The Right Spice May Make You Healthier
By Tom Herrin
Good health does not come in a package. If we want to enjoy it, it will normally require us to make conscious decisions. Exercise, diet, and proper rest are still major components. Beyond that, there are other things we can do. Some of these don't necessitate such effort. At times, we simply need to be more aware of how our own body works best. As we do this, we will know the foods that work for us and the ones that don't. We may all be created equal, but we are not all made the same. With this being said, there are some things that work for some of us that simply don't do as well for others. There are all kinds of spices around, and some of them can have some positive effects on our health.
Sage May Sharpen Our Mental Functions
As we age, many of us become concerned about our mental abilities. This is for good reason because we have all seen others who seem to lose much of it in the later years. It seems there are some spices that may actually help us to have better function or protect our bodies from experiencing some of this decline. It seems that some types of dementia may be caused by a breakdown in some of the chemicals that make us work. Apparently, sage can help prevent this deterioration of a chemical.
Rosemary May Help in the Spring
We often associate the spring of the year with allergies. This is because of the fact that the levels of pollen are so high. Of course, the wind may be blowing more to scatter this as well. There is some evidence that rosemary may help to reduce the allergic response. It also seems to have suppressed nasal congestion. It may be worth considering the addition of this to some of your dishes in the spring of the year.
Cayenne May Do a Few Things
Some people have found that cayenne pepper may curb their appetites. It is also believed to help fight some cancers. My own experience with cayenne goes beyond that. It can obviously increase metabolism as it heats us up. I have taken cayenne capsules, and it will warm me up within minutes. I can't even remember why I tried taking it, but I had been suffering with some inflammation in my knee for more than a year and was wearing a brace. Within two weeks of taking cayenne capsules, I was no longer wearing the brace and had little or no problem. I could do things with my knee that had been near impossible. For me, it worked well. If you take the capsules, however, you need to be sure to take them with food, and I mean as you are swallowing it.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Costa Mesa, Calif.