Many spices have phytonutrients in their composition and have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Because of this, its consumption can contribute to promoting health. What are they for?
Spices are natural ingredients that, due to their composition, contribute to a healthy diet. Many are characteristic of Eastern cuisine and have been gradually introduced into Western cuisine.
And it is that, in addition to being able to improve the organoleptic qualities of culinary preparations, they contain essential phytonutrients for the proper functioning of the body. Some even serve as adjuvants to prevent diseases, since they have the potential to fight against oxidative stress.
These properties make them key ingredients when it comes to reducing mutations in DNA, capable of triggering the development of certain complex pathologies.
Spices and their anti-inflammatory capacity
There are spices, such as turmeric, whose anti-inflammatory capacity has been evidenced in the scientific literature. For example, an article published in the journal Drug Design, Development and Therapy proposes this spice as a possible treatment for osteoarthritis.
Its frequent inclusion in the diet is also related to a reduction in the risk of developing tumor-type diseases. In addition, it can improve the functioning of some organs. All these benefits reside in its active compound, curcumin, a substance with marked anti-inflammatory and antioxidant power.
They can reduce the risk of obesity
Another ability of spices, especially those that contain spicy, is to reduce the risk of developing obesity or being overweight. According to an article published in the journal mBio, this is due to the presence of capsaicin, a substance that positively interacts with the microbiota and promotes weight loss.
The effects of this type of spices, together with the regular consumption of coffee and tea, are appropriate nutritional strategies when planning an effective weight loss diet.
As if that were not enough, this substance, characteristic of hot peppers, is able to help fight low-grade inflammation. It is even used in certain topical sports creams to induce muscle activation and help modulate pain.
Antioxidant capacity
In addition to their anti-inflammatory ability, many spices have antioxidant potential that can be beneficial to your health. An example of this is cinnamon, according to an article published in the journal Lipids in Health and Disease.
This spice helps reduce markers associated with metabolic health, such as insulin resistance. On the other hand, it is capable of modulating the oxidation rate of LDL lipoprotein, whose excess concentration is related to the risk of cardiovascular disease.
In addition, it has certain aphrodisiac properties when it comes to increasing sexual desire or potency. It is a very complete ingredient that can be frequently included in the framework of a healthy diet.
Scientific studies have found that cinnamon has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. In addition, aphrodisiac properties are attributed to it.
Cooking with spices is a wise option
Spices manage to improve the organoleptic qualities of preparations while providing health benefits. For these reasons, it is advisable to introduce them frequently to the diet.
One of the best options is to combine several types of these ingredients. In this way, a higher concentration of phytonutrients is obtained and their effects are improved. Even supplementation with this class of products can be assessed to ingest higher doses of them.
In the context of sports supplementation, the effects of curcumin supplementation on muscle damage and the athlete’s recovery capacity are investigated.
Include spices in the usual diet
When it comes to making a suitable menu for health, spices cannot be missing. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the risk of developing diseases in the medium and long term.
In addition, some of its varieties are capable of stimulating weight loss within the framework of a hypocaloric and varied diet. However, this class of ingredients does not have magical properties. To notice its benefits it is necessary to enjoy good eating habits.
Finally, it is worth noting the versatility of these ingredients. They can be used to improve the organoleptic qualities of preparations, but it is also possible to introduce them into juices and smoothies to enhance their antioxidant capacity.
