Get Spicy

by Valerie Nahmad — August 14, 2007

Spices are a wonder food--new research suggests adding turmeric, chilies, and other seasonings to your diet can curb hunger, strengthen muscles, boost your brainpower, and improve your mood. Self Magazine breaks down the research:

• A study in the British Journal of Nutrition found that women who added two teaspoons of dried red pepper to their food ate fewer calories and fat.
• Researchers at the University of South Carolina and Columbia report that the curcumin that turns turmeric yellow helps reduce inflammation and aids muscle repair after heavy exercise.
• UCLA researchers found that curcumin also sweeps out plaque deposits in the brain, which may help stave off Alzheimer's.
• A team at the State University of New York at Buffalo found that capsaicin (compound that spices up chilies) triggers pain receptors in the mouth than signal the brain to release endorphins.
• Cooking Light dishes on curry, ginger, saffron, and more with flavor profiles, combination suggestions, and recipes.

How do you spice things up?