Nutrition

Only a few people know about the powerful health benefits of common Holiday Spices. When these spices are consumed on a regular basis they can significantly impact the health of the cardiovascular system or the blood vessels and the heart. This includes helping to rid the arteries of plaque build up; thus helping to prevent heart attacks and strokes.

Cinnamon is one of the scents of Christmas. It has been a holiday favorite starting in Medieval times when it was used as a food preservative because of its antibacterial properties. It was also used as a medicinal in the Roman Empire to aid digestion. It has been used in Classical Chinese Medicine for at least 2000 years. It is used to treat cold & flus, painful obstructions, arthritis (in the upper body), edema, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Today it is also used to treat myocardial infarction, angina pectoralis, and cardiac insufficiency. Try sprinkling cinnamon on your coffee and tea. It also pairs well with squash, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes. This will allow you to enjoy the analgesic, circulatory, diuretic, and natural antibiotic benefits of this delicious spice.

Cloves have been associated with the winter holidays since the late medieval era. It was tradition to pierce the skin of an orange with many cloves, creating a Pomander. People hung these around and wore them to prevent the transmission of disease. It was also believed that they brought health and wealth. This is a festive aromatic craft for the whole family.

Research has shown that cloves lower bad cholesterol while protecting good cholesterol. This lowers the risk of atherosclerosis, plaque deposits in vessels, and improves overall cardiovascular health. Cloves can also be used topically to stop toothaches.

It is easy to add more cloves into your diet with clove tea, and adding it to curries and chutneys. If you need some recipes to try with cloves added, send me an email or give me a call. I would love to share some holiday deliciousness.

Star anise arrived in Europe in the 1700s via the Silk Road. It was initially added to desserts, jams, and jellies. The Chinese use it as a tea and in preparing broth and other dishes. It has many wellness benefits, including treating hernia, scrotal prolapse, and low back pain. It is full of antioxidants, making it Heart-Healthy. It is easy to add star anise to your diet by making tea or adding a couple of stars to your soup or stew.

If you need recipes to incorporate these herbs into your diet, contact me. I can also provide nutritional counseling.

AcuMed is serving Sarasota, Bradenton, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Siesta Key, and Lakewood Ranch