BENEFITS OF THE SPICE CUMIN

The spice cumin has many benefits and should be used in cooking when possible. Here are some of the documented benefits of cumin:

• Appetite stimulant for those who are sick and need to increase their appetite - especially important for those suffering loss of appetite due to cancer treatments.
• Digestive aid.
• Anti-microbial
• Cumin seeds may slow down the growth of stomach and cervical tumors.
• Studies have shown that toasted cumin seeds are good for an upset stomach and also to relieve cramping.

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CAYENNE, CHILI FLAKES AND CANCER

What, you say?  Cayenne pepper and chili flakes in relationship to cancer?  The answer is yes!  These foods or spices however you want to consider them, are something we should all be eating.  Not only are they "active" calories which have been discussed on this blog, they have protective properties!  Some of the active benefits of eating these items are that they can stimulate appetite in those who are suffering a loss of appetite due to illness and/or drugs.  They are also digestive aids, anti-inflammatories, and antibacterial.  The capsacain that protects chili peppers from disease may also extend that protection to humans!  Studies show that capsacain decreases PSA levels, the antigen whose level normally rises as prostate cancer develops.  It may also protect against stomach cancer and may even affect the spread of brain and spinal cord tumors known as gliomas.

My advice to anyone who doesn't currently use these ingredients in your food would be to start doing so immediately.  You don't have to drown your food with them, just use them regularly.

BENEFITS OF BROCCOLI

Your mother was right; eat your vegetables.  That is especially true for green vegetables.  While all the green vegetables are good for you, broccoli is one you should eat regularly whether you like it or not!  Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin C.  It is a good source of vitamin A and folate.  It is a significant source of protein, calcium, iron, and other minerals.  Broccoli is also rich in bioflavonoids and other plant chemicals that protect against cancer.  In fact, while other cruciferous vegetables are protective, broccoli seems to have more cancer-fighting compounds than the others.  Some of these compounds block the action of hormones that stimulate tumors; others work by inhibiting tumor growth or by boosting the action of protective enzymes.  The bioflavonoids and other antioxidants found in broccoli are substances that protect against mutation and damage from unstable molecules.

Other benefits of broccoli are that it is high in fiber and low in calories!

If you don't like broccoli, think of it as a natural protector for your body and learn to eat it for your health's sake.

STRAWBERRIES

Strawberries are the most popular berries in the United States. Not only are they the most popular they are also a healthy choice. Strawberries are loaded with antioxidants, a good source of vitamin-C, and good news for diabetics, they are on the low glycemic index. Following are more health benefits of eating strawberries.

• Because of their high potassium content, strawberries can help lower blood pressure.
• Strawberries are heart healthy. One to two cups daily can help to lower LDL cholesterol. In one study, eating three servings a week decreased the risk of heart attack in women by 32%.
• The antioxidants in strawberries can reduced blood clot formation which can help prevent strokes.
• One study showed that eating 37 strawberries daily significantly lowered the risk of  developing complications from diabetes such as neuropathy and kidney disease. Eating two to three servings of strawberries per week lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• The antioxidants in strawberries can help lower inflammation and block tumor growth.

1 1/2 cups, considered a serving of strawberries, has 58 calories, 14 grams carbs, and 4 grams fiber.

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