These 5 Spices May Be Good For Your Heart
It’s all about hearts this month, but not just because of Valentine’s Day. February is also American Heart Month. These days, more and more people are looking for natural ways to boost their cardiovascular health. One place to start is the spice aisle.
Let’s not confuse spices with spicy food. As a longtime heartburn sufferer, I tend to avoid foods that are overly spicy. No five-alarm chili for me, thank you very much. However, many milder spices can add plenty of flavor to a meal while also offering a number of health benefits.
Studies have suggested that certain spices may be good for brain health. The same may be true for our tickers. Huffington Post reports that cardiologists and health experts believe some spices can actually help lower the risk of heart attacks and other heart problems. Here are the five that are recommended:
Spices That Can Improve Heart Health
- Cinnamon: Cardiologist Elizabeth Klodas says, “Cinnamon has been shown to help control blood sugar levels, especially in diabetics,” adding, “cinnamon lowers cholesterol and lowers triglycerides too, so it helps improve the cholesterol profile.”
- Cumin: Preventive cardiology dietician Michelle Routhenstein says, “Cumin is a heart-healthy spice because it contains flavonoids, a potent antioxidant that can help lower inflammation in the body. Cumin may also assist with weight loss and increase the release of bile from the liver to help digest fats.”
- Garlic: Klodas says, “Garlic has been shown to improve blood vessel flexibility and can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Garlic and other spices from the allium group are antioxidants and may have a role in lowering blood pressure.”
- Ginger: Routhenstein says, “The active compound in ginger is gingerol, which has been shown to lower oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can promote atherosclerosis and heart disease, and is typically present in excess in many heart conditions, and lowering it is advantageous for heart health.”
- Paprika: Routhenstein says, “Paprika is a heart-healthy spice because of its rich vitamin A content. It belongs to the beta carotene family, which is a potent carotenoid ― the pigment that gives paprika its bright color and provides an antioxidant boost to your food. Some studies show it may also help lower HDL cholesterol.”