Spices used during the Christmas holidays not only smell nice, but also have a positive effect on health. The Regional Office of Public Health (RÚVZ) Bratislava pointed this out on the social network.
- Spices have a positive effect on health and smell nice.
- Cinnamon supports immunity and has antibacterial properties.
- Cloves relieve spasms, reduce pain and improve digestion.
- Vanilla calms the nervous system and relieves fatigue.
Cinnamon contains a lot of antioxidants – flavonoids, vitamins A, B, C, E and K, from minerals it contains calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium and zinc. “Because of the content of these ingredients, it helps our immunity, it has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties,” explained Katarína Blažová from RÚVZ. It also has anti-inflammatory effects for colds and sore throats.
“It is also suitable for people with high blood pressure, it helps to normalize the blood sugar level and the use of cinnamon bark for loss of appetite, indigestion, flatulence and mild cramps is now scientifically recognized,” the expert added.
Cloves contain vitamins – C, E and K, minerals – manganese, calcium and magnesium. “Clove silica has a high proportion of the compound eugenol, which has antibacterial and anesthetic properties, relieves spasms and reduces pain. Cloves were often used in dentistry for local anesthesia and for inflammatory diseases of the teeth,” explained Blažová. According to her, its extracts are also part of some toothpastes and help to remove bad breath. It will help digestion, promote appetite and relieve cramps.
Vanilla contains a smaller amount of the B vitamin complex – B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, traces of minerals – magnesium, calcium, manganese, potassium, iron and zinc. Its aroma acts against fatigue, depressive states and generally calms the nervous system, explained the expert.
