Page 58 - EatingWell Special Edition Superfoods 2019
P. 58
Y O U R H E A L T H I E S T M E A L T I M E
pressure. In one study of your noggin: rosemary
more than 200 people can fight hair loss. In one
with hypertension, taking 2015 study, researchers
daily garlic supplements compared rosemary oil
reduced blood pressure to minoxidil, a common
as effectively as the treatment for balding.
beta-blocker drug The group that treated
atenolol. And, although their scalps with
some experts say the rosemary oil had similar
evidence is iffy, several hair growth (and less
studies suggest that scalp itching) over six
garlic supplements may months compared with
help prevent colds and those who used the
speed recovery. medication.
PEPPERMINT GINGER
Having a bad The dried spice
OREGANO contains capsaicin, 6 day? Brew a pot 8 made from ginger
These tiny but the compound that of peppermint tea. root has been used for
3 mighty leaves gives fresh chiles—and Research suggests the thousands of years in
boast many nutrients, spices like cayenne minty aroma may help Asian medicine to help
including vitamins K and paprika—their lift mood and sharpen treat nausea, diarrhea,
and E, calcium, iron, kick. Studies show that fuzzy thinking. Some colds, arthritis, menstrual
manganese and fiber. capsaicin bumps up the studies indicate that the cramps, migraines, high
And oregano is sky- body’s metabolic rate, scent may also soothe blood pressure and
high in antioxidants. helping you burn slightly an upset stomach. In more. Studies show it
In fact, an analysis by more calories. It may also one small study, women can help soothe morn-
the American Chemical stimulate brain chemicals who sniffed peppermint ing sickness, as well as
Society found that just that help tame hunger. spirits after surgery nausea from surgery or
1 tablespoon of fresh In a six-week study by reported much less chemotherapy. Ginger
oregano has as much Purdue University, 25 nausea than those on a is also packed with
antioxidant activity as a people—some spicy- placebo or anti-nausea gingerols, inflammation-
medium apple and that food fans, some not—had meds. While more fighting compounds
oregano has 20 times as about a half teaspoon research is needed in that some experts
much antioxidant power of cayenne pepper with those areas, multiple believe may help fight
as many other herbs a daily meal. Those who studies show that pep- certain cancers, reduce
and four times as much didn’t eat spicy foods permint oil can ease osteoarthritis pain and
as blue berries, one of regularly were less pain from irritable bowel soothe sore muscles. In
the richest sources of hungry and had fewer syndrome. Experts think one study, people who
antioxidants around. cravings for sweet, it works by reducing took ginger capsules
All that’s good news salty and fatty foods. bloating and relaxing daily for 11 days had 25%
for your heart—and The researchers say muscles in the colon. less muscle pain when
more. Antioxidants it’s cayenne’s hot taste they exercised, com-
prevent cell damage (especially for those not ROSEMARY pared with those who
caused by free radicals, used to it) that leads to A member of took a placebo. Another
helping fend off heart the benefits. 7 the mint family, study found that ginger-
disease, stroke and rosemary is prized extract injections helped
cancer. Plus, oregano GARLIC for both its flavor and relieve osteoarthritis-
has phytonutrients that With its potent its fragrance. Studies related knee pain. Real
help fight infections. 5 bioactive show that its woodsy ginger (sorry, not
compounds and scent helps improve ginger-flavored ginger-
CAYENNE other nutrients, concentration and may snaps or sugary soda)
PEPPER garlic may be good boost mood. Recent is what provides the
4 A dash of cay- for much more than studies suggest that benefits. You can try
enne pepper with your warding off vampires. rosemary, even in the about ½ teaspoon of
dinner may give your Treatments with garlic small amounts common fresh ginger, 4 cups of
weight-loss efforts a extracts, powders and in cooking, may help prepackaged or home-
tiny boost, especially if supplements have been prevent cognitive made ginger tea or 1 cup
you’re not used to spicy found to significantly decline in older people. of ginger ale (made with
stuff. Cayenne pepper lower high blood One other benefit for real ginger). •
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