Every region or country might have a typical character of food. It is usually contributed by the region’s signature secret herbal and spices which are used as seasoning to enhance the flavor of the foods. Not only used in foods, the spices are also common to be used as traditional medication property.
One of the countries which rely on the use of traditional spice is china. China is famous for its 5 spice which possess health benefits. The health benefits of Chinese 5 spice is credited to the health benefits of each consisting component. Chinese 5 spice commonly consists of cinnamon, star anise, Sichuan pepper, fennel seed, and clove.
The Nutrition Facts of Chinese 5 Spice
The 5 spice is usually made into powder a powder, so that we can easily pour the spice every time we want. It is also widely available on stores we can easily grab some. From a tea spoon of Chinese 5 spice powder we can get the following nutrition:
- Calories (from fat) 1.9
- Sodium 1.8 mg
- Potassium 26 mg
- Dietary fiber 0.8 g
- Protein 0.2 g
- Vitamin A 0.1%
- Vitamin C 0.3%
- Calcium 1.7%
- Iron 2.1%
The nutrition facts above is composed from a bottle of 0.2 g cinnamon powder, 0.43 g clove powder, 0.39 g fennel seed powder, 0,45 g star anise powder, and 0.46 g grilled pepper.
The Health Benefits of Chinese 5 Spice
From the nutritional information above, it is clear that we can obtain the health benefits of Chinese 5 spice. This blend is able to improve our body health. Therefore, here are the health benefits:
- Reduce blood pressure
The Chinese 5 spice ingredients are commonly excellent to regulate blood pressure level. Especially the fennel seed and cinnamon which is able to prevent blood clotting and improve blood circulation within the blood vessel. The proper circulation will keep the blood pressure in check. Therefore, the consumption of foods seasoned by Chinese 5 spice is able to prevent hypertension.
- Reduce cholesterol
Dietary fiber is powerful to control cholesterol level. Not only from the Health Benefits of Fruit and Veggie Smoothies, dietary fiber can also be obtained from Chinese 5 spice.
How can powder provide you with fiber? Well, in fact, fiber is not only available in a leafy vegetable or fleshy fruit. These Asian spices are also excellent to provide you with fiber and further reduce the bad cholesterol level.
- Improve health heart
The ability of Chinese 5 spice in reducing high blood pressure added with the health benefits of Chinese 5 spice to reduce the bad cholesterol level is also able to improve the heart health. As we know, hypertension and high bad cholesterol level are strongly linked to the heart health.
- Control blood sugar
Cinnamon in Chinese 5 spice is known to be able in controlling the blood sugar level. This health benefit is mainly contributed by the content of clove which is powerful to regulate blood sugar. As we know, from clove we can get the Benefits of Cloves for Diabetes.Â
- Balance hormone in women
Some of you might be familiar with Health Benefits of Cinnamon and Ginger Tea for women. Not only the tea, the cinnamon powder in Chinese 5 powder is also takes a great role in balancing hormone in women.
Therefore, maintaining the consumption of cinnamon by using Chinese 5 spice is able to deal with hormone related problems, such premenstrual syndrome. During the pre-menstruation period, it is common for women to have mood swings, fatigue, and aching.
- Improve digestion
Just like the Health Benefits of Pepper Flakes, the Sichuan pepper powder in Chinese 5 spice is able to improve digestion. It generates the good gastro intestinal enzymes which are able to optimize the digestion process and further avoid the digestive problems such bloating and constipation.
- Improve immunity
China is not only famous with its legendary black monkey tea which is able to present the health benefits of golden monkey tea. It is also able to amaze you with the health benefits of Chinese 5 spice.
The Chinese 5 spice is rich with antioxidants and able to act as immunity booster as the spice contains anti-inflammation, anti-fungal, and anti-infection property.
- Reduce dental pain
We know the powerful ability of cloves essential oil for dental care. Well, this Indonesian spice is outstanding in reducing dental pain. Therefore people commonly use it to relieve toothache. The similar health benefit can also be obtained by using Chinese 5 spice.
The other health benefits of Chinese 5 spice are:
- Prevent constipation
- Prevent cancer
- Halt aging process
- Relieve respiratory infection
- Detoxifier property
- Alleviate anemia
- Improve appetiteÂ
Recommendation in Using Chinese 5 Spice
Chinese 5 spice can be used as seasoning for foods. Using this spice will give your cooking an Asian and Middle East taste. The combination of cinnamon, star anise, fennel seed, Sichuan pepper, and cloves creates an amazing sweet and spicy taste in the incredible fragrance. Just by sniffing on the smell of the dishes you cook using these spices would let your mouth watering.
You can also combine the Chinese 5 spice with the other beneficial spices such as turmeric with Health Benefits of Turmeric Root Powder. The turmeric is widely used in many Indian cuisines.
This Chinese treasure spices is excellent to cook meat, poultry and fish diseases. Use the spice to marinate your food before you grill or roast it. The spice will also get rid of the greasiness of meat and the fishy smell of fish. In addition, it will also enhance the Health Benefits of Meat, Poultry and Fish.
One of the famous dishes cooked using Chinese 5 spice is Chinese duck, the grilled chicken meet with delicious spice seasoning. Â You can also pour the Chinese 5 spice powder into your curry or stew. It enriches the taste of your cooking.
Or else, you can also add the Chinese 5 spice to your rice. So, you’ll have aromatic rice instead of the plain white rice for your side dishes.