Using spices is an essential part of all cooking, mainly for their taste, the color, and aroma they give, but also for the antioxidants that come packed in them. Spices are packed with the highest amount of antitoxins per unit consumed – with green mint, cinnamon, turmeric, cloves, oregano, basil, red pepper, garlic, cloves, and rosemary ranking highest in the list. On top of their unmatched antioxidant levels, many therapeutic spices have proven to aid in weight loss. Cinnamon, turmeric, garlic, pepper, ginger, cloves, and green mint help in shedding the extra pounds, especially belly fat. Instead of using pills and powders, try to use the healing properties natural spices offer. Here are some spices and their numerous benefits for our health and well-being.
1) Green mint
Green mint is a natural herb that has a strong fragrance, and it can be used in its fresh or dry form. Studies have shown that, in addition to being beneficial for the heart and the nervous system, green mint can also help in weight loss Why? It’s simple – green mint suppresses hunger and improves the metabolism, which makes the digestive tract work more efficiently. Green mint is also full of vitamin C, which is crucial in the battle against viruses and bacteria, and that results in a healthier and stronger immune system.
2) Cinnamon
Cinnamon can be found in many forms, like as a whole, as a powder, or in the form of an oil. People have used it since ancient times, and not just for flavoring, but as a medicine for plenty of illnesses. The specific odor and taste of cinnamon are due to the component it contains, called cinnamaldehyde, which has been linked with helping in various metabolic processes, as well as improving the health. Cinnamon can significantly reduce the level of glucose when it enters the bloodstream, can help improve the work of the cardiovascular system, and also fight fungal and bacterial infections, particularly in the respiratory tract. Also, cinnamon is a source of antioxidants that have a high anti-inflammatory effect when consumed, and there is a possibility of it being very helpful when it comes to reducing visceral fat (or commonly known as belly fat).
3) Turmeric
Turmeric is used in India and many other parts of the world as a spice, but also as a natural color. Researchers have concluded that turmeric has antioxidative and antibacterial properties and that it can preserve the health of the liver and the blood. Furthermore, turmeric is linked with preventing cancers, helping with arthritis and rheumatism, as well as healing cuts, bruises, and other wounds. Drinking turmeric tea can increase bile production, and that can help with dissolving fat – which means that turmeric is also great for losing belly fat.
4) Garlic
Although garlic is not technically a spice, its benefits are far too many to ignore. In the past, it was used as a remedy for various conditions, and according to several studies, today it is considered one of the most powerful natural antibiotics. Garlic is best known for allicin, a component that has been the subject of numerous studies for its huge number of positive effects on human health. The highest amounts of allicin are found when garlic is completely fresh. Garlic has few calories, but a lot of micronutrients, such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, B5, manganese, zinc, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, selenium. It is also the key to a healthy heart, has a positive effect on osteoarthritis, can lower blood pressure, and contains antioxidants that can help with preventing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
5) Black pepper
People who have problems with digestion, those who have a very slow metabolism, as well as those who have problems with going using the restroom irregularly, should know that they should use black pepper as much as possible in their daily diet. Black pepper is proven to be a very good and successful remedy for people suffering from diarrhea, hernia, heart and cardiovascular problems, insomnia, joint pain, toothache and tooth problems, liver problems, ear pain, and lung problems. But why exactly is black pepper such a healthy spice? The answer is piperine, the active component of black pepper, which increases the level of absorption of selenium, vitamin B, beta carotene, and other important ingredients in the food that is consumed. This boosts the metabolism and induces weight loss because it prevents the build-up of fat in the body. So, make sure to use black pepper to flavor your favorite weight loss meal plan!
6) Cloves
Due to their characteristic aroma, cloves are widely used in cooking as a spice. Cloves are used in the preparation of many cakes, dishes, and drinks, and they are mostly associated with mulled wine, which can hardly be imagined without cloves. Cloves are rich in essential oils (15-20%), eugenol, flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, fatty oil, and other components. The eugenol found in cloves can improve digestion and lead to weight loss. Due to this composition, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, and anticoagulant properties are all attributed to cloves. It is commonly used to relieve stomach aches, gas, diarrhea, and vomiting. Improves digestion, speeds up metabolism and improves liver function, and improves appetite.
7) Ginger
Ginger is a well-known herb (root) that has several beneficial effects on the body and has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine. It facilitates and stimulates digestion, relieves bloating and stomach upsets, and prevents cramps. Besides, it has anti-allergic, soothing, and antibacterial properties, and due to its antihistamine effects, it is also used to treat allergies. It is ideal for boosting immunity and relieving cold symptoms. Combined with lemon juice, grated ginger can help suppress hunger and thus induce weight loss. Regular consumption of ginger is guaranteed to ease your path to losing belly fat.
Conclusion
A good meal without spices is almost impossible to make. Different types and mixtures of spices characterize entire geographical areas and define the specifics of entire national cuisines. Spices are certainly an integral part of every tradition and are associated with the regions where they come from, judging by their flavor and color. Using spices can have a very positive effect on our health and can significantly reduce the amount of fat in the body.
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Asia’s Juice Guru nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.
