Healing Spices

[Texasmujer]

Cinnamon
Government researchers discovered that cinnamon's active compound---methylhydroxy chalcone polymer---increases g;ucose merabolism roughly twentyfold, preventing the blood sugar dips that trigger carb cravings.

TO DODGE CRAVINGS: Stir this sweet and savory (and virtually calorie-free!) spice into your morning coffee, tea, and cereal, as well as soups, marinades and desserts. Aim for 1/4 teaspoon daily. (DARN!! I don't know what the metricx equivalent is for 1/4 teaspoon! Sorry.)

BONUS!! Ward off chills: To feel cozy on a brisk day, sprinkle ground cinnamon into socks and gloves. Friction releases the spice's volatile oils, which penetrate the skin and are absorbed into the bloodstream, causing blood to flow more rapidly and raising the body's temperature.



Black Pepper
Herbalists say black pepper's diuretic capabilities help eliminate excess water weight. Black pepper is also said to have thermogenic properties that boost metabolic rate.

TO REV METABOLISM: Sprinkle black pepper on virtually any dish, from a hearty steak to a fresh green salad.

BONUS: Absorb more nutrients: Piperine, the active component of black pepper, boosts the absorption of nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract, so adding pepper to any healthy dish will make it even better for you!