Nutrition Reviews Study Says 6 Common Spices May Protect Heart Health

3 articles · Updated · Onlymyhealth · May 28

A Nutrition Reviews study found that everyday spices may support heart health by lowering inflammation, improving blood flow and reducing cholesterol when used as part of a healthy diet.
Turmeric and garlic drew particular attention: curcumin in turmeric may improve blood-vessel function, while garlic has been linked to lower blood pressure, lower LDL cholesterol and less plaque buildup.
Cinnamon and ginger also showed promise, with research suggesting better blood-sugar and cholesterol control from cinnamon and modest reductions in inflammation, blood pressure and harmful blood fats from ginger.
Black pepper, cloves and chilli peppers are also under study; capsaicin in chilli may aid circulation, and black pepper may help the body absorb beneficial compounds from spices such as turmeric.
Researchers said spices are not a substitute for treatment, exercise or a balanced diet, and more studies are needed to confirm whether they directly cut heart-attack and stroke risk.

Spices improve heart markers, but does new data prove they stop heart attacks?

Is your daily cinnamon habit secretly harming you? The type you use matters.