Sumac

SUMAC

Sumac. Rich in color, flavor, and beneficial antioxidants, sumac is an ancient herb derived from ruby-colored berries that are pounded into a lovely, gritty powder. For ages, this delectable spice has been overlooked in American cookery, despite being a mainstay and frequently the hidden ingredient in countless Middle Eastern salads, rice dishes, stews, kebabs, and mezzes.

SUMAC

However, a particular kind of sumac plant, Rhus coriaria, produces the ground and dried berries that are used to make sumac spice. Za’atar and other spice blends frequently contain this zesty and aromatic spice. In addition, it is frequently used in salads and meat dishes in traditional Middle Eastern cooking. It  help reduce inflammation,eye health.

1. Controls Blood Sugar

Many facets of health can be seriously harmed by high blood sugar. Short-term effects include headaches, increased thirst, frequent urination, and weariness. Maintaining elevated blood sugar levels over long can have even more detrimental effects, such as decreased wound healing, renal issues, and nerve damage. Sumac may help keep blood sugar levels within acceptable ranges, according to some research. In one trial, 41 diabetics were given a placebo or three grams of sumac spice every day for three months. According to the study’s findings, sumac spice reduced blood sugar levels by 13% and even improved blood sugar regulation overall.

2. Lowers Cholesterol

One of the main risk factors for heart disease is high cholesterol. The arteries may narrow and harden as a result of cholesterol accumulation, putting stress on the heart muscle and making it more difficult for blood to flow through.
Studies indicate that sumac improves heart health by decreasing cholesterol to lower the risk of heart disease, even though the majority of current research is conducted on animal models. In rats given a high-cholesterol diet, sumac was shown to lower both triglyceride and cholesterol levels.

3. Rich in Antioxidants That Fight Disease

Also, strong substances called antioxidants aid in the fight against free radicals, preventing cell damage and warding off chronic illness. Antioxidants may potentially lower the risk of major diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, according to some research. Antioxidants found in concentrated form in sumac can help ward off free radical damage and maintain the health of your body. Indeed, owing in large part to its antioxidant content, one animal model shown that sumac was successful in lowering the problems associated with diabetes in rats.

4. Minimize Bone Loss

A prevalent disorder called osteoporosis is characterized by brittle, weak bones that are brought on by bone loss and a higher risk of fracture. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, osteoporosis in the lumbar spine, neck, and femur affects around 25% of women over 65. The risk of osteoporosis increases progressively with age. One study did reveal some encouraging outcomes, despite the fact that there is still very little information available about the possible benefits of sumac on bone health. A shown that giving rats sumac extract changed the ratios of a number of certain proteins involved in bone metabolism, which reduced bone loss.

Summary

A staple in Middle Eastern cooking, this potent spice is derived from the dried and crushed berries of Rhus coriaria.
Some recipes call for a mixture of lemon juice and black pepper in place of sumac because of its acidic, slightly fruity flavor, which complements meat and fish meals.