Spices have been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine and are now being 'discovered' by Western medicine.  A wonderful source of phytochemicals, which are plant compounds with amazing healing properties, spices deserve a prominent place in your pantry.

                                              <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

CINNAMON - An anti-inflammatory that can help alleviate pain and stiffness.  It effectively lowers blood sugar and reduces the need for higher levels of insulin.  A study published in Diabetic Care showed that cinnamon could help lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in Type 2 diabetics.

OREGANO - It has 42 times more antioxidant activity than apples and 12 times more than oranges.  It contains a powerful cancer-fighting compound called rosmarinic acid.  It is also an anti-inflammatory and is a source of calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron and potassium.

GINGER - In Ayurvedic medicine ginger is known as the "universal medicine".  Ginger has been used by Chinese healers for thousands of years to fight nausea - even seasickness.  Animal studies show that ginger has anti-microbial effects and helps boost the immune system

   ROSEMARY - Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, rosemary can help memory and promote healthy brain function.  

TURMERIC - It's anti-inflammatory properties are because of curcumin which makes curry dishes yellow.  In India turmeric is used for treating arthritis.  Research also indicates that it may have anti-tumor effects.  It is often used in place of the expensive saffron to impart a yellow color to dishes.  Try it in scrambled eggs or any rice dish.  

     

THYME - This can help relieve chest and respiratory problems.  Along with rosemary and sage, thyme is what makes the house smell great at Thanksgiving, but use them often to make food taste wonderful.

Although the doses of some spices used in research are higher than you would use for seasoning, it would seem logical that frequent use in food preparation would be beneficial.  Of course, fresh spices are best, but if you use the dried ones be sure to buy them in small quantities and replace them often since they age - even as we do.

HOT DOG!!!

   

Stop!  Before you put that hot dog in your mouth, take a close look at it.  Disregard the mustard, pickles and chili - just look at the dog.  For years we have all known that some pretty unhealthy things are wrapped up in that innocent-looking foot-long, but we were never quite sure just what they were.  
Your intrepid editors have researched this earth-shaking question and now present the results
 
      Mechanically Separated Meat (MSM) - a paste-like and batter-like meat product produced by forcing bones, with attached edible meat, under high pressure through a sieve or similar device to separate the bone from the edible meat tissue.  (From USDA website)

Besides the "meat" that goes into a conventional hot dog or sausage, there is a long list of other ingredients that make them what they are.  Along with spices, flavoring, water and salt, there are other additions which enhance color and flavor and maintain "freshness".

     Binders - added soy filler, helps processed meat maintain shape.

     Starter cultures - live bacteria added to ferment sausage

     Phosphates - helps emulsion stability; known as the all-purpose chemical because it is used in dish detergents, meats and seafood, biscuits, toothpaste, fertilizer, cola drinks, pet food, canned fish and condensed milk.

     Erythorbate -controls nitrite curing reaction, maintains color.

     Dextrose - refined cornstarch, used to balance salty flavors.

     Citric Acid - for tangy flavor.

     MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) - a flavor enhancer.  Research on the role of glutamate in the nervous system has raised questions about the chemical's safety, and it has also been studied in relation to migraine headaches, diabetes, asthma, atrial fibrillation and depression.

     Nitrites and Nitrates - potassium nitrate and sodium nitrite are added to preserve meat longer than nature intended.  They are used not only to preserve the product, but they are what makes hot dogs red and maintains their plump consistency.  According to research from the Cancer Prevention Coalition, during the cooking process nitrites combine with amines to form carcinogenic compounds.  

   SO WHAT'S A GRILLER TO DO?

You can opt for organic or sustainably-raised meat products.  Health food stores and the better supermarkets carry them.  They contain no nitrites, additives, hormones, preservatives, fillers, artificial flavors and no organs or brains or "mystery meat"; just ground beef, pork or poultry.  

Be sure to look for a 100% Organic label, as well as a Grass-fed or Free-Range label.  Sea salt and cane sugar, rather than sodium and dextrose on the label will ensure a minimally processed doggie.

GIFTS FOR YOUR SWEETHEART

Now that you've discovered what NOT to get your Valentine this year, here are some suggestions for things they will really love.


For Him - Deluxe Ghost Hunting Kit (I kid you not)


For Her - Take Care Bear (better than a Teddy Bear)


See the complete list on Page 19 of February Life-Style magazine.