Clove is said to be a nutrient-dense spice, which is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and is rich in minerals (especially Magnesium) and vitamins. The following minerals are found in cloves:

• magnesium
• potassium
• calcium
• phosphorus
• zinc
• sodium

Vitamins found in cloves are as follows:

• folate
• vitamin B12
• vitamin D
• vitamin E
•  riboflavin
• vitamin B6 (to name a few)

Additionally, cloves contain various biochemicals such as eugenol, ethanol, thymol, benzene, flavonoids, hexane, and methylene chloride that make it rich in antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties.

Here are some health benefits of cloves:-

• Preserves bones – Cloves/ clove buds contain hydroalcoholic extracts like eugenol, flavonoids, isoflavones and flavones, which aids in aid in preserving bone density and are helpful in increasing the tensile strength of bones in osteoporosis and maintain a healthy mineral content for the bones. 
• Controls diabetes – Scientists have revealed that extracts from cloves imitate insulin in certain ways and maintains sugar levels in the body which helps control this disease.
• Aids in overcoming flatulence – Flatulence is caused due to the accumulation of gas in the alimentary canal. This not only causes uneasiness in the body, but it also leads to pain in the lower abdomen. Cloves can help reduce the amount of flatulence that accumulates throughout the day to alleviate pain and give you a much-needed boost of confidence.
• Treats respiratory infections & common cold – Clove when added to food during respiratory congestions can help you kick the infections away.  It works as an excellent expectorant that loosens mucus in the esophagus and throat to help us cough it out. The antimicrobial properties kill the pathogens that can lead to throat infections and congestion in the chest.
• Boosts immunity – Using clove as a spice in your daily preparations or adding it as a condiment in dishes can increase the food’s immune boosting power. It increases the white blood cell count which results in improving delayed type hypersensitivity.
•  Protects liver – The antioxidants and hepatoprotective properties found  in clove extracts are helpful in protecting the organs from free radicals. It helps in increasing metabolism and decreases the production of antioxidants in the liver.

There you have it SpiceFam! Next time you see this amazing spice be sure to include it in your kitchen/household items. Hope you enjoyed today’s blog. And in everything else, remember to use in moderation. See you in the next one!

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This wonderful aromatic spice has and still is been used in my household for many things including making tea (one of my favs!), stewing meat and even placing a few leaves in bulk rice to avoid weevil infestations just to name a few. Bay Leaf is a well known spice grown not only in Grenada but several other parts of the world. With that being said, let us take a look at some scientifically proven benefits of using this awesome spice!

Bay leaves are used commonly as a cooking ingredient; and is considered as a herbal plant that is beneficial for both health and beauty as they are rich in nutritious substances.

Some benefits of Bay Leaf are:

• Constipation – Bay leaves can be inserted in our foods to help maintain a health digestive system; as the vitamins and minerals found in them help the digestive system, while solving digestive issues such as constipation and diarrhoea
• Increasing Immunity – Bay leaves, whether dry or fresh, can be added to our cooking (fish, meat etc), as the nutrients found in them are beneficial for keeping us healthy while improving our body immunity
• Protect Heart Health – Two important organic compounds called caffeic and rutin are found in bay leaves that improve heart health. Caffeic acid can help eliminate bad cholesterol from the cardiovascular system, while rutin strengthens the capillary walls in the heart and the body’s extremities
• Relieving Pain – Oil extracted from bay leaves contains inflammation that relieves pains caused by strain, sprain, arthritis and rheumatism. This oil also helps relieve headaches and migraines. Bay leaves are beneficial in increasing blood circulation
• Prevent Cancer – Bay leaves consist of caffeic acid, quercetin, euganol and catechin, which protect and prevent the body from various cancers. They also contain a phytonutrient called parthenolide, that has proven to be effective in keeping excessive growth of cervical cancer cells
• Reduces Stress and Anxiety – The linalool that is found in basil and thyme , is also present in bay leaves. When used especially in aromatherapy, this compound can help lower the level of stress hormones in the body, as too much stress hormones can lead to serious health issues in the long term

Overall, bay leaves are really beneficial to one’s health. However, as in everything else, it must be consumed in moderation. Further information on this wonderful spice can be researched.

So there you have it guys! Hope you enjoyed today’s blog. See you in the next one.

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Growing up in Grenada means that around Independence time our national dish “oil down” would be on display. That’s where saffron comes in. As part of the preparation for making our national dish, saffron is included into the grated coconut and strained to produce coconut milk and also give the oil down this nice yellow colour. It is also grown in Grenada as well as other parts of the world. Without further delay, here is some information on this amazing spice!

Just some background information on Saffron

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world — with 1 pound (450 grams) costing between 500 and 5,000 U.S. dollars.

The reason for its hefty price is its labor-intensive harvesting method, making the production costly.

Saffron is harvested by hand from the Crocus sativus flower, commonly known as the “saffron crocus.” The term “saffron” applies to the flower’s thread-like structures, or stigma.

It originated in Greece, where it was revered for its medicinal properties. People would eat saffron to enhance libido, boost mood, and improve memory.

Some benefits of Saffron;

• A powerful antioxidant – Saffron contains an impressive variety of plant compounds that act as antioxidants — molecules that protect your cells against free radicals and oxidative stress.
• May reduce PMS Symptoms – Saffron may also act to reduce the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
• Weight loss – Taking saffron supplements frequently may help reduce the need for snacking (which aids in weight gain) by making you more full and in turn snack less
• May improve memory in adults with Alzheimer’s disease – Saffron’s antioxidant properties may improve cognition in adults with Alzheimer’s disease.
• May have cancer-fighting properties – Saffron is high in antioxidants, which help neutralize harmful free radicals. Free radical damage has been linked to chronic diseases, such as cancer.
• Easy to add to your diet – In small doses, saffron has a subtle taste and aroma and pairs well with savory dishes, such as paella, risottos, and other rice dishes. The best way to draw out saffron’s unique flavor is to soak the threads in hot — but not boiling — water. Add the threads and the liquid to your recipe to achieve a deeper, richer flavor.
• Preventing nervous system disorders – The antioxidants in saffron may play a role in protecting the body from disorders affecting the nervous system. Compounds in saffron such as crocin appear to reduce inflammation and oxidative damage in the brain, which may lead to beneficial effects.
• Boosting mood – There is also growing evidence that saffron may help improve mood and be a useful addition to treatment for depression.
• May act as an Aphrodisiac – Aphrodisiacs are foods or supplements that help boost your libido. Saffron may have aphrodisicac properties especially in people taking anti-depressants.

So there you have it guys! A beautiful spice that can be used in cooking as well as a form of medication.

Remember guys! Everything in moderation and maybe trying incorporating this lovely spice into your cooking/baking.

Hope you enjoyed today’s blog. See you soon!

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As you know, I am from Grenada, known as the Spice Island. Grenada got this name due to the amount/ variety of spices it produces. So naturally, spices are a way of life for me. it’s in my blood y’all.

My fondest memories of this spice growing up was scraping and taking of the bark in the summer time to prepare for selling to customers and also to make cinnamon tea that was boiled in water and left to seep for a few minutes before drinking like that or adding milk for a more sophisticated look/drink. Now mind you, I had to do my share of cutting the tree as well, but mostly my brothers do the cutting.

With that being said, lets get right into it!

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the inner bark of several tree species from the genus Cinnamomum. Cinnamon is used mainly as an aromatic condiment and flavouring additive in a wide variety of cuisines, sweet and savoury dishes, breakfast cereals, snack foods, tea and traditional foods. The aroma and flavour of cinnamon derive from its essential oil and principal component, cinnamaldehyde, as well as numerous other constituents, including eugenol.

Some benefits of Cinnamon

– Is High in a Substance With Powerful Medicinal Properties

– Is Loaded With Antioxidants

– Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties

– May Cut the Risk of Heart Disease

– Can Improve Sensitivity to the Hormone Insulin

– Lowers Blood Sugar Levels and Has a Powerful Anti-Diabetic Effect

– Helps Fight Bacterial and Fungal Infections

– May Protect Against Cancer

-Lowering the effects of high fat meals

-Reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease

.. and the list of benefits could go on. As in everything else it must be used in moderation especially when using as a tea as I love to do that. Anything that is taken in overindulgence is never good for your body. So please take note.

Hope you enjoyed today’s blog and looking forward to seeing you in the next one.

Remember, next time you see some Cinnamon: A must have spice to keep in your Kitchen lying around just know that it’s loaded with antioxidant properties which is great for your body and immune system.

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