The Everything Guide to Spices for Health: A Complete Guide to the Natural Health-boosting Benefits of Everyday Spices

by Michelle Robson-Garth

Overview

Discover the amazing powers of spices and herbs!

Spices have long been celebrated for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and curative properties. From increasing energy to boosting metabolism and relieving joint aches, spices can help you improve your body, mind, and spirit. In The Everything Guide to Spices for Health, you'll learn how to tap into these benefits and promote overall wellness with uses for dozens of popular herbs and spices, including oregano, sage, chili pepper, and saffron.

Inside, you'll find more than 50 wholesome, health-boosting recipes, such as:

• Turmeric, Apple, and Carrot Juice
• Szechuan Pepper Chicken and Noodle Soup
• Basic Indian-Style Curry with Lamb
• Spiced Coconut and Date "Bliss" Balls
• Rose, Elder Flower, and Hawthorn Tea
• Sumac and Walnut Salad

So get ready to spruce up the spice rack and start reaping the incredible benefits of these kitchen staples. With this book, you'll find it easier than ever to incorporate delicious, health-boosting herbs and spices into your diet!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781440593178
Publisher:	Adams Media
Publication date:	01/08/2016
Series:	Everything® Series
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.40(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

An Adams Media author.

Table of Contents

The Top 10 Reasons You Should Add Some Spice to Your Life 11

Introduction 13

Chapter 1 Introduction to the Benefits of Spices 15

What Are Spices? 15

A Brief History of Spices and Medicinal Plants 19

Flavors of the World 22

Systems of Traditional Medicine 25

Healing Properties of Spices 28

Spiritual Aspects of Spices 31

Spiritual Paths, Traditional Cultures, and the Use of Spices 33

Chapter 2 Cooking with Spices 35

Buying, Storage, and Safety 35

Preparing Spices and Useful Equipment 38

Cooking with Spices 40

Spice Mixes 42

Chapter 3 Spices for a Healthy Immune System 45

Innate immunity 45

Adaptive Immunity 47

Foods and Tips for a Healthier Immune System 48

Actions for the Immune System 50

Spices for the Immune System 51

Specific Spices for the Immune System 52

Chapter 4 Spices for Inflammation 61

What Is Inflammation? 61

Inflammation and Health Issues 63

Anti-Inflammatory Foods 65

Anti-Inflammatory Spices 67

Chapter 5 Spices for Digestion 69

The Importance of a Healthy Gut 69

What Does the Gut Do? 70

The Immune System in Your Gut 73

The Mind in Your Gut: "The Second Brain" 75

Healthy Teeth and Gums 76

Improving Poor Digestion 78

Warming Spices 80

Soothing the Gut 82

Spices to Soothe the Gut 83

Keeping Your Liver Healthy 88

Spices (and Herbs) for a Healthy Liver 93

Simple Nutritional and Exercise Tips for a Healthy Gut 94

Caution for Spices in the Gastrointestinal System 96

Chapter 6 Spices for Brain Health, Better Cognition, and Happiness 99

Brain Health, Better Cognition, and Happiness 99

How Stress Affects Your Brain Health 101

Self-Care Routines 103

Foods for Brain Health and Happier Moods 105

Spice Actions for Brain and Mental Health 107

Spices for Brain Health and Better Memory 108

Spices for Less Stress and Happier Moods 110

Caution with Certain Spices and Mental Health Issues 113

Chapter 7 Spices for Muscle and Skeletal Health 115

Common Musculoskeletal Problems and Issues 115

Foods for Musculoskeletal Health and Wellness 116

Spices for Musculoskeletal Health 117

Chapter 8 Spices for Beautiful Skin 123

Skin Disorders 123

Spice Actions for Beautiful Skin 125

Foods for Beautiful Skin 127

Spices for Beautiful, Healthy Skin 129

Chapter 9 Spices for a Healthy Cardiovascular System 133

Cardiovascular Issues 133

Causes of Cardiovascular Disease 134

Tips for a Healthy Cardiovascular System 136

Spices for Cardiovascular Health 138

Chapter 10 Spices for Weight Loss 143

Obesity and the Modern Lifestyle 143

Foods and Tips for Fat Loss 144

Spices for Weight Loss 148

Chapter 11 Additional Information and Spice Materia Medica 151

Spice Combinations, Cooking Ideas, and Uses 151

General Information on Popular Spices 153

Chapter 12 Breakfast 177

Chapter 13 Appetizers and Vegetable Side Dishes 183

Chapter 14 Lunch and Dinner 189

Chapter 15 Condiments, Rubs, and Marinades 209

Chapter 16 Beverages 217

Chapter 17 Treats, Sweets, and Snacks 233

Chapter 18 The Spice Apothecary 241

Appendix A Glossary 253

Herbal Actions Used in Western Herbal Medicine 253

Appendix B Further Reading and Bibliography 261

Studies on Spices and Supporting Information 263

Appendix C Table of Spices 273

Standard U.S./Metric Measurement Conversions 279

Index 281