Since 3000 BC, Europeans have been aware of spices. Both China and India had a medical system based upon herbs as early as 1000 BC. Early uses were for medicine, religion, tradition, preservation and as a way of disguising unpleasant smells. Marco Polo's visit to the Far East opened the doors to a new spice trade. The discovery of the New World meant new flavorings including all spice, peppers, vanilla and chocolate. The greater the variety of spices and herbs, the more potential for your body to use the spices to get the essential daily nutrients that it needs.
When you break down a spice or any food, you come up with their essential nutrients, which include those contained in our daily vitamins. High amounts of calcium can be found in savory and basil, which is also high in vitamin A. Celery seed contains a large amount of magnesium. Phosphorus can be obtained from poppy and sesame seeds. If Popeye had sprinkled his spinach with cumin and thyme, he would have put even more iron into his system. And if you never figured out a way to use paprika, sprinkle it on anyway, to give your body a boost of potassium and vitamin A. Chili powder and cayenne are also high in vitamin A.
Concocting spice blends from curry to an Italian blend of rosemary, basil, sage and thyme puts even more vim and vigor into your system. And as a spice lover, I am tickled that cinnamon is the latest health fad. I was getting a little tired of garlic taking all the glory anyway. Try some Chinese five-spice powder for a healthy dose of more uncommon spices, such as star anise, Szechuan pepper and fennel.
We eat out so much today that I challenge you to choose the sesame seed or cinnamon bagel over the sugar-filled donut. Don't be afraid to spice up those bland, starch-filled frozen meals you buy by adding a touch of this or that spice. If you are a big salad eater, toss in some of the leafy herbs like basil, mint or burnett or add a little crunch with sesame seeds. There are many ways we can improve our diet through the use of spices without having to change our way of life.
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