Theoretically, it is an ordinary spice, but few people know that the ingredients it contains can support the body on many levels. Gingerbread spice, as we are talking about it, can protect, among others: against atherosclerosis, i.e. artery disease. You can buy it in the store or prepare it at home – it will be even healthier.
You wonder what is in gingerbread spice? The answer is – it depends. When it comes to store-bought mixtures, their compositions are very different. Store-bought mixtures often consist largely of sugar, flour and cocoa, and the most important ingredients are therefore pushed into the background. Therefore, the best solution is to prepare your own homemade gingerbread spice, which will enhance the taste of Christmas baking and more. However, we will talk about this a little later. Now let’s check what the most popular elements of this mixture are:
- Cinnamon – supports proper digestion, has strong bactericidal and fungicidal effects.
- Nutmeg – has an antioxidant effect and also prevents depression. It is considered a strong aphrodisiac.
- Cloves – they have a strong antibacterial effect, in natural medicine they are recommended for headaches and toothaches. They can also lower cholesterol levels.
- Ginger – considered by many people to be a natural antibiotic, it helps in the fight against, among others: with headache or irritability. It supports concentration and is also a fat burner.
- Cardamom – recommended for the proper functioning of the digestive system, as well as in the case of poisoning and colds.
- Anise – often used as a support in the treatment of upper respiratory tract diseases.
- Coriander – supports the nervous system, improves the condition of the skin, has detoxifying properties.
- Allspice – relieves indigestion, supports immunity and blood circulation.
Dr. Marek Skoczylas, in one of his videos on YouTube, emphasizes that the secret of how gingerbread spice works is that it contains natural substances in the same place and at the same time, which intensify their effect.
What benefits can we get from adding half a teaspoon of gingerbread spice to our daily morning coffee or tea? The scientist has no doubt – the risk of developing atherosclerosis will be significantly reduced, especially due to cinnamon and cloves. This is a pair of ingredients with a strong anti-atherosclerotic and blood vessel rejuvenating effect. Cloves inhibit the oxidation of cholesterol, while cinnamon protects against atherosclerosis by blocking the penetration of cholesterol through the walls of blood vessels.
– This, in turn, blocks oxidized cholesterol particles from being consumed by foam cells, which are then, colloquially speaking, sucked into the vessel wall. And unfortunately, atherosclerosis begins – explains Dr. Marek Skoczylas.
So the main ingredients of gingerbread spice in combination can do so much for our health. Adding this blend to your morning coffee may also protect the liver – this is thanks to clove extract, which can replace up to 90% of over-the-counter painkillers that Poles often use. This is a huge relief and benefit for liver health.
Cinnamon, cloves, cardamom or coriander – each of these ingredients separately protects the liver against toxins. Lead, arsenic, cadmium, xenobiotics, mercury – the ingredients of gingerbread spice protect our body against these harmful compounds.
People suffering from diabetes or pre-diabetes should also add a bit of gingerbread spice – especially to green tea, which additionally enhances the effect of cinnamon.
How to make homemade gingerbread spice? Nothing could be simpler.
Prepare:
- 4 tablespoons of cinnamon,
- 1 tablespoon of ginger,
- 1 tablespoon of cloves,
- 1 tablespoon of cardamom,
- 1 teaspoon of nutmeg,
- 1 teaspoon of anise,
- 1 tablespoon of coriander,
- optionally a pinch of pepper.
All ingredients must be ground or crushed as much as possible.
Pour them into one bowl and mix until combined.
Pour into a clean, airtight jar.
Store in a dry place.
Sources: guster.pl, Terazgotuje.pl, YouTube @MarekSkoczylasPL
