How Eating Spices May Help You Live Longer

People have been using certain foods and spices for their medicinal value for thousands of years. As far back as the Egyptian, Roman and Greek periods, people relied on spices and foods to help cure their diseases and ailments.

Just recently, the Chicago Tribune reported that the US Department of Agriculture found that spices may have, measure for measure, more anti-oxidant compounds than fruits or vegetables. Consuming anti-oxidants may help prevent cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes and heart disease. 

Some spices are known for their individual traits:

Cinammon: Can lower blood sugar, Triglycerides, LDL, and total cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes.

Turmeric: Contains curcumin which can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. 

Rosemary: Stops gene mutations that could lead to cancer and may help prevent damage to the blood vessels  that can raise the risk of heart attack.

Garlic: Destroys cancer cells and may disrupt the metabolism of tumor cells.

Paprika, Cayenne and Red Chili Peppers: Contains capsaicin, whose anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects may lower the risk of cancer.

Ginger: Can decrease motion sickness and nausea. May also relieve pain and swelling associated with arthritis.