A Spice A Day Keeps These Worries At Bay

That five-alarm chili can do more than clear your sinuses

Recent research shows that certain spices have some serious health benefits:

Prevent diabetes Australian researchers found that women who ate chili sauce daily had lower spikes in their blood sugar (glucose) levels after meals than those with a blander diet. More stable glucose levels reduce diabetes risk.

Stave off Alzheimer's Curry contains turmeric, which is high in curcumin. According to a study published in Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, this antioxidant helps sweep away amino acids that can build up in your brain's blood vessels. Over time, these blockages can lead to dementia.

Protect against obesity Early research from Taiwan found that chili peppers' capsaicin may reduce the number of fat cells your body produces.