Never under-estimate the value of adding spices to your food.  As a young woman, I travelled extensively in less-than developed countries, and by dint of adding hot peppers to everything I ate, I avoided the dire consequences  that usually attend foreign travel.

Let alone the fact that without spices , food can be pretty blah!

The spice curcumin, from turmeric, one of the major ingredients in curry powder, and used extensively by itself also, has been studied for its effect on serious conditions, such as Alzheimer'sd and cancer prevention.  Now a new study shows that it can also affect cholesterol and LDL beneficially, as can cayenne pepper or capsaicin.

Here is the study

Here is a great (and simple) way to use turmeric frequently

Here you will find both curcumin and  cayenne pepper