Spices in Daily Diet For a Healthy
Heart
Spices, one
of the most valued item of trade in the ancient and medieval world is now again
gaining popularity with the modern sciences recognizing the various medicinal powers
of spices. Here is a list of species that have been found beneficial for the
heart.
Coriander seeds :-
A teaspoonful of coriander seeds soaked overnight and-taken in the
morning can be very beneficial for diabetes and heart.
Turmeric : A spice and a medicine -as per Ayurveda and-is often called the Indian
Gold.
Black Pepper : Various scientific studies
shows that black pepper has cholesterol lowering properties and can also aid in
heart function -after heart attacks.-
Cinnamon: it aids
in reduction of bad cholesterol (LDL) and helps surge good cholesterol (HDL).
It also supports in improving the insulin resistance in diabetes.
Fenugreek seeds: -used as a medicine since ancient times fenugreek
seed powder is known to lower the serum lipid levels and triglycerides.
Black cumin seeds or
kalonji : This spice has various effects on lipid
profile and can have great impact on bad cholesterol.
Ginger: Used in Chinese, Ayurvedic-and Unani medicines it not only aids in sore throats, cold arthritis,
indigestion but is also known to relax blood vessels and relieve pain.
Garlic : Hippocrates,
the Father of Modern Medicine, and the first Indian physician Charak, the
Father of Ayurvedic medicine, said garlic acts as a heart tonic by maintaining
the fluidity of blood and strengthening the heart.
Diet diary: Spice up
your diet to care for the heart
Recently, modern
medicine has begun to study the powers of spices and validates several useful
properties.
Spices were some of
the most valuable items of trade in the ancient and medieval world as they have
been a part of healing remedies for centuries. Recently, modern medicine has
begun to study the powers of spices and validates several useful properties.
Some are found to be useful for the heart.
Coriander Seeds
Coriander seeds are
rich in two main compounds linaloon and decanoic acid. It has a long been known
or its cholesterol lowering and blood sugar lowering effects. For therapeutic
benefits, a teaspoon or two of coriander seeds soaked overnight and consumed
the next morning seems to be useful in dealing with heart disease and diabetes.
Turmeric
Turmeric or haldi,
often referred as Indian Gold, is well known as a spice and medicine in Siddha
and Ayurveda. The benefits for heart health arise from curcumin, an active
principle which has several properties including anti-oxidant, anti-clotting,
anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative.
Black pepper
Piperine, a major
active component in both black and white pepper has numerous reported
physiological and drug-like actions. Several scientific studies provide
evidence that black pepper has cholesterol lowering properties and may help in
cardiac function recovery after heart attacks. A word of caution; piperine can
strengthen or modify the effects of numerous other medicines.
Cinnamon
Circulatory stimulant
effects of cinnamon have been reported in several books on medicinal plants and
Ayurveda. It helps in reduction of total and bad cholesterol (LDL) and helps
increase good cholesterol (HDL). It also helps to improve insulin resistance,
thereby making it useful in diabetes management. While cinnamon too is integral
to the spice box, added benefit can be obtained by making a decoction and
consuming it like tea.
Fenugreek seeds
Fenugreek seeds or
methi have been used extensively for extracts and powders for medicinal uses
since ancient times and have been described in Greek, Latin and Ayurvedic
literature. Fenugreek seed powder has been known to lower levels of serum
lipids such as total cholesterol and triglycerides.
Black cumin seeds
Black cumin seeds,
also known as kalonji or black caraway, should not be confused with the herb
cumin. A recent study (2009) revealed that black cumin seeds have a diversified
effect on lipid profile. It was found to have a significant impact in lowering
total and bad cholesterol. Presence of phytosterols further strengthens its
benefits.
Ginger
Ginger traditionally
has been used in Chinese, Ayurvedic and Yunani medicines. It is well known for
its use in ailments such as sore throats, cramps, pains, arthritis,
indigestion, vomiting and high blood pressure. The bioactive compounds in
ginger include gingerol, which is believed to relax blood vessels, stimulate
blood flow and relieve pain. Ginger is also a good anti-inflammatory agent.
Garlic
Hippocrates, the
Father of Modern Medicine, and the first Indian physician Charak, the Father of
Ayurvedic medicine, said garlic acts as a heart tonic by maintaining the
fluidity of blood and strengthening the heart. Allicin, a sulfur-containing
compound is one of the key components of garlic. It is known for its
cholesterol lowering, anti-clotting and blood pressure-lowering properties.
-Published on: 9th
May 2015
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