Unlocking the Power of Nature
Herbs and Spices and Their Health Benefits
Image by Pranjall Kumar
Reduce Oxidative Stress
“Oxidative stress plays a major part in the development of chronic and degenerative ailments such as cancer, arthritis, aging, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.”
Pham-Huy, Lien Ai et al. “Free radicals, antioxidants in disease and health.” International journal of biomedical science : IJBS vol. 4,2 (2008): 89-96.
Nature provides us with a multitude of powerful herbs and spices that have show a vast capacity to improve health by minimizing oxidative stress and chronic inflammation.
Turmeric
golden Anti-oxidant elixir
Turmeric, or Curcuma longa, a rhizomatous wonder native to South Asia, boasts a hue as vibrant as the sun's embrace. Beyond its striking color, turmeric harbors a bioactive treasure known as curcumin, the key to its extraordinary health and wellness prowess. This golden gem has held a cherished place in ancient traditions and now science is taking a look.
Radiant Health: Turmeric's curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory champion, helping to quell internal fires of inflammation, which often underlie chronic ailments.
Ageless Vitality: Curcumin's antioxidant magic helps battle the dark forces of free radicals, bestowing age-defying vigor upon your cells and spirit.
Joint Harmony: Bid farewell to joint discomfort and embrace fluid movement, as turmeric's anti-inflammatory embrace brings comfort to those aching joints.
Gut Serenity: Turmeric, an ancient digestive ally, calms the storm within, banishing bloat and indigestion to restore inner balance.
Glowing Beauty: By reducing inflammation, turmeric helps calm the skin, giving it a smoother and more even tone: banishing blemishes, and bestowing radiant skin.
Elevated Spirits: Emerging research suggests that curcumin may offer solace to weary souls, lifting the fog of anxiety and depression.
Brain Brilliance: Nurture your mind with turmeric's neuroprotective aura, supporting cognitive clarity and guarding against age-related decline.
Heart's Haven: By quelling inflammation and nurturing healthy cholesterol levels, turmeric whispers sweet nothings to your heart, bestowing it with vitality.
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Hewlings, S. J., & Kalman, D. S. (2017). Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health. Foods, 6(10), 92.
Aggarwal, B. B., Sundaram, C., Malani, N., & Ichikawa, H. (2007). Curcumin: the Indian solid gold. Advances in experimental medicine and biology, 595, 1-75.
Daily, J. W., Yang, M., & Park, S. (2016). Efficacy of Turmeric Extracts and Curcumin for Alleviating the Symptoms of Joint Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Journal of Medicinal Food, 19(8), 717-729.
Bundy, R., Walker, A. F., Middleton, R. W., Booth, J., & Turley, E. A. (2004). Turmeric extract may improve irritable bowel syndrome symptomology in otherwise healthy adults: a pilot study. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 10(6), 1015-1018.
Ng, Q. X., Koh, S. S. H., Chan, H. W., Ho, C. Y. X., & Yeo, W. S. (2017). Clinical use of curcumin in depression: a meta-analysis. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 18(6), 503-508.
Sanmukhani, J., Anovadiya, A., & Tripathi, C. B. (2014). Evaluation of antidepressant like activity of curcumin and its combination with fluoxetine and imipramine: an acute and chronic study. Acta poloniae pharmaceutica, 71(5), 825-830.
Sahebkar, A. (2014). Are curcuminoids effective C-reactive protein-lowering agents in clinical practice? Evidence from a meta-analysis. Phytotherapy Research, 28(5), 633-642.
How does turmeric (and other spices) improve this meal’s health profile?
Oxidation of fats occurs during cooking. Turmeric, along with other anti-oxidant herbs such as clove, rosemary, sage, oregano, and cinnamon have a powerful anti-oxidant properties that reduce the oxidation of fats during cooking.
Spiced Ground Beef and Lamb Meatballs:
Ingredients:
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground lamb
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 egg
1 tablespoon ghee or olive oil
For the Yogurt-Mint Sauce:
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground lamb, chopped onion, minced garlic, turmeric, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add the egg to the mixture and combine until well incorporated.
Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
Heat ghee or olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the yogurt-mint sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt and finely chopped mint leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the spiced meatballs with your choice of sides, such as rice or pita bread, and drizzle the yogurt-mint sauce over the meatballs or use it as a dipping sauce.
Enjoy your flavorful Spiced Ground Beef and Lamb Meatballs with the refreshing yogurt-mint sauce for a delightful and satisfying meal!