Herbs and Spices with their Health Benefits

Herbs and spices are known to be important in preparing delicious dishes. But do not you know that they also have health benefits?

In this article, I am going to share with you a few herbs and spices with their health benefits.

Aside from using herbs and spices in dishes, they also are known for their incredibly important throughout history. Modern science has shown that many of them have remarkable health benefits. There are lots of herbs and spices that contain powerful plant compounds that can heal, ease pain, prevent various diseases such as Alzheimer’s, and even fight off cancer, heart disease, and other common and critical illnesses.

*Cinnamon

A popular spice and it is found in all sorts of recipes and baked goods.

It may help your body fight infections and repair tissue damage. Besides, it is loaded with antioxidants that can protect your body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Although, it is particularly effective at lowering blood sugar levels. An effective dose is of this is typically 0.5-2 teaspoons of cinnamon per day or 1-6 grams.

*Peppermint

Peppermint uses in folk medicine and aromatherapy.

Researches have shown that peppermint oil can improve pain management in irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS.

It proves to work by relaxing the smooth muscles in the colon, which relieves pain experienced during bowel movements. Besides, peppermint helps to reduce abdominal bloating, which is a common digestive symptom.

There are also some studies showing that peppermint can help fight nausea when it uses in aromatherapy.

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*Turmeric

Turmeric is the spice that gives curry its yellow color.

It contains several compounds with medicinal properties. Curcumin is the most important of them which is an antioxidant that helps to fight oxidative damage and boosting the body’s own antioxidant enzymes.

Researches suggest that it can improve brain function, fight Alzheimer’s, reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer, and relieve arthritis.

*Holy Basil

Studies show that holy basil can inhibit the growth of a range of bacteria, yeasts, and molds.

A small study found that it can boost the function of the immune system by increasing certain immune cells in the blood. In fact, it is also linked to reduced blood sugar levels before and after meals, as well as treating anxiety and anxiety-related depression. However, more research is still needed before any recommendations can be made.

*Cayenne Pepper

It is a type of chili pepper used in spicy dishes. It has an ingredient called capsaicin, which is shown to reduce appetite and increase fat burning in many studies. Because of that, it is a common ingredient in many commercial weight loss supplements.

However, there was no effect on people who were accustomed to eating spicy food, indicating that tolerance to the effects can build up.

*Ginger

Ginger is a popular spice used in several forms of alternative medicine.

Studies have shown that 1 gram or more of ginger can treat nausea. Nausea caused by morning sickness, chemotherapy, and seasickness. Additionally, it has strong anti-inflammatory properties and can help with pain management.

Researches found that a mixture of ginger, cinnamon, mastic, and sesame oil decreased pain and stiffness experienced by those with osteoarthritis. This has similar effectiveness as a treatment with aspirin or ibuprofen.

*Rosemary.

Rosemary has an active ingredient called rosmarinic acid. It has been shown to fight allergic responses and decrease nasal congestion.

*Garlic

Garlic is being used for its medicinal properties because of the compound called allicin, which is responsible for garlic’s distinct smell.

Garlic supplementation is well known for fighting sickness, including the common cold. If you often get colds, adding more garlic to your diet could be helpful. Additionally, garlic supplementation causes significant reductions in blood pressure in people with high blood pressure based on the studies.

Herbs and Spices have lots of health benefits to humans. Adding them to your dietary plan and food may give you a healthy body and long life.

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-healthy-herbs-and-spices#TOC_TITLE_HDR_11

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-proven-benefits-of-cinnamon#TOC_TITLE_HDR_3

https://www.permaculturenews.org/2016/06/29/top-10-herbs-and-their-health-benefits/