Are Therapeutic Benefits of Herbs and Spices Proven?
January 13, 2008 Readers: Studies are exploring the therapeutic benefits of many herbs and spices, but much is yet to be learned about their effectiveness and safety especially when taken in large doses and for long periods of time. In some cases, the purported benefits are based on taking a supplement or extract that has a much higher amount of the active ingredient than would be available in food. While the small amounts of herbs and spices used in the kitchen on an occasional basis won’t provide therapeutic levels, regular use offers a wide array of bioactive substances that can have nutritional value. Benefits may include: Providing antioxidants — Allspice, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, oregano, sage, thyme and turmeric powders are high in antioxidants. These plant chemicals may play a role in helping prevent conditions such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular conditions. Having cancer-fighting properties — Research suggests that antioxidants and other phytochemical subst
