While there are hundreds (if not thousands) of exceptional healthy herb and spice options, here’s an array of herbs and spices that can perform important restorative functions throughout our bodies to help keep us healthy, vibrant, and disease-free.
By Staff Writer | Feb 14, 2019
If you’re not already doing so, add these healthy herbs and spices to your diet on a daily basis to get the positive effects they can have on your health, and learn about the benefits you are getting every day, simply by using them!
Anise
With a taste that is sweet like candy, anise helps protect against upset stomach, cough, and a runny nose. It also has estrogen-like properties, making it a good choice for breastfeeding mothers who need to increase their milk supply. Add it to your overall health will thank you!
Cayenne Pepper
This hot spice contains Capsaicin, an appetite suppressant, and protection against cancer. Common in weight loss products, cayenne pepper has fat burning abilities as well.
Cilantro
This commonly used herb is high in vitamin K, making it beneficial for bone strength. It also helps provide blood clots. Add this superfood to pesto, stir fry or guacamole for a recipe that provides good health.
Cinnamon
If you love cappuccinos, lattes, or baked goods, chances are, you consume a fair amount of cinnamon. Many people don’t know about the medicinal qualities of cinnamon. Antioxidants contained in the spice help fight inflammation and lower cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. It also lowers blood sugar levels.
Cocoa
You may think of cocoa as the key ingredient in chocolate, but it’s a spice with many health perks. The cocoa bean is chock-full of flavonoids, which are antioxidants that have been shown to boost heart health. Flavonoids seem to play a role in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure and helping keep your coronary (heart) arteries healthy, among other things.
Cumin
This potent spice has digestive benefits and helps fight diabetes. It provides minerals like phosphorus, thiamine, and potassium, which your body needs to stay healthy. Used worldwide and known as a key ingredient in many Indian dishes, cumin is naturally rich in iron. It may play a role in weight loss, too.
Curry
Along with its potent flavor, curry provides several health benefits. Anti-inflammatory benefits and anti-cancer properties are what you will get from curry, so consider adding it to your favorite dishes.
Ginger
Can help with an upset stomach. It has a calming effect on the lining of your digestive system and can ease nausea, too. Studies also show that ginger has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and may play a role in preventing diseases like cancer.
Nutmeg
Another spice for dessert lovers, nutmeg has detoxifying properties. It also naturally promotes sleep and helps with digestive issues. Nutmeg assists the liver in expelling toxins and helps rid the kidneys of impurities.
Rosemary
Try rosemary to help the immune system, and to fight off illnesses such as a cold or the flu. Rosemary also improves circulation and helps calm the digestive system. Even sniffing it may be good for you. One study found that people who got a whiff of rosemary performed better on memory tests and other mental tasks, compared with those who didn’t. Researchers think one of its compounds, called 1,8-cineole, may boost brain activity.
Sage
Try it to improve brain function. This is especially effective in those with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Most of these herbs and spices are probably already in your kitchen if not, try them! Reach for these herbs and spices not only to add flavor to your favorite foods but to maintain your good health too!
Turmeric
Is a good source of curcumin, an antioxidant that eases inflammation. Research suggests that curcumin may help ease pain. And other research shows that eating even small amounts of turmeric regularly may help prevent or slow down Alzheimer’s disease, possibly by helping prevent the brain plaques that lead to dementia.
Reach for the spice rack not only to add flavor to your favorite foods but to maintain your good health as well!