Not only do herbs and spices add a delicious kick of authentic flavour to meal times, they also provide you with an array of health benefits. Set up the right herb and spice cabinet and season your food generously to reap the benefits and double the nutritional value of your meals. Why should you add more spice to your life? Herbs and spices are fairly inexpensive, have low calorie content, promote healing, may boost your immune system, aid in digestion and contain natural antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and anti-inflammatory properties. Not only are herbs and spices used for medicinal their properties, they also add value to your meals by reducing the toxic compounds that can be created during the cooking process.
Not all herbs and spices were created equal and they all have a unique set of health benefits to offer. When it comes to choosing what herbs and spices to use, you really can’t go wrong. Let your taste buds do the talking and choose the flavours which appeal most to you. Some of the most powerful healing and nutrition-enhancing herbs and spices are:
Turmeric: contains powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which comes from curcumin. Curcumin is the pigment that gives turmeric its’ yellow-orange colour and is thought to be responsible for many of turmeric’s medicinal effects. Turmeric can potentially benefit your health by acting as a natural anti-inflammatory, promoting healthy immune system against stress, helping maintain a healthy digestive system and heart, supporting a strong bone and joint structure, promoting healthy skin and may help prevent cancer.
Cloves: a potent pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory compound with anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties. Effective to relieve muscle pain caused by injuries, arthritis, and joint pain and can combat bacterial infection which can lead to gum disease and tooth damage. They are also an excellent source of manganese, calcium, Vitamin C, fibre, Omega 3 and magnesium.
Oregano: is packed full of antioxidants, one tablespoon of oregano has approximately the same antioxidant capacity as one banana or an apple, which comes from the active agent rosmarinic acid and thymol. Oregano may help fight the conditions of ageing including heart disease and cancer.
Cinnamon: one of the most talked about benefits of cinnamon is its positive effect on blood sugar which is imperative to those with type 2 diabetes; just one teaspoon a day may significantly reduce the blood sugar level in people with type 2 diabetes. Cinnamon is also beneficial for its obesity-fighting properties, immune-boosting power, the improvement of memory and cognitive function and supporting the digestive system. Cinnamon also contains a substance which kills a variety of illness causing bacteria including E. coil and Salmonella.
Sage: contains rosmarinic acid, which is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Rosmarinic acid can be readily absorbed and acts to reduce harmful inflammation which is recommended for people suffering from arthritis, bronchial asthma and atherosclerosis. Sage is also beneficial for the improvement of memory, fighting allergies, the regulation of menstruation, easing colds and is an excellent source of vitamin A, calcium, iron and potassium.
Ginger: is another spice with anti-inflammatory properties and helps protect against bacteria and fungi. Ginger has carminative properties which may sooth your intestinal tract and help relieve an upset stomach, morning sickness, motion sickness bloating and gas. Ginger is also beneficial for boosting your immune system, preventing and treating the common cold and promoting cardiovascular health.
Fennel: contains many vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, fibre, manganese, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, vitamin B3 and many more. Fennel is beneficial for relieving indigestion, constipation and diarrhoea, resolving anaemia, clearing congestion for people with respiratory disorders, regulating menstruation and assisting the body to eliminate toxic substances.
Cumin: is mainly known for its positive effect on the digestive system. Cumin is also a rich source of iron and helps stimulate the secretion of pancreatic enzymes to help the body break down foods to better absorb the nutrients. It may also beneficial for protecting against anaemia, dementia and reducing the risk of cancer. Due to its antiseptic properties, it’s also said to relieve symptoms of the common cold.
Cayenne Pepper: comes from red hot chilli peppers and can increase the metabolism, may help fight cancer cells in the prostate, lungs and pancreas, support a healthy circulatory system, help rid the body of bad LDL cholesterol, assist with the relief of stomach aches, help fight obesity and is useful for alleviating allergies.
Nutmeg: is another spice with an array of healing properties due to its antibacterial activity. Nutmeg is highly useful for joint pain, insomnia, anxiety, relieving muscle spasms, calming nausea and vomiting, indigestion, lowering blood pressure, improving concentration, encouraging healthy blood circulation and detoxifying the body.