It’s hard to believe, but the spices that add such wonderful flavor and fragrance to your baked pies, muffins, cookies and cakes can also add unique medicinal value to your health. Scientific evidence has shown, through clinical trials and studies, that a few of your favorite ingredients can also have great impact on your health and well-being.
CLOVES
Cloves are used frequently in gingerbread cookie, pumpkin pie, and even chili recipes for added warmth, sweetness and fragrance. But the active component in cloves volatile oils, eugenol, have made them the subject of numerous studies.
The results of these health studies revealed the following ways in which cloves are helpful:
Acts as a mild anaesthetic, Acts as an anti-bacterial agent, reduces inflammatory symptoms, relieves symptoms associated with asthma, relieves symptoms of rhuematism and arthritis, eliminates intestinal parasites, contains excellent sources of dietary fiber , contains excellent sources of Vitamin C, contains excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, contains good sources of Calcium, may stimulate creativity and mental focus and prevents toxicity from environmental pollutants
NUTMEG
The mention of nutmeg usually conjures up images of holiday dishes and aromas. But nutmeg has more to offer all year round than just spicing up your holiday season.
Nutmeg, a native spice of the Moluccas Islands in the South Pacific, has been known to have the following health benefits:
Lowers blood pressure, soothes digestive upset, eases joint pain and inflammation, provides relief from diarrhea, promotes concentration, stimulates the cardiovascular system, relieves pain from tooth aches, relieves nausea, relieves insomnia, calms muscle spasms and anxiety and helps remove toxins from the liver.
As you can see, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves have many therapeutic effects and add significant value to a healthy diet. However, it’s recommended that they not be eaten every day or you run the risk of developing an allergy to them. Also, spices are not necessarily a “cure” for disease, but are rather an adjunct to a healthy lifestyle.
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