A Bit of Spice in Life

​Do you love the idiom, the phrase "variety is the spice of life like I do?" Literally and figuratively spice, adds diversity, variety, or excitement to our everyday culinary life and otherwise.

When we speak in terms of herbs, they come from the leafy part of the plant, while spices derive from the roots structure of the same plant, the outer part of the plant or the bark, and from plant seeds. Without getting too botanically technical, the term herbs and spices can be used interchangeably since they come from the same plant.

In a forthcoming episode, an herbalist from the nature island of the Caribbean, Dominica, will be speaking of the many salubrious benefits of adding herbs in our diet for the purpose of enjoying more of a long qualitative life.

In this article, I would like to share with you some of the fun and exciting information in researching certain herbs, their benefits, and their origin.

Cinnamon:

Naturally, I would begin by sharing with you what was a memorable home practice while growing up, and I can still smell the sweet aromas that permeated our family home. Mom, in her own right, was an herbalist, whether using herbs for medicinal purposes or adding them to our daily diet or as a delightful beverage.

When any of the family members felt a virus coming on, or feeling somewhat thrashed by the world, immediately she would intuitively prepare a hot cup of Cinnamon  tea, Canela tea, and I remember the first hot sip that made you feel as if you were warmly and lovingly embraced by mom, somehow the soothing smell and delicious taste made you forget what was ailing you physically or emotionally, things were not as bad as they appeared after all.

There happens to be many types of cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), cultivated primarily in Sri Lanka, and is recognized as “genuine” cinnamon. Then, there is Cassia cinnamon farmed in southeastern Asia, which is incidentally, is the most common herb found in North American markets.

It has a long history of being Used as a spice for thousands of years, cinnamon derives from the bark of distinct species of cinnamon trees. The leafy parts, the flowers, its fruit, and its roots of cinnamon trees have been used in cooking and for modern medicinal purposes in Iran, China, Persia, and India for the longest time.

Today, cinnamon is promulgated for its vitamins, its minerals, controlling diabetes, for abdominal pain, for gastrointestinal problems or irritable bowel syndrome. Incidentally, here in this household, we use cinnamon sticks to take the edge off my morning coffee and the savoring taste gives these overrated local coffee shops a run for their so-called palatable flavor.

Garlic:

In the MIDDLE EAST, garlic is a highly demanded spice, especially fresh garlic containing a strong, spicy flavor that calms down significantly when cooked and even becomes slightly sweet. This reminds me of a good friend of years ago, that would isolate himself and ingest strictly garlic for 24 hours to boost his immune system of which case would curtail the time spent being ill from a cold. However, I always vehemently made certain never to be downwind from him while he purged himself with garlic. I also know of a woman who takes more of a moderate approach by making hot garlic tea as a method for weight management and she exclaims it works for her. I can still remember my mom slicing, chopping, crushing garlic bulbs as she prepared rice, meat dishes, pastas and so many other culinary delights. Talk about adding spice to life!

Garlic helps boost our immune system which guards us from getting sick from colds and flus in the first place. Eating raw garlic can protect against fever, cough, Reduce High Blood Pressure and prevent an array of viruses. Just remember to brush and floss your teeth to minimize the garlic breath.

Cumin:

Now, as to Cumin, it has been described as having an earthy, nutty taste, it is strong so use it sparingly. However, Cumin has been shown to have positive effects on weight loss. One research discovered that overweight people who consumed 3 grams of cumin in their daily diet for 90 days, had noteworthy reduction in body weight. The study evidently  verified that cumin powder diminishes weight and improves the biochemical framework in overweight people. Not bad eh, for an herb having its origin in Western Asia where it was farmed since  ancient biblical times, and its longevity is very telling of its efficacy.

Sesame Seeds:

What about Sesame Seeds? This wonderful herb is not surprising to know that it comes from the middle east, and is jam packed with the richness of magnesium  which is known for ameliorating cardiovascular conditions. If you struggle with high blood pressure, try including sesame seeds as toppings on your salad, your breakfast toast or Tahini which is sesame seed butter that is rich, nutty in flavor that  you frequently see on top of hamburger buns. I am starting to salivate! Just a simple modification like this in your diet can help reduce hypertension and mitigate the risk of serious health issues.

Parsley :

Another herb, Parsley , has its origin from the Mediterranean region which has a mildly bitter flavor, it is fresh, it is clean. Parsley contains many necessary nutrients  such as minerals and antioxidants that offer essential health benefits. It is a super source of vitamin K, and one tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley offers more than 70% of your recommended daily intake.

Parsley also includes a great major part of vitamin A and polyphenols or antioxidants that can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It is easy to include parsley in your diet, for example, in soups, in fresh salads or sprinkled over your favorite  dish as a final embellishment.

Sumac:

Sumac is another herb that is a favored ingredient in the Mediterranean and Middle East as a culinary spice and is also used medicinally. It has a sharp, pungent lemony  flavor but less sour than lemon. Frequently used on rice, in meats, in vegetables, grains, in baking , and even desserts. People in the Mediterranean commonly use it as a key ingredient  to enhance the taste of spice rubs, sauces, and salad dressings.

Sumac contains linoleic acid which is a type of essential polyunsaturated fat that is found in common plant-based foods, such as in olives and avocados that contributes to healthy skin and supports cellular membranes. Many attest to its richness in nutrients and antioxidants and research suggests it may be helpful for controlling blood sugar and relief of muscle pain after vigorous physical exercise.

Saffron:

Saffron was first cultivated in Greece and is known as the sunshine spice. This is not just due to its distinct color but also because it may help brighten your mood. This herb has been noted in ancient writings dating back to 1500 BCE, not to mention in the Holy Scriptures and ancient Chinese medical literature.

Interestingly, in several studies, saffron supplements were notably more efficacious than placebos at treating mild-to-moderate melancholy or depression. Saffron has elevated levels of antioxidants, which help counteract harmful free radicals that are deleterious to the body. Free radical damage has been connected to chronic ailments, such as the dreaded cancer. In fact, smelling saffron for several minutes assisted in reducing PMS symptoms like consternation or anxiety and decreased cortisol, known as   the stress hormone.

Saffron  is a little sweet, it is floral and a bit pricy, but a little goes a long way. However, my philosophy of healthy foods can be likened to making an investment for profit, much like we invest for the purpose of a financial return.

Cardamom:

Cardamom has been documented as one of the oldest spices dating back at least 4000 years. Ancient Egyptians utilized Cardamom for a multitude of  medicinal purposes, in rituals and even for embalming. They also munched on cardamom pods as a breath mint and for oral health as well.

This herb contains hard black seeds and is often added whole to dishes. However, more commonly, the seeds are removed, then oven roasted or put in a skillet. These seeds contain the spice’s oil, which provides its flavor and aroma, and with an intimation of mint and lemon. The Scandinavian country folk also used cardamom to add flavoring for tea and their coffee. The spice blends well with nutmeg , cinnamon, and not to mention cloves.

And this is only the proverbial beginning of the benefits of integrating a bit of spice and herbs to further enrich our lives. I am here to encourage you to explore nature and understand the language of health it unequivocally speaks!