NUTRITION

COMMON SPICES USED IN REAGAN'S RECIPE:

Cinnamon:

Effects The cinnamaledhyde in the cinnamon bark's essential oil is antibacterial, fungi-static and promotes motility.

Uses Approved by Commission E for loss of appetite and dyspeptic complaints. Used in folk medicine for infantile diarrhea, chills, influenza and worm infestation. Used in Indian medicine for nausea, vomiting and halitosis. In folklore, cinnamon has been known as an aphrodisiac.

Ginger:

Effects Studies have found that ginger is isotropic, antithrombotic; has mild anti-oxidant, anti-mirgraine and anti-lipidermic effects, and promotes the secretion of saliva, gastric juices and bile. In humans, ginger increases the tone and peristalsis of the intestine. Some gingers have been shown to stimulate the immune system.

Uses Most commonly used to prevent nausea and vomiting, travel sickness and dyspepsia complaints.

Nutmeg:

Effects In studies it inhibits, dose-dependently, medicinally induced diarrhea and slows down the transport of active carbon in the gastrointestinal tract. Anti-monopoly effect have also been demonstrated. Use of the drug for dysentery and rheumatic complaints seems plausible.

Uses Chinese - diarrhea, vomiting and digestive problems. Indian - headaches, poor vision, insomnia, fever and malaria, cholera, impotence and general debility. Homeopathic - nervous physical symptoms, digestive problems with flatulence and disturbed perception.

Cardamom:

Effects Antibacterial, anti-mycotic.

Uses Approved by Commission E for common cold, cough/bronchitis, fevers and colds, inflammation of the mouth and pharynx, liver and gall bladder complaints, loss of appetite, tendency to infection.

Cayenne

Effects Pain modulation, anti-microbial, detoxification/gastroprotective/thrombolytic effects

Uses Sore and infected throat, gastrointestinal disorders and prophylactically for arteriosclerosis, stroke and heart disease. In Indian medicine it has also been use do lower temperature, and for loss of appetite among other things.

Clove

Effects is antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral, spasmolytic and a local anesthetic.

Uses Approved by Commission E for use as a dental analgesic and for inflammation of the mouth and pharynx. Clove oil is used internally for stomach ulcers and externally for colds and headaches. It is also used externally as a local analgesic and dental antiseptic. In Indian medicine the drug is used for halitosis, toothache, eye disease, flatulence, colic, gastropod, and anorexia.

From the PDR for Herbal Medicine, Second Edition, ©2000 Medical Economics Company, Montvale, N.J.

OTHER INGREDIENTS

Flax

According to Functional Foods & Nutraceuticals (July 2004), "Flaxseed's Omega-3s and lignan phytoestrogens, in particular, are the focus of mounting evidence documenting their benefits for a wide range of health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and more recently, neurological and mental health disorders.

"Flaxseed's composition is unique among food grains. Nutritionally dense with a mild, toasty-cereal flavor, it should have everything going for it. First, it is a an oil seed, containing 40% oil by weight, 95% of which is unsaturated and 55% is highly desirable omeaga-3s. In addition, the whole seed consists of 20% protein, 27% dietary fiber and 2% polyphenolic antioxidants, including lignan phytoestrogens.

"Omega-3s have two primary functions: as structural fats in membrane tissues, and as precursors for prostaglandins, which are mediators in controlling blood pressure, clotting, immunity and other physiological activities. Human metabolism converts 5-10% of alphalinolenic acid into the long-chain omega-3s, docosahexaenoic acid, DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA, the omega-3s typically obtained from fish oil or algae. All three omega-3s are important to cell-membrane function and metabolic health."

Marine vs. Veggie sources of omega-3s:

"Lately there have been concerns over the risks of consuming fish-origin versus plant-origin PUFAs. Some types of fish contain high levels of mercury, PCBs (poly-chlorinated biphenyls), dioxins and other environmental contaminants. Some species of fish may contain significant levels of methyl mercury, considered one of the more dangerous food contaminants today."