6 Seasonings that May Improve Heart Health

Fitness Magazine teamed up with some of the country's leading cardiologists to find out what they eat for a healthy heart. In the process they came up with 6 seasonings that may be heart healthy when included in your diet. The following six seasonings may help lower bad cholesterol, raise good cholesterol, and decrease blood pressure.

As little as a teaspoon daily of the following six spices can help improve your heart health.

Cinnamon
Cinnamon is an inexpensive ingredient to add to your diet to help improve heart health. Cinnamon is a natural anticoagulant, which simply means that it contains anti-clotting properties. Cinnamon helps thin the blood. Thick blood makes the heart work harder, leading to high blood pressure. Therefore, cinnamon may help lower blood pressure.

Red pepper
Capsaicin is the ingredient in red pepper that makes it hot. Some research indicates that topical capsaicin applied to the area over the heart may help reduce damage caused by a heart attack in progress. It is believed that the capsaicin found in red pepper activates sensors in the nervous system which respond by protecting the heart. Capsaicin is also known to have anticoagulant properties which help keep the blood thinned and prevent clotting.

Curry
Studies suggest that turmeric, one of the active ingredients in curry, may help guard against heart disease. The active ingredient in curry is curcumin, also known to be a benefit to heart health. Indian healers have long called curry "the spice of life."

Ginger
Eastern medicine has traditionally taught that eating ginger every day will help prevent heart attack. It is known to help reduce blood pressure and prevent blood clots by reducing the clotting factor of blood.

Peppermint
Peppermint helps improve blood circulation and is also a healthy stress reliever. As a seasoning that helps relieve stress and anxiety, peppermint helps relieve undue stress on the heart and may help lower blood pressure. Peppermint oil contains omega 3's which help reduce the amount of triglycerides in the blood.

Sage
In Eastern medicine sage is believed to help purify the blood. It also contributes to smoothing and soothing muscle contractions, which may prove beneficial in heart health.

Add a little spice to your diet and improve your heart health at the same time. Cook with any of these 6 seasonings to help improve your heart health.

*This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice.

Sources:
Benefits of Peppermint oil
Capsaicin could stop heart attack in progress, scientists find
Facts About Cinnamon and Heart Health
Herbal Medicine: Ginger
Sage Tea Benefits
Tasty Curry Might Have a Fringe Benefit, USA Today
Why heart docs favor flavor, Fitness Magazine, November/December 2008.