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Spice Up Your Life and Live Longer

These flavor-boosting spices and seasonings pack a powerful health punch -- they can ease pain, steady your blood sugar, soothe digestive upsets and more (16 Photos)

Brenda Kearns on Sep 19, 2012 at 12:18PM

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Turmeric Cuts Your Risk of Diabetes

This exotic spice has a golden-yellow hue and slightly peppery, gingery taste. It’s wildly popular in Asian, Indian and African cuisines and if you’re not already a fan, here’s a great reason to try it: According to researchers at Thailand’s Srinakharinwirot University, adding as little as one teaspoon of turmeric to your daily diet could cut your risk of type 2 diabetes by as much as half! This spice is loaded with curcumin, a potent antioxidant that nourishes the insulin-producing pancreas, say researchers. “Just sneak it into your favorite fish, chicken, beef, vegetable and rice dishes to jazz them up,” suggests nutrition researcher Nancy K. Lonsdorf, M.D., author of The Ageless Woman.

Or try this recipe for Chicken Tikka Masala, a popular Indian dish. The chicken is marinated in yogurt and spices -- including turmeric -- then served in a creamy tomato sauce.

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Do you have a favorite recipe using any of these spices? Please share!