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<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   Related Stories • Tiger on the loose; maybe he'll buy a Hyundai 11/25/08   CONTACT THE HERALD Melanie Munk, Features Editor munk@heraldnet.com   Published: Tuesday, November 25, 2008 Health facts about herbs and spices By Dr. Elizabeth Smoots Herald Columnist Herbs and spices are a great way to add pizzazz to your holiday meals. The ingredients can enhance the flavor of almost any dish you make without adding salt or fat. Not only will your food be leaner, it will be tastier and healthier. Now what do you say to that? Find out how much you know about herbs and spices with this quiz. 1. Antioxidants in herbs and spices may help prevent which disease(s)? a. Heart attacks b. Strokes c. Alzheimer's disease d. All of the above 2. Spices do not have which benefit? a. Help fight infections b. Stop aging c. Reduce inflammation d. Help prevent cancer 3. Spices come from the leafy parts of plants. True or false? 4. Which spice(s) are popular this time of year? a. Bay leaf b. Cinnamon c. Cloves d. Sage 5. Cinnamon helps reduce cholesterol levels. True or false? 6. What statements are true about oregano? a. Contains lots of antioxidants b. Improves digestion c. Reduces nasal congestion d. Used in Italian and Mexican dishes 7. Identify the false statement about chili peppers. a. Gives fiery heat to dishes. b. Helps relieve painful conditions. c. Improves concentration and memory d. Goes with Mexican and Asian dishes 8. Ginger root has medicinal uses. True or false? 9. Turmeric hastens the ability to fall asleep. True or false? Answers 1. d. Antioxidants in spices help neutralize free radicals, which contribute to chronic disorders such as heart disease, strokes, dementia and cataracts. The Department of Agriculture found that spices contain more antioxidants per gram than most fruits or vegetables. 2. b. According to recent studies, disease-fighting substances found in spices may help fight inflammation and infection, and retard the development and progression of cancer. Some of these plant compounds may even help slow, but not completely stop, the process of aging. 3. False. Herbs come from the leafy parts of plants. Spices come from the bark, buds, fruit, roots, seeds or stems. 4. b, c. Cinnamon is frequently used in oatmeal, pumpkin pie and spiced cider. Cloves -- derived from the dried brown buds of a tropical tree -- are used in spice cakes or cookies or to stud a ham. Bay leaf and sage are herbs, not spices, since they are derived from the leafy parts of plants. 5. True. Using about a half teaspoon of cinnamon a day helps reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels, according to studies. 6. a, d. Oregano has the highest antioxidant power of any culinary herb. Basil, but not oregano, is known for its ability to promote better digestion, ease nausea and reduce respiratory congestion. 7. c. Topical creams with capsaicin, the chemical that gives chili peppers their heat, help relieve arthritis, shingles and other painful conditions. Wash your hands after applying and don't use on broken skin. 8. True. Available as fresh roots or dried powder, ginger may provide nausea relief in morning sickness, motion sickness or cancer therapy. The spice may also help alleviate inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, bursitis or tendonits. 9. False. Providing the main color and flavor of curry, turmeric contains a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory called curcumin. Studies suggest that curcumin can prevent or inhibit cancer growth and help treat rheumatoid arthritis and cystic fibrosis. Research shows the spice may also help break up accumulations of brain plaque linked to Alzheimer's disease. For more information: American Dietetic Association, www.eatright.org. Contact Dr. Elizabeth Smoots at doctor@practicalprevention.com. © 2008 Elizabeth S. Smoots READER COMMENTS Be the first to comment. You must be a registered user and verify your e-mail address to post comments to blogs or articles on HeraldNet. To register, click here. To read other terms and conditions, click here. Log out

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