Health benefits of cinnamon

Cinnamon is a spice, derived from the bark of several trees belonging to the Cinnamomum genus that is well-known among kitchens and chefs around the world.

It is small evergreen tree 10-15 m tall with greenish flowers and has been known since antiquity.

Among the health benefits of cinnamon are:
*Cinnamon help blood sugar control. Cinnamon is showing promise as a way to prevent and counteract the symptoms of type 2 diabetes, having a beneficial effect on glucose levels and insulin sensitivity.

*Can have favorable effects on brain function and memory

*Cinnamon can prevent the spread and growth of cancer cells

*Soothes the stomach, and may help prevent ulcers

*Suppresses the bacteria that causes urinary tract infections and the fungus associated with yeast infections

*Reduces cholesterol levels – in particular, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides without affecting HDL cholesterol. These all reduce risk factors for heart disease, stroke and diabetes. The studies show that as little as a quarter teaspoon per day can significantly lower the cholesterol.

*Cinnamon improves circulation, thins blood and aids in weight control

*It helps arthritis by improving blood circulation and has a warming effect that people with arthritis feel eases their symptoms. It was said that one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one table spoon of cinnamon powder, if taken regular even chronic arthritis can be cured.

More studies demonstrated that compounds found in cinnamon improve the function of insulin, functions as antioxidants, anti –inflammatory agents an may be neuroprotective.

Cinnamon’s unique health benefits come from three basic constituents in the essential oil in its bark. The main constituent of cinnamon bark is cinnamon oil, which contain mainly cinnamic acid, cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic alcohol.
Health benefits of cinnamon

Cayenne pepper and health benefits

Cayenne pepper or Capsicum annuum as it is also known as, originates from Central and South America and dates back over nine thousand years.

Cayenne pepper can increase metabolism and fat-burning ability by up to 25%. Its main active ingredient is capsaicin which gives the pepper its heat.

It was said that cayenne pepper can cure or prevent heart disease, high blood pressure, bleeding ulcers and other devastating ailments.

According to research by Italian doctors, cayenne pepper had been shown to reduce symptoms in more than half of patients suffering with functional dyspepsia.

Capsaicin allows the body to release neurotransmitters which temporarily inhibit the pain nerves, making it very useful in treating ailments, such as rheumatoid arthritis and muscle pain when applied externally.

If it is taken internally, it will lower cholesterol, purify the blood, detoxify kidneys and generally improve the overall health.

Expert believes that cayenne not only aids the digestive system, but also benefits the heart and circulatory system.

This might due to cayenne is very rich in vitamins A and C, has the complete B complexes and is very high in organic calcium and potassium. Cayenne pepper also is excellent in vitamin K, manganese, and dietary fiber.

Beta-carotene in cayenne pepper is a powerful antioxidant and when converted in the body, it forms vitamin A, and essential nutrient for the health of all epithelial tissue. It is very helpful in reducing then symptoms of asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Cayenne pepper and health benefits

Herbs and spices for health

Everybody know that herbs and spices are used with cooking to varying degrees, and of course the primary reason for doing so is to make food much more tasty and interesting.

Spices are defined as parts of plants, usually of tropical origin, such as the dried seeds, buds, fruit or flower parts, barks or roots. Herbs are the leafy parts of temperate zone plants.

But most herbs and spices used in culinary purposes have a long list of potential biological effects on human health.

The idea that herbs and spices have medicinal value is an ancient one.

This is referring to those everyday items that can be found in most larders, and not necessarily those exotic and probably not so well known varieties.

There are many benefits of herbs and spices and the fact that they can be most beneficial to a body health.

Other then the above there a few herbal superstars of the kitchen that have known healing effects: cinnamon, cilantro, parsley, garlic, oregano, turmeric (cumin), ginger and rosemary.

In addition to cooking of basil and oregano is helpful for combating germs and viruses, while mint is another natural digestive aids. Rosemary act as potent antioxidant, helping to protect breast health.
Herbs and spices for health