Spices have long a mysterious allure, being used foe centuries by many cultures to enrich the taste and appearance of food—and for health benefits, some of which are now beginning to be confirmed. Spices, and herbs have the potential to help combat a long list of diseases and conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular disease and arthritis. Spices providing invigorating flavours and aromas, a little can go a long way as substitutes for salt, sugar and fat—the three stumbling blocks of any nutritious diet.
Chilli: Its distinctive bite certainly livens up a meal, but can also bring tears to your eyes.
What’s in it: The volatile oil capsaicin gives the spice its characteristic heat. The more capsaicin, the hotter the pepper tastes. Fresh chillies contain a high concentration of vitamin C (two to three times that of citrus fruit), fibre, potassium, and vitamin B. Red chillies are rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that helps destroy the free radicals associated with aging. Capsaicin was shown to cause fat cells to self-destruct. Chilli is already thought to speed up metabolism, aiding weight loss. Capsaicin helps to cut LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels and boost “good” HDL cholesterol. Capsaicin may also inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells (at least in rats) and kill human skin cancer cells.
Choosing the best: Choose fresh chilli peppers with vivid, deep colors, and glossy, firm skins. Avoid those with soft areas of black spots.
Smart tip: Bitten off more chilli than you can bear? A spoonful of sugar can provide instant relief, as will yoghurt or a slice of bread. Water will only make the burning worse.
You could try: Mincing some chilli peppers and folding them into plain yoghurt for a spicy condiment.
Chilli: Its distinctive bite certainly livens up a meal, but can also bring tears to your eyes.
What’s in it: The volatile oil capsaicin gives the spice its characteristic heat. The more capsaicin, the hotter the pepper tastes. Fresh chillies contain a high concentration of vitamin C (two to three times that of citrus fruit), fibre, potassium, and vitamin B. Red chillies are rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that helps destroy the free radicals associated with aging. Capsaicin was shown to cause fat cells to self-destruct. Chilli is already thought to speed up metabolism, aiding weight loss. Capsaicin helps to cut LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels and boost “good” HDL cholesterol. Capsaicin may also inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells (at least in rats) and kill human skin cancer cells.
Choosing the best: Choose fresh chilli peppers with vivid, deep colors, and glossy, firm skins. Avoid those with soft areas of black spots.
Smart tip: Bitten off more chilli than you can bear? A spoonful of sugar can provide instant relief, as will yoghurt or a slice of bread. Water will only make the burning worse.
You could try: Mincing some chilli peppers and folding them into plain yoghurt for a spicy condiment.
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