Page 36 - December 2024

Cooking for Healing: Spices
Holiday

Spice

Christmas spices, often associated with Sleep aid: Nutmeg contains compounds
holiday treats and drinks, are more than just like myristicin, which may have mild

flavorful additions to festive recipes. Many sedative effects, making it useful for
of these spices have health benefits due to improving sleep.

their natural compounds, antioxidants, and Anti-inflammatory and pain relief:
anti-inflammatory properties. Here’s a look Nutmeg has anti-inflammatory
at some popular Christmas spices and their properties and may help in relieving pain

potential health benefits: associated with conditions like arthritis.
3. Cloves

1. Cinnamon Rich in antioxidants: Cloves are packed
Anti-inflammatory: Cinnamon contains with antioxidants, which help protect the
compounds like cinnamaldehyde, which body from oxidative damage.

have anti-inflammatory properties. Anti-microbial: Cloves have
Blood sugar regulation: It can help antimicrobial properties and have been

lower blood sugar levels and improve used to support oral health and fight
insulin sensitivity, which may be infections.
beneficial for people with diabetes. Digestive aid: Cloves can promote

Antioxidant-rich: Cinnamon is high healthy digestion by stimulating the
in antioxidants, which can help fight production of digestive enzymes and

oxidative stress in the body. easing nausea.
2. Nutmeg 4. Ginger
Digestive support: Nutmeg has been Anti-nausea: Ginger is well known for

traditionally used to relieve indigestion its ability to reduce nausea and support
and reduce bloating. digestion, making it useful for motion

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