Adding the Right Spices May Boost Health
By Tom Herrin
Sometimes we hear people referring to the spice of life. When they do, they are usually talking about having a greater variety that may enhance one's quality of life. It seems that real spices may do some of the same things in terms of our health. Some of these have shown as much success as medication, while some may still be a product of superstition. For many of those that seem to work, some studies have verified that the effects of these spices are, indeed, the real deal. Some of these spices are ones that are commonly in use, while others may be unfamiliar to us.
Can Sage Make Us Smarter?
The fact is that sage appears to have some benefit to those with certain kinds of dementia. It doesn't make us smarter, but it may slow or reverse some of the effects. It has been found that sage interferes with the breakdown of a chemical in the brain, acetylcholine, which is a major contributor to problems with Alzheimer's. When those with mild to moderate cases of this disease took a sage extract, they showed some improvement in brain function and memory. Sage even showed some improvement in the memories of healthy individuals.
Rosemary May Help with Allergies
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you are probably willing to try anything that may help the situation. Apparently, rosemary is a spice that can help with that. In one study, doses of rosemary acid, which is the primary ingredient in rosemary, resulted in significant improvement in allergy symptoms and less congestion. It is one of those things that may be worth adding to our list of ingredients when preparing meals.
Garlic Has Been Used for Years
One of the most common spices may be garlic. It is often used in many dishes. Its use is often associated with cultural groups, and many have touted its use to fight all kinds of illnesses. Several studies have proven its benefits to the heart and circulatory system. It has been shown to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. In one study, it was found that garlic was as effective as medication. Many people use it on a regular basis, but some frown on it because of the odor. To deal with this issue, supplements are on the market that claim to be odor-free. Garlic is definitely a spice that we use on all kinds of dishes.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Suffolk, Va.