Food Mexico and Me Aug. 2015 | Page 7

NOTE THE ENCHANTING MEXICAN SPICES M exican spices are known for their healing qualities. If you can learn to use these spices in your everyday diet, you can soon become a self-caring doctor and a born-beautician from within the comforts of your home. But before choosing the proper spice, you need to understand the medicinal purposes behind consuming each spice. Here, we introduce you to the different benefits that these spices can bring to your life. 1, General Health Care: It is better to take preventive measures rather than having to cure an illness. The Mexican spices that you come across here have many natural ingredients benefiting your diet, fitness, energy, virility, and femininity. They help manage a healthy body and mind, and help lead a balanced life. If you have any health or allergic problems with strong spices, consult your family physician beforehand. 2. Diabetic Care: If you are either prone to or suffering from diabetes, make sure you add the following spices in your daily diet: • Cactus: Its high fiber content helps delay glucose absorption in the intestine. Also, regularly eating cactus significantly reduces glucose levels following a meal. • Aloe Vera: Although it is not native to Mexico, the Aloe Vera, known also as Sabila, has an extended use there. Known to the world today as a popular skin healer, it helps cleaning your entire digestive and blood flow systems. Also, the consumption of www.mexico.is • • • • • Aloe Vera juice may help reduce the glucose levels in the blood of diabetic patients. Cinnamon: Native to Sri Lanka, Cinnamon is common in Mexican cuisine. Its many health benefits include reducing sugar levels in the blood of diabetic patients as well as reducing cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Garlic: Native to Asia, garlic is one of the fundamental spices in Mexican Cuisine. It is one of the best antioxidants and improves blood circulation, but regular consumption also reduces glucose in the blood because certain substances in the garlic promote the production of insulin. Bilberry Extract: This excellent antioxidant prevents cells from breaking down and protects the eyes from diabetic damages. Although bilberries are native to the northern US, recently their use has widely spread in Mexico. Fenugreek: Although it is not native to Mexico, it is increasingly used as a condiment in some Mexican dishes. It has been found helpful in Type-1 and Type-2 diabetic cases as it regulates glucose levels and increases the tolerance levels in the blood. 3. Blood Purification: When you have pure blood, you can prevent problems in the heart, kidney and intestines and limit other symptoms of disease. This is one spice you need to consume: • Annatto Seeds: Also known as Achiote. It is used mainly as a food colorant, so whenever you see a product labeled as Colored-with-