The Healing Power of Spices

There is no doubt that ancient cultures and civilizations in the East have appreciated the healing power of spices for centuries, but now we Westerns are coming around to unlocking all the health benefits of spices, too.  You may remember reading about my Saigon Cinnamon post {here}, and all the health benefits that it holds for you in just 1/2 teaspoon a day.  And that's just one spice!  The benefits of adding full-flavored, organic spices to your dishes instead of butter not only cuts down on fat, but can actually help cure you certain diseases, help give you more energy, and help you look and feel healthier.

With that said, you can imagine how ecstatic I was to walk through Barnes & Noble the other day to see this lovely libro lighting up the book table:

{via}

Dr. Aggarwal does an excellent job documenting and explaining the benefits of fifty different culinary spices ("culinary" meaning "everyday" spices that are not so esoteric that you'll be making a pilgrimage to remote villages in India for a one-of-a-kind species of red curry).  It's amazing to know that such a simple addition of flavor can undoubtedly bring peace and health to your mind, body and spirit.  I hope you consider purchasing a copy-- the information is priceless!


Book Description:

Breakthrough scientific research is finding that spices-even more than herbs, fruits, and vegetables-are loaded with antioxidants and other unique health-enhancing compounds. Studies of dietary patterns around the world confirm that spice-consuming populations have the lowest incidence of such life-threatening illnesses as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's. Bharat B. Aggarwal, the world's foremost expert on the therapeutic use of culinary spices, takes an in-depth look at 50 different spices and their curative qualities, and offers spice “prescriptions”-categorized by health condition-to match the right spice to a specific ailment.  {via}

Buy it here!