Research from Penn State finds heavily spiced meals, like those rich in cinnamon, turmeric, and cloves, may do the heart good! Researchers found that a spicy meal helps cut levels of triglycerides, even when the meal is high in fat. Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood, and elevated levels are a risk factor for heart disease.
The study found that triglycerides decreased by about one-third in those who consumed a spicy meal compared with people who ate the same meal but prepared without spices. Insulin levels also dropped 20% in the spice group.
Researchers suggest incorporating spices – they used a blend of turmeric, garlic, oregano, paprika, rosemary and ginger – into your diet to help stabilize insulin and triglyceride levels, as well as enhance antioxidant defenses. This doesn’t necessarily mean you should start indulging in high-fat meals on the regular just because you add some spices – that certainly won’t do anything for your health – but it does mean you should go home and make a delicious, heart-healthy bowl of vegetable curry tonight!
