The anti-inflammatory properties of a mixture of 13 spices during a meal rich in sugars and saturated fats have been demonstrated.
- The anti-inflammatory properties of a 13-spice cocktail were tested on 12 overweight or obese men
- This mixture would partially compensate for the inflammation caused by a meal rich in sugar and fat
- Eating a balanced diet and practicing regular physical activity remain essential for good health.
According to a study conducted by researchers from the uPennsylvania State University (USA), eating foods high in saturated fat would be less harmful to the body by adding a cocktail of 13 spices: cumin, basil, parsley, bay leaf, cinnamon, coriander, black pepper, ginger, oregano, thyme, red pepper, rosemary and turmeric. Their work has been published in The Journal of Nutrition.
To test the virtues of this mixture, the researchers recruited 12 men aged 40 to 65, overweight or obese and presenting at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The twelve volunteers were invited to eat a meal rich in carbohydrates and saturated fats as well as 6 grams of the famous spice cocktail, then later the same meal with 2 grams of spices and finally, one last time without spices.
Properties anti-inflammatories
Blood samples were taken before and after each meal to analyze inflammatory markers. Result: the level of inflammatory cytokines was lower after the meal containing 6 grams of spices than after the other two test meals.
“If you like spices, they could be a way to make a meal high in fat or carbs healthier. We cannot however tell from this study if it was a particular spice, but this specific blend seemed beneficial”commented Professor Connie J. Rogers, lead author of the study. In short, this spice blend is said to have anti-inflammatory properties that can partially offset the inflammation caused by a meal high in fat and carbohydrates.
The importance of a healthy diet for the brain
Of course, the objective of this study is not to encourage a diet high in saturated fat, but to measure the benefits of spices on the body. It is strongly recommended to follow a healthy, balanced diet and to practice regular physical activity. Especially since previous studies have shown that if inflammation could increase after a meal high in fat or sugar, a person’s concentration level could drop, also suggesting a potential influence on the brain.
“The ideal is to get people to eat healthier and exercise to lose weight, but these behavioral changes are difficult and take timesays the researcher. So, in the meantime, we wanted to know if a combination of spices that people already know that could fit in a single meal could have a positive effect.”
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