Spice Up Your Life to Better Health
Researchers have found that many common herbs and spices contain an antioxidant called phenol. Phenol has been shown to stop the formation of certain compounds that contribute to damage caused by aging and diabetes. Two spices in particular, cinnamon and cloves, have phenol levels of 18 and 30% of their weight. Compare those levels with blueberries, highly touted for their antioxidant levels, which only contain 5% phenol.
Oregano and sage also have moderate levels of phenol. These spices and herbs also decrease tissue damage and inflammation which are typically caused by diets high in sugar levels. The research was published in the Journal of Medicinal Foods, June 2008.
As a side note to diets high in sugar, a great natural sweetener is stevia. Stevia is a South American herb that's sweeter than sugar (thus you need less than sugar), has very few calories, and may actually lower blood sugar levels by stimulating the pancreas. It has also been demonstrated to lower blood pressure and has no known side effects. For more info visit www.healthylifestylepublishing.com/html/stevia_research.html.
Researchers have found that many common herbs and spices contain an antioxidant called phenol. Phenol has been shown to stop the formation of certain compounds that contribute to damage caused by aging and diabetes. Two spices in particular, cinnamon and cloves, have phenol levels of 18 and 30% of their weight. Compare those levels with blueberries, highly touted for their antioxidant levels, which only contain 5% phenol.
Oregano and sage also have moderate levels of phenol. These spices and herbs also decrease tissue damage and inflammation which are typically caused by diets high in sugar levels. The research was published in the Journal of Medicinal Foods, June 2008.
As a side note to diets high in sugar, a great natural sweetener is stevia. Stevia is a South American herb that's sweeter than sugar (thus you need less than sugar), has very few calories, and may actually lower blood sugar levels by stimulating the pancreas. It has also been demonstrated to lower blood pressure and has no known side effects. For more info visit www.healthylifestylepublishing.com/html/stevia_research.html.
