If there's one thing we can't live without when it comes to preparing delicious food, it's spices. Every day they are part of our menu in one form or another. Food and drinks are always tastier with them, and by using the right spices, we can make our menu more heart-he althy.
See which are some of the most beneficial spices for heart he alth.
Hot red pepper
Cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum) is a popular spice in Mexican, Cajun, Creole and Asian cuisine and can be found in any grocery store here, usually ground into powder or in the form of flakes. It is rich in important antioxidants.
Chili pepper is believed to help improve blood circulation, which is a major benefit for heart he alth. Cayenne pepper contains vitamin C, potassium and ingredients such as capsaicin. Capsaicin is responsible for that burning sensation when we eat pepper or hot peppers, and it also has the ability to dilate blood vessels.
Western studies show that regular consumption of chili peppers can help lower bad cholesterol and triglycerides.
Garlic
Super spice for heart he alth. More than 100 phytochemicals have been identified in it, the best known being the sulfur-containing compound allicin. Allicin and other sulfur compounds are also found in onions and leeks. According to years of research, regular consumption of garlic improves blood circulation and has a number of benefits for heart he alth. Garlic fights free radicals and helps normalize high blood pressure.
Numerous studies have proven that the aromatic spice can also lower blood lipid levels, especially total and LDL cholesterol. We should not forget that dishes always taste better with garlic.
Ginger
Another spice that we can add to our daily menu for a he althy heart is ginger. It is suitable for desserts, smoothies, soups, tea, as an addition to dishes. Gingerol is the most active biological component of ginger. It is responsible for its taste and aroma, but it also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Scientists believe that ginger, in addition to helping with nausea, boosting immunity, improving digestion, relieving arthritis, also reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Cinnamon
The history of cinnamon as a spice dates back to 2000. BC Cinnamon is our favorite in sweets, drinks, dishes. Its unique aroma and taste is due to a compound called cinnamaldehyde. Like cayenne pepper, cinnamon has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that contribute to good heart he alth.
Cinnamon is known to help improve metabolism, blood sugar balance, improve mood. In addition to blood sugar levels, cinnamon also benefits blood pressure and cholesterol, or at least according to long-term studies.
Turmeric
Like ginger, turmeric can be found in powder or root form. A unique spice that has anti-inflammatory effects and is considered one of the most beneficial for the human body. Turmeric is rich in a number of antioxidant compounds that are preserved even when cooked.
According to a number of Western studies, its regular consumption can help reduce the levels of bad cholesterol, triglycerides, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.
