Acesulfame potassium is a zero-calorie sweetener that is added to many sugar-free…
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Star anise
Star anise
Star anise
What is it:
Star anise (Illicium verum) is a spice derived from the fruit of the Illicium verum tree, native to China and Vietnam. The seeds are harvested from the fruits for use as a spice. It is characterized by its distinctive star-shaped appearance and a licorice-like flavor. Star anise is a key ingredient in various culinary traditions, particularly in Asian cuisine, where it is used to flavor both sweet and savory dishes. Its aromatic and slightly sweet taste makes it a popular spice in spice blends, soups, desserts, and beverages.
Rating:
Star anise is spice that has demonstrated antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, as well as anti-cancer properties in test tube studies. More human research is needed.
Resources:
- Assessment of antimycotoxigenic and antioxidant activity of star anise (in vitro study)
- Antioxidant activity of star anise extracts (in vitro study)
- Star anise may have anti-tumor potential (review)
- Star anise demonstrates cytotoxic activity against colon cancer cells (in vitro study)
How we rate ingredients
Health is like a bank account, certain ingredients make a deposit into your health bank, meaning they add to
your health. Certain ingredients withdraw from your health bank. We want health promoting ingredients in our diet. To keep things simple, we rate ingredients on a green, yellow, red scale:
Clean
It is naturally occurring in food and has no harmful effects on the body. It is real food. It is health promoting.
Caution
It goes into one or more of the below categories
- It is not naturally occurring in food but doesn’t have data showing it has a harmful effect on the body (additives like Gellan Gum)
- It is naturally occurring but can have some harmful effects on the body (added sugars, oils, gums etc.)
We Avoid
It is known to have a harmful effect on the body (ex. All food colorings, Natural Flavors, MSG, Potassium bromate, aspartame, artificial flavors)
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