Onion, ginger, chili pepper, mustard, four common spices, see their benefits at once

"Spice Health Lab: An Herbalist and Nutritionist's Guide to Medicinal Spices for Health" is a practical guide to spice health from a scientific perspective. It was written by herbalist and nutritionist Bevin Clare, published by Changshi Life Creative Publishing House, and edited by Jiang Honglun. This book selects 19 spices commonly found in home kitchens. From botanical properties, clinical research to actual recipe applications, it explains in depth how these spices can help support seven major aspects of human health, including enhancing immune defense, promoting digestive function, maintaining body fluid and kidney health, strengthening heart and respiratory function, maintaining bone health, and improving concentration. The book not only shares the medicinal spicesHealth potentialIt also combines the concept of medicine and food having the same origin to provide practical conditioning guidance, and is a valuable reference for those who value natural therapy and functional diet.

The book notes that almost all spices possess some degree of anti-inflammatory properties, which help boost the body's defenses against external pathogens and thus support the immune system. Furthermore, many spices possess antibacterial, antiviral, or antifungal properties, helping to protect against various microbial invasions. For those with weakened or sensitive immune systems, moderate intake of certain mild herbs and spices can also have a regulating and protective effect. By incorporating spices into our daily diet, we can naturally strengthen our body's overall defenses against infection and disease.

Here are four common spices and their specific health benefits:

Garlic (Allium sativum) has been regarded as aStrengthen immunityGarlic is an important food ingredient in the diet, and its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties have been widely documented. Studies have shown that garlic can effectively inhibit the growth of more than ten types of bacteria, and can even produce a synergistic effect with some antibiotics, reducing the possibility of bacteria developing resistance. A double-blind placebo-controlled study showed that the experimental group that took garlic supplements for 12 consecutive weeks in winter had a cold incidence rate of only 37% of the control group, and the control group was more likely to catch a cold multiple times in a year. The active ingredients in garlic also exhibit good anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory functions, which can help prevent or improve chronic diseases such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, gastric ulcers, and even cancer. Studies have also shown that garlic has certain protective potential against Helicobacter pylori, the main pathogen of gastric cancer.

Peppers from the Capsicum spp. family not only add flavor to food but are also rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Common bell peppers, cayenne peppers, and jalapeno peppers (from the Capsicum annuum species) have been shown to possess antibacterial and antifungal properties, effectively combating a variety of common pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus subtilis, and Candida albicans, making them a natural protective ingredient in the kitchen.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a long-standing medicinal and edible plant whose antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiemetic, and antimutagenic properties have been extensively studied.The active ingredients in ginger can also inhibit the growth of various cancer cells and induce apoptosis. Clinical studies have shown that ginger has a potential chemopreventive effect against colorectal cancer, reducing COX-1 inflammatory markers in high-risk patients. This is less pronounced in the general healthy population, suggesting that ginger may have a more significant protective effect in specific populations.

Mustard (Brassica nigra) is an ideal choice for improving respiratory health, especially for those with phlegm accumulation or wet bronchial problems. It has potent expectorant properties, helping to clear the airways. Like its related Brassica plants (such as broccoli and rapeseed), mustard is rich in glucosinolates, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. These glucosinolates are converted into isothiocyanates by enzymes within the plant. These compounds regulate metabolic enzymes, clearing carcinogens from the body and further exerting protective effects.

Interestingly, mustard has also been found to have a slight "dietary thermic effect" (DIT), which means it can slightly increase the body's energy expenditure after eating, making it a potential natural choice to assist in weight loss. A clinical trial compared mustard,gingerA study examining the effects of mustard, horseradish, and black pepper on energy metabolism found that subjects who consumed a meal containing mustard had slightly higher energy expenditure within four hours after the meal than the control group. While the increase was small, it still suggests that regular mustard consumption may help maintain weight. Another study also found that after consuming potato soup supplemented with yellow mustard bran, subjects had significantly lower postprandial blood sugar levels and increased satiety, suggesting that mustard also has a positive impact on stabilizing blood sugar and regulating appetite.

In summary, "The Spice Health Lab" not only allows readers to rediscover common spices in everyday cooking but also reveals their diverse potential for promoting health. From the antibacterial power of garlic and the antioxidant properties of chili peppers to the digestive support of ginger and the respiratory health benefits of mustard, these medicinal spices are natural treasures of health that can be incorporated into daily diets to provide comprehensive care for the body, serving as a practical guide for those pursuing a healthier lifestyle.