5 Condiments for Healing

Chances are you may eat one or more of the following condiments. If not, you may want to add them to your diet for their healthy healing benefits.

What are condiments? A condiment is a seasoning, sauce, or relish added to food to enhance the flavor. Certain condiments are added to particular foods, often out of habit. But they actually do more than just add flavor. Some are super nutritious.

Listed below are 5 condiments and their health benefits:

1 - Organic Ketchup - Lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease - Lycopene is the powerful antioxidant found in tomato ketchup. Just 3 to 6 tablespoons are believed to slow the process that leads to atherosclerosis.

Note: Ketchup found on the supermarket shelf usually contains high fructose corn syrup which should not be included in a healthy diet. Look for organic which has the additional benefit of having up to 60% more lycopene per gram.

2 - Hot Sauce - Helps to control the appetite - Capsaicin is the compound that is shown to provide the appetite suppressing hormones. A few dashes added to the food of your choice is sufficient for results. I can dash hot sauce on just about anything.

3 - Horseradish - Works as a detoxifier - Recent studies indicate that 1/4 teaspoon of horseradish is beneficial for increasing the liver's capacity to detoxify carcinogens. Compounds in the roots and leaves of the horseradish plants are called glucosinolates. Research has shown glucosinolate may have potential in fighting cancers, according to Cornell University.

4 - Sauerkraut - Helps Ease Digestion - Sauerkraut is beneficial due to its probiotic bacteria. Probiotics help relieve the discomfort caused by irritable bowel syndrome. Fresh is best and has more probiotic benefits. A 1/2 cup is recommended.

Note: A super probiotic is Korean kimchi. See link below for the health benefits of kimchi.

5 - Honey - Has antiaging benefits - Honey has antioxidant properties that help protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals. Darker honey has more antioxidants. Just 2 to 4 tablespoons of blueberry or buckwheat honey will provide beneficial results.

See links below for more healthy eating: