Spicy Foods

One time we went to a Cajun restaurant for my husband’s birthday. My husband loves spicy foods and he enjoyed every bite. I was a bit overwhelmed because even the rice and the bread were spicy. The water did not seem to quench the fire in my mouth! But we sure had a fun time!
I actually have acquired a taste for spicier foods over the years. I have chosen to do so because I have learned that spicy foods have incredible health benefits as well as use of individual spices having medicinal effects for many ailments!

Spices have been used for thousands of years. We can find mention of them in the Bible, as well. In Genesis 43, Jacob sent his sons on their second journey to Egypt with spices among the gifts he wished to send. Throughout Exodus there is mention of spices used in anointing oil and incense. In Kings the Queen of Sheba brought spices for Solomon and in Chronicles we read of spices being included amongst the treasures of Hezekiah. Many more mentions of spices and their uses can be found in Song of Solomon, Isaiah, and Ezekiel and on into the New Testament even the well known myrrh and frankincense given to the infant Jesus by the Wiseman who traveled from the east to worship the newborn King!

In May 2006 Fitness magazine claimed that “Herbs and spices have more disease-fighting antioxidants than most fruits and vegetables.” That was surprising, but exciting to me! What a fun way to get healthier! Spicy foods are not only flavorful and invigorating, but are full of antibiotic and anti fungal properties. Let’s investigate some of the benefits:

CAPSAICIN is found in chilies and peppers. A few of the benefits include increase in metabolism, decrease in blood pressure and cholesterol, pain relief, clearing of sinus passages, elimination of joint pain, healing of nerve damage and improvement in pancreatic functioning! I even read that cayenne can improve heart health and reduce stroke risk factors! Capsaicin is also found in PAPRIKA. Try sprinkling some on your next bowl of popcorn!

CINNAMON has more health benefits than can be listed in this article, but in addition to sharing several of the strengths of capsaicin it has been very helpful in my own life in lower blood sugars and managing hypoglycemia. My diabetic father-in-law is completely OFF insulin shots and takes cinnamon daily. Cinnamon is helpful in calming a sore throat when mixed with warm raw honey. As a matter of fact, the combination of cinnamon and honey is extremely helpful. You can read more about that HERE:

CURCUMIN is a component of turmeric. Add ¼ tsp. to rice for an Indian flavor that is reported to suppress the growth of cancer cells.

ROSEMARY is said to have similar benefits and is great for the heart and proper blood flow.

If you’ve ever had an upset stomach you may already know that GINGER is calming to the stomach and reduces nausea, but did you know it can also relieve arthritis symptoms? Too much can actually irritate the stomach and prevent proper blood clotting, but smaller amounts (up to 2,000 mg) are greatly helpful and delicious. Our family finally chops fresh ginger root and adds it to rice. We also use powdered ginger in many of our Asian inspired dishes including marinated tofu.

OREGANO has more antioxidants per gram than any of the herbs. It is so easy to incorporate this little gem into sauces, rubs, marinades, pastas, and I even like to knead it into my dough when I make rolls or pizza crust! YUMMY!

Concerned about heavy metal detoxification? CILANTRO is able to aid in the removal of aluminum, mercury and lead! As I understand it, you need to eat bunches and bunches of it for the full benefit so start munching!

My favorite is GARLIC. It can also upset the stomach when overused and has a stinky reputation, but it also is more potent than penicillin as an antibiotic and loaded with PHYTONUTRIENTS that have not only an anti-inflammatory effects, but are also known to help break down tumor cells! Did you know that ancient people used garlic to improve their strength and stamina? In 1944 an Italian chemist discovered the key compound called ALLICIN in garlic. It is even reported to be helpful in fighting TB and MRSA! Try making some homemade hummus or garlic butter tonight!

Why not make it a goal to make a spicy dish at least once a week? Try some homemade salsa, invent a new variation of spicy gumbo, bake up a batch of homemade hot wings or check out CookNSee for some wonderful spicy vegetarian recipes, this one sounds great:

Carrot Radish Salad
Ingredients:
· 2 large carrots washed and sliced into thin circles
· A bunch of radish, washed, peeled and sliced into thin circles
· 1/2 teaspoon salt
· A sprig of cilantro chopped finely
· Juice of 1/2 a lime/lemon
Method:
· Keep the carrots, radish and cilantro mixed in and chilled until ready to serve.
· Add lime juice and salt, toss and mix everything well just before serving.

Oh and by the way, if you need to cool your tongue down after a spicy bite, water does not really soothe as well as milk or even bread! Have a spicy day!