Spices have been used since ancient times to boost the taste of food. But new evidence is suggesting they may also boost your health. Check out this list of five spices, and what they can do to improve your health:
Turmeric - a powerful antioxidant; preliminary studies suggest it may help prevent or even treat Alzheimer’s disease. Also, it enhances immune function, improves digestion, may reduce your risk of heart attack and may be a possible treatment for cystic fibrosis.
Ginger - Prevents the symptoms of motion sickness. May also help reduce pain and improve function in people who have arthritis.
Rosemary - Anti-inflammatory effect, which may improve immune function and circulation, and reduce the severity of asthma attacks.
Coriander - Rich in protective phytochemicals and is a good source of iron, magnesium and manganese.
Cinnamon - Reduces inflammation, and may be especially good for people with type 2 diabetes.
You hear a lot about superfoods, but mainly how great they are to have in your diet. Here’s another list of foods you should consider throwing in your grocery basket:
Beets - Why they’re healthy: Folate and betaine (which can help lower your risk of heart disease), and their pigments may help fight cancer.
How to eat them: Not from a jar, but fresh and uncooked.
Cabbage - Why it’s healthy: Few calories, and sulforaphane helps reduce cancer risk.
How to eat it: In a salad, or on a burger.
Guava - Why it’s healthy: Fiber, potassium, lycopene (which helps fight prostate cancer).
How to eat it: It’s all edible, from rind to seeds. May be a little hard to find, but high end supermarkets or Latin grocery stores should stock it.
Swiss Chard - Why it’s healthy: Lutein and zeaxanthin (which both help protect retinas from the damages of aging).
How to eat it: Sautéd with olive oil and garlic, seasoned with salt and pepper and served with grilled steaks and chicken, or pan-seared fish.Cinnamon - Why it’s healthy: Helps control blood sugar, which affects your risk of heart disease.
How to eat it: Sprinkled on coffee or oatmeal.
Purslane - Why it’s healthy: Melatonin (may inhibit cancer growth), omega-3 fats.
How to eat it: In a salad as an alternative or addition to lettuce.
Pomegranate juice - Why it’s healthy: Improves bloodflow to the heart, decreases systolic blood pressure, vitamin C.
How to eat it: POM Wonderful makes a 100 per cent pomegranate juice with no added sugars - a small glass is all you need to get the many benefits.
Goji berries - Why they’re healthy: Antioxidants, may reduce insulin resistance (a risk factor for diabetes).
How to eat them: Dried or fresh, alone or in yogurt, oatmeal or on cereal.Dried plums - Why they’re healthy: Antioxidants that fight structural damage to cells, which is thought to be one of the main causes for cancer.
How to eat them: As an appetizer wrapped in prosciutto.
Pumpkin seeds - Why they’re healthy: Magnesium.
How to eat them: Shells and all.
San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) September 26, 2007 — Hint Inc. today announced plans to expand distribution of its simple health message and its award winning Hint Water throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Against a backdrop of sodas and fruit punches re-deployed as “energy drinks” and “vitamin waters,” arrives San Francisco mother of four Kara Goldin with a simple solution - water that just tastes better.tm
Selected as “Best Flavored Water” by Health Magazine, Hint Water is light, refreshing and never sweet. Natural essences infused into pure water deliver on the promise of Hint’s outstanding packaging - refreshing great taste without all the junk.
In search of a healthier lifestyle, Goldin asked herself why all the so-called “water beverages” were loaded with calories, artificial sweeteners or preservatives. “I looked at all the labels and said ‘Who needs that junk?’ So, with the help of a few friends and my husband Theo, I set out to change the food environment. Our first product, Hint Water was inspired by a family favorite - ice cold water with a slice of fresh fruit. The trick was figuring out how to deliver that experience on the go, in a variety of flavors, without adding preservatives, calories, juice or any other junk.”
In today’s fast-paced environment, Americans both young and old struggle with obesity, diabetes and heart disease in record numbers. The food and beverage giants, and many smaller companies, have taken advantage of their desire for healthier choices by doing something remarkable - they have adopted the language of the healthy lifestyle while delivering products that offer little to change the situation. Whether the label says sugar, fructose, fruit juice or sucralose, the intent is to deliver the same sweet taste that has been marketed for the past several decades.
But real choices are finally emerging and Americans are responding to them. Hint offers nine thirst quenching flavors that deliver pure refreshment without the sugary aftertaste. Recognized for its leadership by Health, Prevention, BottledWaterWorld and many others, Hint Inc. continues its mission to change the food environment.
Hint is available in Mango-Grapefruit, Pomegranate-Tangerine, Lime, Raspberry-Lime, Peppermint, Pear, Tropical Punch, Cucumber and Strawberry Kiwi, with seasonal fan favorites appearing from time to time. Each 16 ounce bottle is $1.79, with 24-bottle cases available for $44.00. Hint can be found in fine grocery stores and retailers all over the United States. www.drinkhint.com
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