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Spices are an indispensable ingredient in many dishes, but not only. Their taste and aroma can spice up our lives. They allow us to discover new flavors and cuisines and experiment with ever-changing blends. Certainly, for many of us, they have become an indispensable part of our daily diet. It's worth noting, however, that virtually most spices, in addition to their taste and aroma, have many health-promoting properties. It's impossible to discuss them all. Therefore, in this article, we'll consider the most popular ones in our country.
What exactly are spices?
By their very nature, spices typically enhance the flavor and aroma of various dishes. Sometimes they also influence their visual appearance. Turmeric and saffron, for example, are worth mentioning. Since it's very difficult to consume more of them, they are treated only as additives. How do they differ from herbs? The case is somewhat complicated. It has been established that both names can be used interchangeably. However, herbs are usually the leaves of fragrant plants, without woody stems. Furthermore, they are most often called that in their unprocessed form. Examples include basil, mint, parsley, and dill. There is still a prevailing opinion that spices are more aromatic than herbs, but they are also more common in dried form. We can distinguish between herbs, root spices, and vegetable spices. There are also other spices that include various sauces, honey, dried fruits, and even sugar and salt. This is a very broad product group.
Black pepper
It is undoubtedly one of the most popular spices in our country. It belongs to a large group of spices. What we eat under the name pepper is actually the seeds of pepper plants. It owes its characteristic flavor to piperine, whose content in seeds can reach almost 9%. In addition to its taste and aroma properties, it can have many beneficial effects on our body. For example, it influences the regulation of digestive processes in the stomach. It reduces the risk of diarrhea, constipation, and even colic. Piperine itself, on the other hand, can accelerate metabolism and fat burning. However, it should be noted that too much of it can significantly increase appetite. Black pepper also has an effect on the cardiovascular system. It lowers blood pressure while increasing oxygen supply to tissues. It also has expectorant, antipyretic, and antioxidant effects. It perfectly combats goiter-causing radicals, thus reducing the risk of certain types of cancer. Also worth mentioning is its positive effect on increasing the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals. We are talking about vitamins A, C, but also beta-carotene and selenium.
nutmeg
Nutmeg is also an essential ingredient in Polish cuisine. It belongs to the spice group and is obtained from dried nutmeg kernels. The spice itself has a beneficial effect on our digestive system. It improves digestion and also prevents the development of stomach ulcers. It can support the production of bile and gastric juice. Nutmeg contains a substance with strong anti-inflammatory properties – eugenol. It slows the production and reduces the release of substances that damage the mucous membranes, especially the stomach. Consumption of this spice can also have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. The substances it contains cause a reduction in platelet aggregation, meaning they reduce their clumping. This is especially important in the prevention of thrombotic diseases. In addition, it has been shown to have properties that increase blood flow to tissues. This leads to its potentially beneficial effect in supporting the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men. The substance responsible for this effect is myristicin. It's worth noting that it's used in sexual enhancers. It also has appetite-stimulating properties, which can be helpful for people looking to lose weight.
Cayenne pepper – that is cayenne pepper
Contrary to appearances, it has little in common with regular pepper. In fact, it is nothing more than dried and then ground bell peppers – the cayenne pepper variety. It is worth mentioning that although this spice has a very spicy taste, it is precisely this heat that determines its health-promoting properties. It is, of course, capsaicin that determines this spicy taste. It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, but can also speed up the metabolism. Cayenne pepper is especially recommended for people suffering from various neuralgias, headaches, and migraines. Remember that it is not a medicine, but its positive effect in relieving these ailments has been proven. In addition, it stimulates the secretion of gastric juice and bile and increases intestinal motility. It warms the body, thus promoting the burning of unnecessary fat, and may have antibacterial effects. Thanks to this property, it is also a good aid in the treatment of colds and can clear a stuffy nose. It should also be noted that excessive use can severely irritate the stomach lining and impair liver and kidney function.
Mustard
Mustard is one of the oldest spices in the world. It was already used in ancient times. Today, we probably add it most often to all kinds of pickles, but it is also an important ingredient in mustard varieties. What we know as mustard seeds are actually the seeds of a plant in the Brassicaceae family. In addition to its flavor, aroma, and preservative properties, it also has many beneficial uses for us. The first benefit it offers us is its high mucilage content (15-18%). This substance coats the stomach lining after ingestion and relieves irritation, pain, and possible inflammation. Hyperacidity and intestinal inflammation can also be relieved by mustard seeds. In addition, due to the gentle loosening of stool masses in the large intestine, they can also act as a natural laxative. Mustard is also recommended for people suffering from anorexia and indigestion. This is due to its ability to slightly increase hydrochloric acid secretion and intestinal motility.
Black cumin
Due to its characteristic spicy flavor, black cumin is used in cooking not only as a substitute for hot spices. It's worth mentioning that this spice was already known to the ancient Egyptians. It was always said that this spice could cure everything except death. Today we know that there is a grain of truth in these words. Black cumin can prevent the development of stomach ulcers and protect this organ from damage caused by various inflammations. Furthermore, it protects the liver and kidneys from the toxic effects of medications and other chemical compounds. In addition to being a delicious spice, it is also used in traditional medicine. It can support the treatment of asthma, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It is also worth considering for various parasitic diseases. It is also recommended for breastfeeding women with lactation problems.
turmeric
Turmeric is a spice known primarily for its color and its presence in various spice blends. Sometimes referred to as "magical gold," it is widely used and prized throughout the world. It is the dried and then ground turmeric root—a perennial plant in the ginger family. Thanks to its high curcumin content, it is used not only as a spice. It has properties that relieve menstrual discomfort, which is why it is especially recommended for women with painful periods. It can also help with conditions such as respiratory diseases, parasitic infections, various mucosal inflammations, liver diseases, and stomach ulcers. The possible anti-cancer properties of curcumin have long been discussed. According to recent research, it may support cancer therapies, but should not be considered a cure for cancer. Its antibacterial and antiviral properties are also worth mentioning. It can also be a great addition to the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease or stroke. This is due to the tumeron it contains. This chemical compound stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of nerve cells in the brain. It also influences their regeneration after various injuries, including mechanical ones.
Summary
Spices and herbs can surprise us with their other properties, in addition to their taste and aroma. In this article, we've focused on the most popular spices , which also have the broadest spectrum of effects. It's worth noting that virtually every herb or spice can potentially be a source of active substances that are beneficial to our body. It also carries the potential risk of side effects. Therefore, as with everything, moderation is essential.
