The Spice of Life

In case you're not already aware, spices not only add color and taste to your culinary delights, but also they are also good for you. International researchers world- wide know that not only are they excellent for fighting bugs, relieving pain, boosting digestion, reducing menstrual irregularities and useful for treating all manner of conditions, the best news of all is they can even do wonders for your love life!

So, next time you're tempted by a mild korma or a hot masala you might like to remember that not only does eating a curry make you feel good (I'll discuss why later), but the spices have healing properties too, making your favorite curry the ultimate in healthy eating.

Spices are the fruits, seeds, bark and roots of plants and are best stored out of direct sunlight as they have a limited shelf life (about six months). If you can't remember the last time you spiced up your cooking or you really don't know one end of a spice rack from another, below will definitely give you food for thought.

Chili peppers

Originating from South America it is capsaicin that makes chilies hot. Ideal for killing bugs because of a high vitamin C content as well as anti-bacterial properties, it is the very heat of the pepper that acts as a natural decongestant, one of our natural defenses. Because of the heat (and pain) we feel when we eat them, our bodies release endorphins (natural painkillers) and we have a natural high — one of the many reasons why eating curries is so popular and addictive.

Capsaicin also contains anti-inflammatory properties and studies have shown its efficacy in reducing inflammation and the pain that accompanies it. Chilies also stimulate the digestion, circulation and peristalsis (bowel movements) and have been known to boost the libido. Surely a great all-rounder and a worthy contender for any kitchen spice rack.

Cinnamon

Considered by many Asians to be a universal remedy for many ailments this popular spice has many healing properties. It improves circulation, lowers blood pressure, is an aid to digestion, alleviates tiredness and is a mild aphrodisiac. Capable of destroying up to 80 per cent of bacteria in raw meats, researchers in the US have revealed that it can stimulate the potency of insulin production so that you require less to process sugars and can be used by diabetics to control the level of blood sugar. Is also an excellent aid in relieving the presence of yeast and urinary infections.

Clove

Native to the Indonesian Islands, Zanzibar and Madagascar, this spice is well known as an effective reliever of toothache and is often used in modern dentistry. Used in Roman times to cure worm infestation, cloves contain eugenol, a powerful antiseptic and disinfectant with anti-bacterial properties that are reputed to be highly effective against the bug that causes pneumonia. It can also ease congestion in bronchial com- plaints. Herbalists use it to treat indigestion, diarrhea, ringworm and athletes foot.

Coriander

Originally from the Caribbean Islands but now cultivated in locally in many rural areas, ancient Egyptians believed its powers so immense that it could provide immortality as well improving men's sperm count. Containing vitamin C, this spice promotes good digestion and circulation, improves the skin and if drunk regularly as a tea can alleviate migraines. Effective in treating nausea and colic in babies, this spice is also effective in treating pre-menstrual tension.

Cumin

Native to Western Asia, India, China and Iran and a member of the parsley family, cumin is reputedly used by herbalists in Asia to promote the flow of breast milk in breastfeeding mums. It is also a good remedy for indigestion and headaches.

Garlic

Revered by the ancient Egyptians, chewed by ancient Olympians before the start of the games and excellent for warding off vampires, garlic is the top bug-busting spice because of allicin, its main ingredient. Found by Louise Pasteur to be as effective as penicillin in destroying harmful bugs, there really is nothing better for boosting the immune system if you have a cold/influenza.

Extensive US research trials have also discovered that it can reduce cholesterol levels by as much as 12% if taken daily for at least a month. When consumed during pregnancy research also discovered that it can reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia and that is significant in boosting the birth weight of babies likely to be underweight. And if all that wasn't impressive enough, according to more US scientific research allicin has anti-carcinogenic properties.

And finally, that old wives tale about never being kissed if you've eaten garlic is blown right out of the window as yet more US research reveals that your man's bedroom performance can really be enhanced by regular consumption. Garlic is renowned for its ability to significantly improve blood circulation, thus ensuring that your man's vital organs remain in prime condition.

Ginger

Grown in South East Asia and renowned amongst sailors and pregnant women for reducing nausea, studies show that it can also reduce nausea associated with chemotherapy. An excellent digestive stimulant, its powerful antioxidants, gingerol, shagaol and' zingerone mean its efficacy in treating many disorders is well documented. Perhaps what is less known is that it can be used to treat sexual disorders as well as menstrual cramps. And for those who suffer with osteoarthritis, trials in Japan have found it reduces pain in 70 per cent of volunteers. And, if you add a few drops of ginger essential oil to a base oil, and enlist a pair of firm hands you can quickly say goodbye to muscular stiffness.

Nutmeg

A native of the Spice Islands and used in India as a treatment for digestive, liver and skin complaints, nutmeg is also used by herbalists to reduce flatulence, alleviate rheumatism and improve bronchial conditions. A regular addition to many bakery products, nutmeg is excellent at helping the body to digest heavy starches and it can help women regulate their periods as it contains a natural hormone. A great natural breath freshener and a mild aphrodisiac one should avoid excessive consumption however, as it can lead to hallucinations, drowsiness and euphoria.

Turmeric

Found in India, China and South East Asia and a member of the ginger family, this spice is a staple ingredient in many Indian dishes. Known to strengthen the liver, ease arthritic pain, ease digestion, lower LDL cholesterol, stimulate" digestive enzymes, contain antibacterial and anti-fungal proper- ties, turmeric has three main components: zingerbone, alantone and tumerone. Mixed with oil it can be applied to bruises, sprains and wounds with remarkable effect and is reputed to be a recognized treatment for scabies. And a poultice of turmeric applied to the breast will definitely stimulate milk flow.

"Curry" The Cold

But none of this is news to Professor Ron Collins and his team of pharmacologists and physicians at the Common Cold Centre in Cardiff who are engaged in the fight against colds, influenza and hay fever. Having researched and studied the healing properties of common spices Professor Collins is well aware that curries are a good treatment for colds and influenza, and he reveals why he believes that if you were unwell you would be as wise to eat a curry as pop to the chemist.

Traditionally, spices such as garlic, peppers and onions have been used, before refrigeration, to preserve raw meat and that is because they contain antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal, properties. So that when we eat substances such as garlic and spices in our foods we are using them as natural antibiotics against harmful bacteria.

'The other way they work is that hot, spicy substances such as peppers and chilies promote mucus secretions in the throat, nose and airway in general, and because mucus is one of our first lines of defense against infection, it helps us to track bacteria and viruses'.