3 Hot Spices and Their Health Benefits
3 Hot Spices and Their Health Benefits
Spices, which come from the dried roots, fruits, seeds, bark and stems of plants, have traditionally been used in a variety of ways. In many cultures, there is a long history of using spices for medical purposes. Some hot spices are used for pain relief because of capsaicin, the compound in chili peppers that makes them hot. The health benefits of eating food with spices are likely due to their array of antioxidants, which help fight inflammation through neutralizing free radicals that cause damage to cells.
Many cultures also have a deep tradition of cooking liberally with spices for their flavor, aroma and color.
Here we highlight 3 hot spices, their potential health benefits and cooking uses.
Paprika
What is paprika? Paprika is a spice made from dried red peppers, typically more mild in flavor. Most sources agree that paprika originated in Mexico and was brought to Europe, where it was developed into different varieties. Hungarian paprika is more likely to taste hot while Spanish paprika has a smoked flavor.
What are the health benefits of paprika? The main antioxidants found in paprika are carotenoids, compounds that play a role in fighting inflammation throughout the body.
How can you cook with paprika? Paprika pairs well with many ingredients. It will bring a rich red hue to a dish. Smoked paprika has a barbecue flavor and can be used for roasting seeds, vegetables and proteins such as tempeh, beans and chicken.
Cayenne
What is cayenne? Cayenne is a spice made from dried red peppers. It is considered a hotter spice than paprika because it is made from different peppers. Also, cayenne has a deep orange hue as opposed to paprika’s rich red color. Cayenne is native to South America, specifically the Cayenne region of French Guiana on the northeastern coast.
What are the health benefits of cayenne? Like other spices, cayenne is rich in antioxidants, especially carotenoids.
How can you cook with cayenne? Sprinkle cayenne on vegetables such as squash and carrots before cooking, as well as proteins such as salmon. Add cayenne to soups, eggs, chili and poultry.
Black pepper
What is black pepper? Black pepper is made from a dried fruit, the peppercorn, of a vine native to India. Peppercorns also come in white, pink and green varieties. The heat from black pepper comes from the compound piperine, which is different from the capsaicin that gives other spices such as cayenne and paprika their spiciness.
What are the health benefits of black pepper? Similar to other spices, black pepper provides antioxidants such as its main active compound piperine.
How can you cook with black pepper? Black pepper is one of the most common spices in the world and can be used in almost any dish. Some favorite recipes that are enhanced by black pepper are Simple Roasted Broccoli, Italian White Bean Dip, Fluffy Scrambled Eggs with Chives, Spaghetti Squash with Mushrooms and Turmeric Tahini Sauce.
