Medicinal Herbs and Spices Blog

Spice Compound Curtails Colon Cancer

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 07:19:11 GMT

A newly published study shows that a compound commonly found in spices induces cell death in colon cancer cells. Quercetin is a compound that occurs in significant quantities in spices such as garlic, capers and onions. Within the last few years it has been shown to help prevent colds and flu and to improve the performance and recovery of endurance athletes. Writing in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, researchers in Korea have found that quercetin triggers apoptosis (cell suicide) in colon cancer cells. This new study adds to this spice based compound's growing list of health promoting attributes

Coriander, Cumin and Turmeric Foil Flatulence

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 07:41:18 GMT

Research at Newcastle University in the UK show that spices such as coriander, cumin and turmeric reduce methane gas production in ruminants such as cattle and sheep by up to 40. They do this by killing the bad, methane producing bacteria in the gut of these animals thereby improving the health of these animals and reducing the production of one of the worst greenhouse gases. Traditionally spices such as coriander and cumin have been used to reduce flatulence in humans and presumably work in the same way as we also harbor methane producing bacteria in our intestines. Another very good health, environmentally sound and sociable reason to add spices to your meals (and, if you are a farmer, to your animal's feed) every day.

Licorice Protects Lungs From Inflammation

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 07:24:56 GMT

Licorice spice protects against inflammation of the lungs according to breaking research. Scientists in Taiwan have validated the traditional use of licorice in cough medicines when they found that two of its constituent compounds, glycyrrhizic acid and 18Beta-glycyrrhetinic acid protect the lungs from inflammation.

Reduce Inflammation of the Bowel with Cress

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 11:22:43 GMT

A recent study shows that a compound found in a common culinary herb can help reduce inflammation of the bowel. Researchers have found that Phenethylisothiocyanate (PEITC), a compound that occurs in the common salad herb, cress has potential to counter inflammation in conditions such as ulcerative colitis.

Antioxidants for diabetes is an essential part of its management

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:02:50 GMT

Antioxidants for diabetes includes many compounds found in spices such as cinnamon, ginger and others

Garlic and Onions Boost the Absorption of Iron and Zinc

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 07:05:22 GMT

A new study shows that the sulphur-based phytonutrients in garlic and onions help the absorption of the important minerals, iron and zinc.

Mustard Compound Kills Breast Cancer Cells

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 06:59:35 GMT

A compound found in mustard and other brassica plants such as broccoli and brussels sprouts has shown to be active against certain types of breast cancer. Researchers at Ohio State University Medical Center found that indole-3-carbinol blocked a molecule that is responsible for the progression of certain types of breast cancer.

Dark Chocolate Lowers Blood Pressure

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 06:44:02 GMT

An Australian study has shown that dark chocolate can help to lower blood pressure. Cocoa is rich in flavonol compounds that contribute to chocolate's high antioxidant activity and health promoting properties. Up to 1000mg of cocoa flavonols a day can reduce the blood pressure of those with hypertension but not that of people with normal blood pressure. It is worth noting that only small quantities of dark chocolate are necessary for the anti-hypertensive effect. Eating large quantities of chocolate is unlikely to be of any benefit as it will increase weight and aggravate hypertension.

Earl Grey Tea Spice Rich in Antioxidants

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 07:59:52 GMT

A new study shows that oil of bergamot, the spice that gives earl grey tea its distinctive flavor has strong antioxidant effects. As oil of bergamot is extracted from the skin of the bergamot orange (Citrus aurantium) this research should come as no real surprise to us as "citrus zest" (skins of various citrus fruits used as a spices) have previously been shown to have exceptionally strong antioxidant, neuroprotective and anticancer activity.

Ginger Induces Hara Kiri In Leukemia Cells

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 10:59:39 GMT

Ginger compound shogaol shown in a scientific study to induce hara-kiri in leukemia cells

Alzheimer's, RAGE, Plaques And Tangles How To Avoid Them

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:22:47 GMT

How to avoid the underlying causes of Alzheimer's disease

Calcium Supplements In Pregnancy Weaken Bone

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 07:12:10 GMT

Yet another study has shown how careful we should be when taking vitamin and mineral supplements. This research shows that women who were given calcium supplements during pregnancy lost more calcium from their bones during lactation than mothers who were not given calcium while pregnant. This study confirms that calcium metabolism is very complex and that supplementation with this mineral can interfere with the body's ability to adapt to moderate nutrient deficiency states.

Apples Each Day Help Advanced Alzheimer's

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 09:01:42 GMT

Two glasses of apple juice each day helps to improve the mood and psychotic symptoms of those with advanced Alzheimer's diesease, according to a new clinical trial. The effects of the apple juice have been attributed to the high levels of antioxidants in this fruit and tie in with studies that show how effective antioxidant-rich spices are in combating Alzheimer's disease.

Eat Spices: 10 Very Good Reasons To Eat These Tasty Foods

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 10:19:50 GMT

Eating spices is important and this page summarizes why they are vital for our health

Antioxidants In Spices Protect Against Stroke

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 07:26:27 GMT

A recent study shows that the antioxidant compounds that give foods their yellow colors may help to prevent strokes. The group of antioxidants concerned are called flavonols are compounds found in many culinary herbs, spices and other plant foods. Scientists in the Netherlands who published an overview of many studies found that these common phytochemicals have a protective effect against strokes.

Organically Raised Cows Produce Healthier Milk

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 07:28:29 GMT

A new study shows that cows farmed on organically farmed and free range pastures produce nutritionally superior milk to those raised on conventional feeds. The milk obtained from pasture raised organic cows have far higher levels of protective unsaturated fatty acids (conujgated linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid) and carotinoid antioxidant compounds than those raised on conventional dairy farms.

Green Tea And Grape Compounds Help Prevent Prostate Cancer

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 06:46:42 GMT

New research published in the FASEB journal shows that compounds in green tea and grapes may help to prevent prostate cancer. The authors of this study found that polyphenol compounds in green tea and grapes interrupt a crucial signalling pathway involved in the progression of prostate cancer. This research adds to the growing body of evidence that shows how important phytonutrients are in the prevention of prostate cancer and other malignancies.

Dietary Adjustments May Reverse Alzheimer's

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 07:04:14 GMT

New research shows that merely changing their diet reduced blood homocysteine levels and reversed the brain changes in mice with Alzheimer's disease. High homocysteine levels may be associated with a high intake of the essential amino acid, methionine, in the diet. Reducing the intake of methionine containing food such as meat, fish, eggs and seeds lowers homocysteine levels and may even reverse the deposition of amyloid plaques in the brain in those with Alzheimer's disease. This study shows that, along with a high intake of spices such as turmeric and rosemary, other dietary adjustments can reduce our risk of falling victim to Alzheimer's disease.

Hot Chilie Spice Burns Fat

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 09:12:47 GMT

Chilie spice can help to burn off fat - according to a new study that confirms what previous research has suggested. The active ingredient responsible for this effect is capsaicin, the compound that gives chilies their "burn". Other spices such as garlic, fenugreek and ginger also help with weight loss by suppressing the appetite, reducing fat absorption and increasing the metabolic rate.

Tomatoes Prevent Sun Damage

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 11:55:24 GMT

Tomato paste can help prevent ultraviolet damage to your skin according to new research. The study shows that foods like tomatoes and red peppers that are rich in carotenoids such as beta-carotene and lycopene protect the skin against ultraviolet damage.

Gobbling Calcium Will Wreck Your Kidneys

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 06:45:23 GMT

As a result of massive advertising for calcium and vitamin D supplements the excessive use of these products has lead to an increase in the incidence of calcium-induced kidney damage. There is also evidence to show that too much calcium can aggravate the risk for prostate cancer. Calcium and bone metabolism is very complex and involves other dietary factors such as nutrients in plants that help regulate the deposition of calcium in bone.

Brushing Teeth Stops Heart Attacks

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 07:59:39 GMT

Brushing your teeth twice (rather than once) a day is good for your heart, according to a new study published in the British Medical Journal. This research confirms what we already know - that oral bacteria not only give you bad breath, they also make you more prone to heart attacks.

Cultivation Of New Varieties of Berries Reduces Their Antioxidant Content

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 07:32:30 GMT

A recent study shows that newer, culitivated varieties of blackberries have much lower levels of important anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin antioxidants than do wild blackberries.
This study supports the contention that modern fruit and vegetables are lower in nutrients yet higher in sugar and water when compared to their wild ancestors that our forebears ate.

Ginger spice helps pain control

Thu, 20 May 2010 09:00:00 GMT

New scientific research shows that a daily supplement of ginger root can help to reduce pain. This may be due to ginger's well known anti-inflammatory properties but there could be another unknown mechanism at work too.

Honey, Your Great Cooking Shrunk My Brain!

Thu, 20 May 2010 07:54:47 GMT

A new study is yet more confirmation that overweight increases the risk of dementia. This is especially true of excess abdominal fat that causes inflammation of the brain and other organs.

Spice Marinade Cancels Cooked Meat Cancer Compounds

Wed, 19 May 2010 08:04:11 GMT

More research to show that cancer causing compounds in cooked meat can be reduced by spice containing marinades.

Turmeric Boosts Ovarian Cancer Treatments

Thu, 06 May 2010 14:06:38 GMT

A new study shows that the turmeric based compound, curcumin can play in enhancing the effect of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in the treatment of ovarian cancer.

Mustard Compound Destroys Breast Cancer Stem Cells

Wed, 05 May 2010 09:52:09 GMT

Breaking research shows that the well known anti-cancer compound, sulforaphane, found in broccoli and spices such as mustard has the ability to destroy breast cancer stem cells.

Jamie Oliver Reduces Absenteeism, Improves Academic Scores

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 07:14:12 GMT

Jamie Oliver's drive to improve the diet of school children is paying handsome dividends.

High Fructose Corn Syrup Damages Liver

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 16:52:33 GMT

Recent research shows that the ubiquitous sweetener, high fructose corn syrup has been implicated as a cause of liver damage

Vegetarian Diets Reduce Obesity

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 06:11:04 GMT

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that vegetarian diets reduce the risk of adult and childhood obesity.

Cloves: Best Antioxidant Food Preservative

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 07:38:32 GMT

Writing in the February 2010 edition of the Flavour and Fragrance Journal, scientists have confirmed that cloves have exceptional antioxidant activity and recommend that extracts of this spice replace synthetic food preservatives.

Less Risk of Stomach Cancer in Spice Eating Nations

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:28:55 GMT

Scientists have found that the Helicobacter pylori bacteria is less likely to cause stomach cancer in spice consuming Indians and Thais.

Papaya Extract Demolishes Cancer Cells

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 06:34:03 GMT

Scientist in the USA and Japan have shown that a papaya extract can kill different types of cancer cells without damaging normal cells.

Ginger Root Induces Hara Kiri In Leukemia Cells

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 06:21:03 GMT

Ginger root induces programmed cell death in leukemia cells and has also been shown to help counter other types of cancer

Garlic Cancels Cancer Causing Compounds

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 06:06:11 GMT

Garlic can nuetralize cancer causing nitrates in the diet

Herbs for stress include linalool containing basil, thyme and bay leaf

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 07:38:15 GMT

Herbs for stress include the spices, basil, thyme and bay leaf that contain the aromatic compound linalool according to new research

Apigenin is a herb and spice derived cancer fighting compound

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 06:15:22 GMT

Apigenin is a herb and spice based compound that has been scientifically proven to combat a number of different cancer cells

Antioxidants highest in herbs and spices - new study shows

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 07:09:51 GMT

Antioxidants in herbs and spices have the highest concentration according to a study published in the Nutrtion Journal

VitaSpice Rocks!!!

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 09:57:33 GMT

I am one of probably many active professional women who suddenly finds herself in her mid-forties trying to continue living like a 25 year old. Well,

Prevent breast cancer with herbs and spices such as turmeric and rosemary

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 07:19:22 GMT

Prevent breast cancer because scientific research shows that spices such as turmeric, black pepper, rosemary and others shows how effective they really are.