spices

[garethhe]

I was just preparing dinner, including some beef, and briefly contemplated what spices to throw on it. So, I'm wondering what are the best spices to include in one's diet. I don't expect spices to make or break me, but, still, it would be good to make educated choices.

I read a thread here that detailed the positive health benefits of black pepper. I've also read elsewhere that garlic is very good for you. I've also heard that cayenne pepper and other hot spices are generally thermogenic. I've also heard good stuff about parsley.

Does anybody have any thoughts on readily-available spices that have positive health benefits?

 

[Jodi]

Any spices are great Just keep it low on the salt based seasonings but any dried herb or fresh herbs are great for cooking and add some great flavor. There are benefits using them as well. I know I have a post on here for a few years ago I did on the certain herbs and spices that have health benefits. I'll see if I can find it.

 

[KentDog]

garethhe, I like using all of the spices you mentioned. I recommend black and green peppers, garlic, and habanero hot sauce as I use these pretty regularly myself.

 

[Emma-Leigh]

I was just preparing dinner, including some beef, and briefly contemplated what spices to throw on it. So, I'm wondering what are the best spices to include in one's diet. I don't expect spices to make or break me, but, still, it would be good to make educated choices.

I read a thread here that detailed the positive health benefits of black pepper. I've also read elsewhere that garlic is very good for you. I've also heard that cayenne pepper and other hot spices are generally thermogenic. I've also heard good stuff about parsley.

Does anybody have any thoughts on readily-available spices that have positive health benefits?

Ummm....

I know cinnamon helps with glucose control, insulin response and sugar cravings...

And basil, cloves and ginger are meant to have an anti-inflammatory action... Ginger is also said to be useful in circulation and also for tummy upsets (peppermint and cumin are also meant to help with this)...

Coriander is meant to be good for cholesterol... And onion and garlic are meant to be good for your cholesterol levels, glucose levels, blood pressure and help prevent artery disease too...

Ummm... But other than that I am not sure... I am sure there would be something on the web you could look at....




**edit: I found a few things some of them are a little dodgy, but you might get some info from some of the sites.... -

Herbs and spices links:
http://www.supplementinfo.org/HN_HerbalAZ.asp
http://www.pennherb.com/cgi-bin/herbstore.cgi/indexherbs
http://www.herbsarespecial.com.au/free-herb-information.html
http://www.herb-health-guide.com/herbs.html
http://chetday.com/healthyherbsarticles.htm
http://www.findyoga.com.au/ayurveda.asp?ayurvedaID=501
http://www.naturalherbsguide.com/herbal-remedies.html
http://www.nutrasanus.com/herbal-supplements.html

 

[ANCAM]

Any spice is better than any condiment.

 

[garethhe]

Any spice is better than any condiment.

i would generally agree, although i would carve out exceptions for mustard and (especially) salsa.

 

[thajeepster]

three words "crushed red pepper".

Also, im a huge fan of these two products
http://www.huyfong.com/no_frames/sriracha.htm
and
http://www.bragg.com/products/liquidaminos.html

 

[Moses]

I load my stuff now with cayenne having read about its thermogenic effects

As for spices in general, I use "Carb Options". They are a brand of low-carb sauces great for meats and marinating. No sugar and almost zero cal.