How Spices Can Benefit Your Health

The use of herbs and spices has been a constant, prevalent part of history in many cultures.

They are still used to today due to their many medicinal properties, as well as for culinary use. Here are some of the best spices and herbs that you can use to help you stay healthy.

How Spices Can Benefit Your Health

spices
Spices; image source: pexels.com

Cinnamon

This spice can aid in lowering blood sugar levels and has strong anti-diabetic effects. This is one of the most popular spices that people use, which is great because of how much it can benefit your health. It has a compound that is known as cinnamaldehyde, which is wholly responsible for the medicinal properties that cinnamon has.

Furthermore, because of cinnamon’s antioxidant activity, it helps fight inflammation in the body and has proven to also lower triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood.

Cardamon

This is a sweet and pungent spice that is found in may pumpkin spice mixes. Not only has it been known to soothe a stomach ache, but studies show that it can also fight inflammation. Cardamom has an especially concentration of minerals like zinc and magnesium.

Sage

One of the health benefits that come with using sage is the improvement of brain function and memory. This herb has long been used as history due to its healing properties. It was also used to prevent the plague from spreading. Sage has been used to treat Alzheimer’s as well.

Cocoa

When you think of cocoa, you may associate with chocolate, however, it is a spice that has many health benefits. The cocoa bean is filled with flavonoids, which are antioxidants that have been proven to improve the health of the heart. Flavonoids also lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and keep your arteries clear and healthy.

Turmeric

This spice contains curcumin which has powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Curcumin is what fights oxidative damage, which is what is behind aging and many other diseases. Furthermore, the magnitude of turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties is enough to match the effectiveness of some anti-inflammatory drugs.

It can also be used to improve brain function, fight Alzheimer’s disease, reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease, and relieve arthritis.

Garlic

garlic
Garlic; image source: pexels.com

This herb contains a powerful property known as allicin. Studies have shown that allicin can lower the risk of heart disease. Furthermore, incorporating garlic into your diet regularly has been shown to help with high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Keep in mind that in order to reap the health benefits of garlic, you must first crush the clove, as allicin is only formed after the garlic has been crushed.

Holy Basil

Many people are familiar with the spice known as basil, however, holy basil is not to be confused with it.  Holy basil is actually considered a sacred herb in Indian culture. According to research, holy basil can stop the growth of bacteria, molds, and yeasts.

It is also known for boosting the immune system by increasing certain immune cells that reside in the blood. Along with all of its physical health properties, it can also help with mental health as well, as it is linked with treating anxiety and depression.

Rosemary

rosemary-spice
Rosemary; image source: thespruce.com

Not only is this herb known for its fragrant scent, but rosemary is also known for being rich in antioxidants that reduce cell damage. In fact, this herb is so powerful that even smelling it may be good for you.

Cayenne Pepper

This spicy pepper is often seen in the form of a red powder. It contains Capsaicin which can help with reducing the appetite and may have anticancer properties. This active ingredient has also been shown to increase fat burning in the body.

Chilli Peppers

Not only are chili peppers great for adding great flavor and taste to your food, but it can also boost your metabolism and keep your blood vessels clear and healthy.

Ginger

ginger and powder
Ginger; image source: pexels.com

This herb can be eaten a number of ways, which makes it great for everyday consumption. It is great for a stomach ache because it is calming on the lining of the digestive system. Ginger also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and may play a part in preventing cancer.

Peppermint

This is another herb that has a long history in folk medicine and aromatherapy. Using peppermint as oil can help with managing pain in irritable bowel syndrome. It relaxes the muscles within the colon, relieving pain.

It also helps with reducing bloating in the stomach. Using peppermint in aromatherapy can help get rid of nausea as well, which is why it has been used in hospitals after  C-section births or surgery.

Fenugreek

This herb was most commonly used in Ayurveda, to increase libido and improve testosterone levels. While this research is inconclusive regarding testosterone levels, fenugreek has been proven to have beneficial effects on blood sugar levels.

It contains a plant protein that improves the function of the hormone insulin. Many studies have concluded that at least one gram of fenugreek a day can lower blood sugar levels in diabetics.

Conclusion

Although these are just some of the many herbs that you can explore, you should try to incorporate as many of these as possible to maximize health. Many of the herbs on this list may be some that you already use in your day to day life. Explore the benefits of the herbs you have not heard of and see the benefits that you can reap from its use.


Author Biography:
Ben Brown is the owner of The Prepping Guide. Involved in Military for many years and write about Personal Security, Preparedness, Prepping, Survival, Self-Sufficiency and Readiness for Safety, both Physically and Digitally.

 

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