Five Spices for anti-aging

While we all know that someday we will die, there are things that can be done to slow down the aging process and have a better quality of life right up to the end. Nature has provided a great many things that can help us achieve these goals. Who wants to be sitting in a wheelchair in a nursing home, and who wants to be a burden to their families? By adding these simple things to your diet you can help maintain your independence and have a quality life.

Oregano - has the highest antioxidant level of all herbs. Antioxidants are important for fighting free radicals which speed up the aging process. Oregano is also anti-inflammatory. Inflammation is a definite part of the ageing process and slowing it down is a good preventative measure. Oregano is also antibiotic and antiviral, which means it helps keep these nasty microbes under control.

 Ginger - A little sliced ginger with honey in hot water makes a delicious tea. This anti aging secret comes form India and helps reduce inflammation and reduces collagen breakdown. Sipping a cup of ginger tea on a cold fall or winter morning also has a calming effect. This is one of my personal favorites.

Turmeric - Another anti aging secret from India is Turmeric. The people in India have a much lower rate of Alzheimer's disease than other countries. This is thought to be because of the extensive use of turmeric in their diet. Turmeric contains high levels of antioxidants and inflammatory substances. Turmeric contains curcumin which many people have found can relieve arthritis pain.

Chili - can help with circulation problems and coughs and colds. It is great for clearing your sinuses. Chili contains capsaicin, which is an antiinflammatory that relieves pain. It can be obtained in ointments and patch form and is popular for relieving minor aches and pains in the body.

Cinnamon - This is a spice that was popular among the ancients for its health benefits. In recent times it has been studied for it's use in controlling blood sugar levels. A half teaspoon per day can improve insulin sensitivity which can help control weight and prevent heart disease.

It is so easy to just add a little spice to your diet. It makes your food taste good and it is good nutrition when used in moderation. If you desire to use it as a medicinal be sure to consult your health care provider because some spices may not mix well with your medications. Expert advice is always important.

Sources
http://www.worldhealth.net/forum/thread/733/highly-recommended-anti-aging-spices-to/?page=1
http://www.worldhealth.net/forum/thread/99334/oregano-one-of-the-most-beneficial-spi/?page=1
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/09/anti-aging-secrets_n_4234137.html
http://www.agein.com/use-this-anti-aging-spice-to-fight-disease-3338

To access my web site and learn about teas go to www.valerielull.com

Valerie Lull
Author
Ten Healthy Teas
Lullval@clearwire.net

Peppers Part II

Last week I discussed sweet peppers, and this week I will talk about hot peppers. Hot peppers are peppers like jalapeno peppers, cayenne peppers, serrano peppers and habanero peppers. There are other peppers that are hotter than these, but they are not used in cooking.

The substance in the peppers that make them hot is called capsaicin. The amount of heat is measured in Scoville units. A habanero pepper has 150,000 to 350,000 Scoville units, while a jalapeno has only 5,000.The part of the pepper that is hot are the seeds inside and the white membrane. When cooking jalapenos if you want to cut the heat, you cut out all of that.

In addition to culinary uses the hot peppers have medicinal uses as well. The substance capsaicin is a well-known pain reliever. It works by causing the sensation of heat to be registered in the brain as pain. The brain then releases endorphins. The endorphins cause a temporary elation, a sort of "high". This is good for a number of things. One of those things is relief of pain. There are a number of preparations in the forms of creams and ointments that can be applied topically to relieve arthritis pain and pain in the joints. These are available at your local drugstore.

Hot peppers are known for other things. The capsaicin is said to reduce the itching and inflammation that are caused by psoriasis.They are loaded with vitamin C, they have been touted as an aphrodisiac, they increase blood flow in the body, and speed up the metabolism. Peppers have carotenoids and flavonoids which work as antioxidants fighting free radicals. Men who use chili peppers regularly in their diet appear to have less occurrence of prostate cancer.

A word of caution. When handling hot peppers, be sure to wash your hands afterwards and keep your hands away from your eyes. You do not want the capsaicin in your eyes. Peppers are a good choice, both for eating and for health.

Check out my website at www.valerielull.com . Also my facebook page which is listed under the heading Ten Healthy Teas.

Valerie Lull, Author
Ten Healthy Teas
Lullval@clearwire.net