Christmas Spices Improve Year-round Health *

There is something about the scents of Christmas. They remind us of chilly winter days and family gatherings. Cinnamon, cloves, ginger and nutmeg have added distinctive flavors to Christmas themes over the centuries. While we may not know the origins of holiday cooking traditions, we are more knowledgeable about the natural healing power of the festive mixes that extend beyond their delightful tastes.

Whereas, in ancient times, the anti-microbial properties of spices were used to preserve food long before the advent of refrigeration, today, they are commonly used to enhance the flavor of foods. Experienced chefs add them to their recipes, thereby, lessening the need for salt, oil and sugar which add considerable calories to the dishes and have other health impacts.
Besides enriching the aroma of cooked foods, spices increase the satisfaction we derive from eating, and help reduce our urge to overeat. When our taste buds are “heated up” by spices, we are distracted from noticing their remedial effects on our bodies. Additionally, they have high concentrations of antioxidants to fight the free radicals that cause diseases, contain a variety of vitamins that improve nutritional absorption and phytochemicals such as ginerol and salicin that reduce the risk of cancer.

It is perfectly fine to get "festive" with your cooking to stay healthy all year round. Here is more information about individual spices that are generally associated with Christmas and their healthy properties.

CINNAMON

Cinnamon is a must-have ingredient in mince pies. It stimulates appetite and speeds up body metabolism. The U.S. Agricultural Research Service's nutrition lab found that cinnamon increases the responsiveness of body cells to insulin. This function helps lower blood-glucose levels in diabetics. Naturopathic practitioners use cinnamon to treat cold symptoms, flu, and irritable bowel syndrome. Other studies suggest that cinnamon may slow down the deterioration associated with Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular disease.

CLOVES

Cloves have s long-lasting scent when stuck into an orange or used to season the fat of roast ham. In Ancient China, people rubbed clove oil onto their gums to get fresh breath. Today, dentists apply eugenol, a constituent of clove, to patients' gums for its anesthetic and antibacterial effect. Clove oil is also a natural toothache remedy and will reduce pain. When combined with eucalyptus, lemon, thyme, tea tree and alcohol, cloves are very effective in fighting staphylococcus. Such antiseptic properties work well in the fight against the flu, common colds, and bronchial congestion.

GINGER

Ginger can be used in many ways. Gingerbread cookies are found in almost all cuisines. Indian and Chinese use it in preserves and crystallize it with sugar. Some Europeans have a strong liking for star-shaped gingerbread cookies because ginger is considered as an aphrodisiac. In Ayurvedic and Tibetan medicines, ginger is used to help alleviate arthritis pain. It is commonly taken for morning sickness, motion sickness, indigestion and gas. If we have a cold, drinking hot water with a few slices of fresh ginger alleviates cold symptoms.

NUTMEG

Nutmeg is a legendary spice that has many interesting uses in different times and cultures. In the Middle Ages, it was a popular alternative to marijuana. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is used for digestive problems, premature ejaculation, and urinary incontinence. Egyptians use it to treat colds and respiratory conditions. Natives of the Banda Islands rub nutmeg oil onto the stomach to treat flu, and onto the forehead to reduce headaches. In the seventeenth century, a pound of nutmeg was worth a hefty amount £2.10, and the scent of nutmeg evaporated from one’s homes was a sign of wealth in England. Although a small amount of nutmeg is typically used to enhance flavors while cooking, consuming more than two teaspoons of ground nutmeg may elicit side effects such as double vision, nausea, vomiting and circulation problems. Also, nutmeg may interact with anti-anxiety medications like diazepam (Valium), ondansetron (Zofran), and buspirone (BuSpar). So, be careful not to harm the body while we enjoy the spice.



*This article was first published in Yellow Magazine December 2009 issue.