Author: Christine Adeosun

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Our Spices and The Health Benefit -Part 2

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is one of the most delicious and healthiest spices on the planet. It can lower blood sugar levels, reduce heart disease risk factors, fights diabetes and protects brain functions.

Ginger

Ginger contains gingerol, a substance with powerful medicinal properties. Ginger can treat many forms of nausea, it can reduce muscle pains and soreness, may lower cholesterol levels, protects against Alzheimer’s disease amongst many health benefits.

Rosemary

Rosemary is one of the most commonly found herbs in a spice rack. It enhances brain function, prevents Alzheimer’s, reduces stress, balances hormones, limits weight gain amongst other health benefits.

Garlic

Garlic is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world. Garlic can combat common cold, reduce blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, it may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and dementia amongst other health benefits.

Thyme

Thyme is an herb from the mint family. It’s range of use is impressive and has over 400 sub-species. It lowers blood pressure, boosts immunity, stimulates the production of red blood cells, thereby boosting blood circulation. It is an effective antioxidant agent for your vision health.

Saffron

Saffron as well as being the world’s most expensive spice is packed with antioxidants. It promotes learning and memory retention, helps regulate blood sugar, improves respiratory and digestive health and acts as an aphrodisiac.

Cumin

Cumin is an aromatic spice used to season chilli dips, veggies and meats. It contains key nutrients which are needed for, healthy red blood cells, controlling blood pressure and heart rate and building strong bones and teeth.

Bay leaves

Bay leaf has a centuries old reputation as a medicinal herb. The most impressive health benefit is their ability to detoxify the body and protect it from bacterial infections, slow the aging process, manage diabetes amongst many other health benefits.

Cloves

Cloves have been used in cooking and traditional medicine for many years. It relieves upper respiratory infections, reduces inflammation and improves digestions.

Coriander

Coriander is one of the most commonly used spice. Coriander improves cholesterol levels, help urinary tract infections and eases digestive discomfort.

Sage

Sage is a well-regarded herb belonging to the mint family. The most important health benefits include its ability to improve brain function, lower inflammation and prevent chronic diseases.

Oregano

Oregano is a staple herb in many cuisines around the world. The impressive health benefits of oregano include its ability to protect the immune system. It also kills intestinal parasites and combats bacteria.

Sesame

Sesame seeds may be tiny but they have huge health benefits. They are known to improve blood pressure, help burn fat, balance hormones and protects the heart health .

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Our Spices and The Health Benefit -Part 1

Nutmeg

Nutmeg is a popular spice around the world having a long list of health benefits, including its ability to relieve pain, soothe indigestion and improving cognitive function.

Tumeric

Tumeric is the spice that gives curry its yellow colour. It is a natural anti-inflammatory compound, it dramatically increases the antioxidant capacity of the body, it’s linked to improved brain function and lowers the risk of brain and heart diseases.

Cayenne

Cayenne is more than just a red-hot spice that adds extra flavours to your dishes. It is considered a slimming spice, it soothes cold symptoms, relieves pain and prevent ulcers.

Cardamon

Cardamon is one of the most expensive spices in the world. It helps to boost the immune system, it cures cold, fever, liver problems, pain, arthritis, bronchitis and helps counteract digestive problems.

Dill

Dill has been around for centuries for both food and medicinal purposes. It helps to reduce menstrual cramps, depression, lowers cholesterol, may act as a natural bug repellent and may potentially work as a natural alternative treatment for epilepsy.

Frankincense

It is also known as olibanum. It is an aromatic resin which is tapped from the Boswellia trees. It effectively protects the liver from certain injuries. It lowers blood pressure, inhibit tumour growths, improves immune functions, prevent diabetes amongst other health benefits.

Mace

Mace is obtained from the dried aril which covers the Nutmeg seed. It keeps the digestive system healthy, relieves bloating, constipation, gas related problems, regulates bowel movements, cures nausea and treats diarrhoea.

Paprika

Paprika is a ground spice made from dried red fruits of the larger and sweeter varieties of bell pepper. It is high in antioxidant, supports cell growth and reduces your chances of developing cardiovascular issues.

Tarragon

Tarragon is the herb for spring. It contains antioxidants that help neutralise free radicals in the body. It helps to support cardiovascular health.

Mint

Mint is a calming and soothing herb that has been used for thousands of years. Mint is anti- inflammatory and an anti-oxidant.

Basil

Basil is a highly fragrant plant whose leaves are used as a seasoning herb for different types of food. It helps lower inflammation which is at the root of most diseases like heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel conditions.

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Health Benefit of Cassava

Cassava is a staple food throughout different parts of Africa. The roots serve as an excellent source of starch and, at 160 calories per 100g, cassava is extensively cultivated as an annual crop in tropical and subtropical regions for its edible starchy tuberous root, a major source of carbohydrates. Cassava offers health benefits because of its vitamin, mineral and fiber content, but you must only eat cassava after it has been cooked to avoid exposure to toxins.( Don’t eat cassava raw, because it contains chemicals called cyanogenic glucosides, which act as toxins.)

Cassava is high in carbohydrates, especially beneficial carbohydrate dietary fibre. Eating fiber is linked to a number of health benefits, such as lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol levels, better control over your blood sugar levels and a lower risk of obesity. 100g of cassava contains approximately 1-8g of fibre. Its contains Cigh vitamin C- per 100g -35% , Vitamin B-6 5% and Magnesium 5%. The high vitamin C and folate in cassava also offer health benefits. folate in our diet protects against colon cancer and reduces the risk of complications during pregnancy and a diet high in vitamin C offers protection against coronary heart disease and several types of cancer.

Cassava can be made into flour known as cassava fine flour(called Lafun in the western part of Nigeria). It can also be made into granules fine or coarse, popularly known as Garri in the western part of Nigeria where is a staple food for almost every household.

Cassava Flour and Garri are Gluten Free. The Flour can be used for flat bread and different types of cakes. The fine granules of Garri can be used as pudding or coating for potatoes, Yam and fish.