I found some great information about Chili Peppers on Yahoo and wanted to make sure it was available here in once place, consolidated in the Ingredients Database.

The part I liked the best about the info I found is how in Africa the farmers used to grow Chili Peppers to keep the elephants away from their crops.  I started to think about this and while I am definitely not an expert on animals (especially elephants… I have seen them on zoo’s but I have never even touched one) but it makes sense when you think about it.

Elephants use their trunks for everything, so if there were Chili Peppers in between the crop and the elephant it stands to reason that their trunks would detect this and it would act as a deterrent.  Interesting stuff!

People have been cooking with chili peppers for a long time — almost 10,000 years, according to archaeologists. Since then, they’ve been used for everything from spicing up food to deterring would-be attackers. Japanese karate athletes eat chili to strengthen their willpower, and African farmers use it to keep elephants away from their crops.

Luckily, you don’t need elephant-size quantities to get the health benefits of these potent peppers. Studies have shown that capsaicin, the active ingredient in peppers, works as a great topical pain reliever for headaches, arthritis, and other chronic pain problems. Capsaicin inhibits the release of P-protein, which in turn interrupts the transmission of constant pain signals to the brain.

If you don’t feel like smearing it on yourself, oral capsaicin has been linked to the release of endorphins and the regulation of blood sugar. And scientists have demonstrated anticancer properties in test tube studies.

How much: Don’t like spicy foods? Don’t worry — as little as an eighth of a teaspoon can have positive health benefits.

Serving suggestions: There’s a whole world of chili peppers out there, from the mild poblano to the fiery habanero. It’s worth experimenting to find your favorite. Chipotle and ancho chili powders have been popular in recent years for their smoky zing, and they work particularly well in salsas, soups, chicken dishes — and even in caramel or chocolate desserts.

Tip: If you overdo the chili pepper, don’t reach for a glass of water — pour a glass of milk instead. Capsaicin isn’t water-soluble, but the caseins in milk block chili pepper heat effectively.

Original Article:

http://health.yahoo.net/articles/nutrition/photos/9-spices-super-healing-powers#9

The Original Post is Located Here: Chili Peppers

Here is some information on Basil that is pretty interesting. I know it tastes great in Italian food but I had absolutely no idea how beneficial it was for general health.

Makes me think that if you are not using Basil as a spice / herb on a regular basis it would be a great idea to add it as you are cooking.

Basil, while often associated with Italian food, actually comes from India, where it’s traditionally used to treat asthma, stress, and diabetes.

Like thyme, basil has strong antimicrobial and antiviral properties, even against nasty bugs like Listeria and E. coli. Basil is a natural COX inhibitor, which means it’s especially great for anyone with arthritis or other inflammatory health problems. Basil is also a great source of beta-carotene, which turns into vitamin A, as well as magnesium, iron, and calcium.

How much: Aim for a tablespoon of fresh basil or quarter to half a teaspoon of dried basil three times a week.

Serving suggestion: Basil epitomizes summer foods, such as cold tomato or pasta salads. But don’t stop there. Add it to pizza, pasta, or anything with tomatoes any time of year.

Tip: Having trouble finding good basil when it’s not summer? Check your freezer section. Several companies freeze fresh basil in single-serving pop-out containers — and since its frozen while fresh, it retains most of its nutrients. You can also freeze herbs yourself when they’re in season — just lay them flat on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a plastic bag or Tupperware container when they’re frozen.

Original Article:

http://health.yahoo.net/articles/nutrition/photos/9-spices-super-healing-powers#8

The Original Post is Located Here: Basil

I came across some interesting information about Saffron and wanted to include it in our Ingredients Database.  Here it is…

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world. Grown mostly in the Middle East, saffron threads are actually the stigmas of a particular kind of crocus, each of which needs to be carefully gathered by hand.

Still, its high price might be worth it for some of its health benefits. According to a 2007 animal study, saffron had antidepressant properties similar to Prozac. And a small human study in 2006 showed antidepressant effects higher than a placebo.

Another study showed that saffron increased blood flow to the brain, which might help increase cognitive performance, and a 2009 study in Italy showed that saffron had beneficial effects on the genes regulating vision cells, potentially slowing or reversing degenerative eye diseases.

How much: Saffron is pricy, but you don’t need much to make a big impact. “As little as a tenth of a teaspoon has been shown to have benefits,” says nutritionist Beth Reardon.

Serving suggestions: Crumble a few threads into water or stock for paella, risotto, or other rice dishes — including a subtly spiced Indian dessert called kheer.

Tip: The flavor and health benefits of most spices decline over time, and saffron is a particularly delicate spice. Make sure to keep your saffron bottle in a cool, dark place, and buy only the amount you think you can use in three to six months.

Original Article:

http://health.yahoo.net/articles/nutrition/photos/9-spices-super-healing-powers#7

The Original Post is Located Here: Saffron

We didn’t have a page about Rosemary in our Ingredients Database so I went ahead and added this one once I found this information on Yahoo.

Rosemary has been associated with memory since ancient Greece, when students would wear it in their hair when studying for big exams. Modern science agrees: Carnosic acid, a component of rosemary, is thought to protect the brain from free-radical damage and therefore to lower the risks of stroke and Alzheimer’s.

Rosemary is also full of antioxidants; a recent study from the American Association of Cancer Research linked carnosol, another component of rosemary, with inhibiting cancer growth.

Like any herb, feel free to use rosemary in moderation. But check with your doctor before rushing out to buy rosemary supplements. In large quantities, it’s been linked to seizures and inefficient iron absorption. And avoid serving a rosemary-heavy dish to a pregnant woman, since it’s traditionally been used to induce abortion.

How much: “A little bit of rosemary goes a long way,” says Reardon. Aim for a teaspoon of rosemary a few times a week.

Serving suggestions: Rosemary is another spice that easily bridges the sweet-savory gap. Sprinkle some on roasting chicken or vegetables, or add some to summer fruit crisps and crumbles.

Tip: “When herbs and spices are used together, they actually have even more benefits,” says Reardon. Try using rosemary in combination with thyme and sage for increased health benefits and added flavor.

Original Article:

http://health.yahoo.net/articles/nutrition/photos/9-spices-super-healing-powers#6

The Original Post is Located Here: Rosemary

Here is some information that I found on Yahoo, all about Cinnamon.  I wanted to add it to the ingredients database “just in case” someone was looking for more information on it.

After learning more about it I am surprised more people aren’t talking about it, especially since it has such amazing properties!  Especially for diabetics.

Cinnamon is a nutritional powerhouse, with antioxidant properties that keep cells safe from oxidative stress and dangerous free radicals. Antioxidants help fight such diseases as cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and Parkinson’s.

What’s more, cinnamon is a powerful weapon against cardiovascular problems. Cinnamon helps the hormone insulin work better, which reduces blood sugar levels. That’s great news for the one in ten North Americans with type 2 diabetes and the millions more with prediabetes. Keeping blood sugar low can help treat diabetes or even stop it before it starts.

Cinnamon may also help prevent Alzheimer’s. A study in 2011 found that an extract from cinnamon bark inhibited the formation of amyloid plaques in mice with Alzheimer’s. It even helped restore cognitive levels and correct movement problems in the animals.

How much: Cinnamon’s health benefits make it worth adding to your daily diet — and cinnamon’s sweet, warming flavor makes it easy. Aim for a quarter to half a teaspoon most days of the week.

Serving suggestions: Sprinkle a little on fresh fruit, a steaming bowl of oatmeal, or a scoop of peanut butter, or add to fish, chicken, or lamb dishes — especially with cumin and chili powder — for a Middle Eastern slant on your normal fare. No time to cook? Sprinkle some cinnamon on your morning coffee or tea for a nice antioxidant boost.

Tip: You know that stuff in your cinnamon jar? It’s probably cassia, not cinnamon. True cinnamon, often labeled “Ceylon cinnamon,” has higher levels of antioxidants, so seek it out if you can.

Here is the original URL:

http://health.yahoo.net/articles/nutrition/photos/9-spices-super-healing-powers#1

The Original Post is Located Here: Cinnamon

Skullcap herb is known to possess anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antispasmodic, astringent, sedative, febrifuge and emmenagogue properties. All these properties are responsible for skullcap herb being effective for treating various health conditions. Let us have a look at some of the skullcap herb uses.

The Original Post is Located Here: Scullcap Herb

Cramp Bark is said to be an effective antispasmodic that helps to relieve muscle cramps and spasms, menstrual cramps, leg and lower back spasms, and ease convulsions, lockjaw and fits. Its antispasmodic qualities were also noted in the National Formulary to alleviate asthma. Cramp Bark has also been used externally to reduce muscle pain and ache. As a skeletal muscle relaxant, it is thought to be wonderful for leg cramps.

The Original Post is Located Here: Cramp Bark

Wood Betony is a perennial which is native to North America, growing in Canada all the way to Mexico and Florida in the east.

The Original Post is Located Here: Wood Betony Herb

It is said that the black radish has a great effect on the liver, activating and regenerating the liver cells. It acts as a substance that stimulates the production of the bile from the liver to the intestines, comforting the liver and helping to detoxify and purify it. In this way, the black radish cleans and purifies the blood and the sand in the bladder.

As an herbal diuretic, the black radish increases the urine production, which plays an important role in the digestive process and it facilitates the elimination of the food that remains stagnant and toxic. The black radish is also known for its antibacterial effects that help to eliminate the pathogens through the digestive tract and it is used to reduce the indigestion, the abdominal bloating and the acid regurgitation (acid reflux).

The black radish contains many vitamins and minerals and it is useful in treating situations of vitamins deficiencies.  It is especially rich in the vitamin C, which is effective in the fight against scurvy. The black radish is very useful in winter, fighting infections and the free radicals. It is also considered a good antiviral, useful against the flu.

The Original Post is Located Here: Black Radish Root

Bishop’s weed is a small, erect, annual shrub, with soft fine hairs. It has many branched leafy stems; feather-like leaves 2.5 cm long; and 4 to 12 ray flower heads, each bearing 6 to 16 flowers. The fruits are minute, egg-shaped and grayish.

Bishop’s Weed or Ajwain is great for GI tract gas, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, motion sickness, and soothes away spasms of the stomach and intestines. And Bishop’s Weed can help ease away spasms of the gallbladder and urinary bladder caused by stones, and help with the irritation associated with stones.

The Original Post is Located Here: Bishop’s Weed