Two new studies reveal why we always ourSeason foodshould. Healthy spices can do more than just flavor the dish. They keep our hearts fit and help lower high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
“The healthy spices have anti-inflammatory properties. The chronic inflammation can cause cancer, diabetes and heart disease,” explains Kayla Kirschner, a nutritionist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. She explained that there are now numerous studies that demonstrate the positive effects of spices and herbs. In one study, researchers found that spices can help with high blood pressure. Another study found that spices can lower cholesterol levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. The researchers examined the effects of the spices that are traditionally used in European and American cuisine. They divided the 71 test subjects into three groups. All participants were overweight and ate a normal diet during the study. With one exception: First, they seasoned their dishes very sparingly (about 0.5 g of spices per day), then they flavored the food with 3.3 g of spices per day, and finally they were supposed to use 6.6 g of spices per day in cooking. The scientists found that when participants consumed 6.6g of spices per day, blood pressure levels were lower than when they cooked low-spice foods.
Another team of researchers analyzed available data from over 28 other studies on the effects of spices such as cinnamon, turmeric and ginger on patients with type 2 diabetes. During the observational study, the scientists found that the spices had a positive effect on cholesterol levels. The available data is insufficient to say exactly how strong this effect is. It all depends on the type of spice and the dose.
The scientists point out that although the spices are healthy, you should carefully read what is written on the package. Spice mixes in particular often also contain sugar or preservatives. They recommend that you always use fresh seasonal herbs and spices whenever possible.
