CINNAMON is actually bark from a tree native to Sri Lanka! Known to reduce bloating and gas, it is a powerful digestive aid, antibiotic, and anti-ulcer food. Cinnamon also is used to control blood sugar in diabetics, and treat arthritis, asthma, cancer, diabetes, heart problems, insomnia, PMS and muscle cramps.
CHILIS
also contain Capsaicin which is known to prevent blood clots and help with weight loss by suppressing the appetite and boosting metabolism. The World Health Organization has reported a link between Capsaicin-rich diet and reduced death rates from cancer.
CUMIN
was used by Ancient Egyptians in the mummification process, giving it a richness of history and a special place in the world of spices. With antiseptic properties, cumin can help boost the immune system; with a good amount of iron, cumin assists with the formation of hemoglobin in the blood required for oxygen transportation preventing anemia. Also a great digestive aid, cumin works well to prevent diarrhea, nausea and morning sickness.
CURRY
typically includes a combination of turmeric, dried red chilies, coriander seeds, black pepper, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, curry leaves, mustard seeds, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, peppercorns and bay leaves! Highly anti-inflammatory, curry acts as a therapeutic agent in diseases such as IBD, pancreatitis, arthritis, cancer, and Alzheimer's.
GARLIC
was cultivated as early as 2000 B.C. yet continues to offer an impressive anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, anti-nausea profile still today. Garlic contains powerful sulfurous compounds thought to slow or prevent the growth of cancer and stimulate the liver's detoxification function. Among other critical health benefits, garlic can help keep arteries clear, lower cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of blood clotting, and stabilize high blood pressure.
TURMERIC
contains curcuminoids and is probably the most antioxidant-rich, anti-inflammatory culinary spice available. If you can incorporate turmeric every day, you will maximize your health across the board. Some of the health benefits turmeric offers are: combating depression, stabilizing blood sugar, treating digesetive disorders, inhibiting melanoma, speeding up wound healing, stopping the growth of new blood vessels in tumors, and supporting the liver.
TRY THESE COMBINATIONS
FOR FULL FLAVOR AND
HAPPY HEALING:
2 parts Turmeric + 2 parts Cumin +
1 part Black Pepper = a robust blend
that is delicious in soup stocks, with root vegetables, or roasted with sweet potatoes
4 parts Cumin + 2 parts Ground Coriander +
1 part Ground Cardamom = an earthy, citrus,
sweet flavor used in vegan chilis
and on roasted mushrooms.
3 parts Sumac + 1 part Dried Mint +
1 part Dried Orange Zest = a recipe for a knockout crudite dip (mixed with dairy-free yogurt), or a healthy substitute for mayo on a sandwich.
