Growing up in Middle Tennessee, the closest I came to eating food seasoned with so-called, exotic spices occurred at The Omni Hut Hawaiian Restaurant near the now defunct, Sewart Air Force Base in Smyrna, TN, about 25 miles Southeast of Nashville. Dining on their shrimp tempura seemed quite exotic at the time. Little did I know how much I had to learn about spices!
Mother may have included some fresh garlic in her cooking, but it was never discussed. My step-father was a meat, potatoes and white beans man and Heaven forbid Mother should try to feed him something with different ingredients!
After Jim and I married and I learned to cook, my culinary horizons began to expand a bit. Along with using exotic spices to kick up the taste of foods, I learned how they may help improve my health.
Garlic Supports Good Health
Used in moderation, garlic enhances the flavor of many dishes. But studies have shown that garlic actually supports heart health. According to “Natural Awakenings” writer Amber Nagle, a study published in the “European Journal of Clinical Nutrition” tracked the blood pressure of 79 patients with uncontrolled hypertension. The result showed the mean systolic blood pressure of those consuming two 240mg. capsules of aged, garlic extract a day for 12 weeks, significantly decreased compared to those taking 1 capsule or a placebo.
While garlic, a close relative of the onion flavors all kinds of foods and may not quite sound like an exotic spice, garlic powder may be substituted for the real thing by using 1/8 tsp. of garlic powder in place of 1 medium clove of garlic.
The Benefits of Cinnamon
Most of us grew up consuming cinnamon in one form or other. Known as a spice with super powers, cinnamon is sometimes recommended to help control Type 2 Diabetes. Consider using ground cinnamon on cereal or desserts. And who doesn’t remember eating cinnamon toast as a child!
Webmd.com suggests trying Saigon cinnamon for it’s sweet and spicy taste.
The Medicinal Uses for Ginger
I don’t use ginger very often in cooking, although a bottle of Ginger Ale may frequently find it’s way to my pantry. This somewhat exotic spice has been used for thousands of years for relieving stomach upsets, motion sickness and inflammation.
Ginger for Digestion
The phenolic compounds in ginger are believed to help relieve the discomfort of gastro-intestinal upsets and help suppress gastric contractions. It also helps move food through the GI tract.
Ginger for Nausea
Ginger, a popular remedy for nausea, morning sickness and even chemotherapy side effects, is often used in Asian and Arabic medical treatments. Scientists suspect that certain chemicals in ginger may influence the nervous system, stomach and intestines to reduce nausea.
Although native to China, Japan, and India other areas, like Africa and some South American countries, as well as some Caribbean islands.
Ginger May Help Arthritis
Because ginger possesses anti-inflammatory properties similar to ibuprofen and COX-2 inhibitors like Celebrex, it may help arthritis patients to relieve some suffering.
Turmeric Is Good for More than Food
Turmeric has long been used in cooking for it’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Considered a “cousin” of ginger, turmeric adds a beautiful golden color, as well as flavor to foods. A small amount of turmeric provides both to curries, soups, pumpkin bread or pie and provides a nice touch to salad dressings. In fact, turmeric gives curry its golden color.
Circumin in Tumeric Linked to Better Brain Function
Circumin, a component of tumeric, is believed to improve brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s and depression, as well as memory. In addition, circumin reduces inflammation and oxidation, which play a role in heart disease.
One study randomly assigned 121 people, who were undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery, either a placebo or 4 grams of circumin per day, a few days before and after the surgery. The circumin group had a 65% decreased risk of experiencing a heart attack in the hospital.
Peppy Paprika
Paprika looks like other exotic spices with deep color and strong flavor. It’s reddish hue resembles chili powder but flavors differ. Some paprika offers a mild flavor, but others spice up foods with a smoky and even slightly spicy flavor.
Most paprika originate in Spain or Hungary but are commonly found on spice racks all over America.
Paprika is loaded with anti-bacterial components, heals wounds and benefits heart health.
How Paprika Aids in Healing Wounds
Paprika is high in Vitamin E and helps the body produce red blood cells. It aids in treating skin problems, as well. Supposedly, you can press a small amount of the spice on a cut or abrasion and press gently with a clean cloth. It’s antibacterial properties assist in healing the wound. I’ve never tried this but it does sound good.
An Exotic Spice Works As a Digestive Aid.
Paprika helps increase the production of saliva and stomach acids, which help break down food in the gastro-intestinal system.
Paprika Prevents Hair Loss
This one surprised me! Supposedly, the iron in paprika helps in the transfer of oxygen to hair follicles, which encourages hair growth by increasing circulation to the scalp.
Paprika May Help You Sleep Better
As a perennial night owl, I’m willing to try anything to help me sleep! This spice increases production of Melatonin, which aids in maintaining a healthy sleep cycle.
How Paprika Guards Against Heart Trouble
The Vitamin C in paprika provides protection against cardiovascular disease.
The iron, magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium help purify the blood and keep the heart healthy.
Cardamom for Love?
Cardamom, often used in Indian and Scandinavian cuisine, possesses a lemon-like taste. It supposedly cures stomach aches and kidney stones, although I cannot verify that claim. According to this site, the spice may possess aphrodisiac qualities.
The Versatility of Nutmeg
Although this exotic spice is not among my favorites, nutmeg ranks high with many people. In The Netherlands, nutmeg is considered the royal spice and found in many dishes.
Look at nutmeg for a high vitamin and mineral count that help your immune system.
Sensational Saffron
Ranking high among exotic spices for treating depression and insomnia and preventing gastric problems, saffron does it all! The cosmetic industry has added saffron to its products for skin-related conditions.
Epazote
Epazote, a Mexican spice used for cooking and medicinal purposes for thousands of years, only recently became known in the U. S. While best known for making herbal tea and for use in bean dishes, rice and burritos, epazote also decreases gas production in the gut. The taste of this exotic spice is strong and similar to licorice.
This herb is used to treat stomach cramps and aid digestion in many Central and South American cultures.
