.
- Remains solid at room temperature, and does not become rancid or break down when exposed to light or heat.
- Contains over 40 percent lauric acid, and is its richest natural source. Lauric acid, also found in human breast milk, converts to monolaurin within the body. Monolaurin has been shown to boost the immune system and therefore aid in preventing and fighting disease.
- Adds a taste of the tropics to any meal with a sweet and subtle flavor.
If you make cinnamon, cayenne pepper and coconut oil regular players in your cuisine, the benefits in flavor and wellness can be truly abundant.
-The Alternative Daily
SOURCES:
http://www.organicauthority.com/health/11-health-benefits-of-cinnamon.html
http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/benefits-of-cayenne-pepper/
http://wellnessmama.com/2072/benefits-of-coconut-oil/
