The health benefits of herbs and spices!

The health benefits of herbs and spices!
The use of herbs and spices has been incredibly important throughout history. Many have been celebrated for their medicinal properties, long before culinary use. Modern science has now shown that many of them do have remarkable health benefits.

Dieticians agree that herbs and spices make food more flavorful while boosting health. Herbs, such as basil or mint, are plant leaves, while spices, such as cinnamon, are usually made from the seed, berry, bark or root of a plant. Both are used to flavor foods, but research shows that they are healthy and may have health benefits. Herbs and spices fight inflammation and reduce damage to the body's cells.

Another benefit of adding herbs and spices to your diet is that because they are so tasty, they make it easier to cut back on less healthy ingredients like salt, sugar and added fat.

Here are the best herbs and spices to add to your next meals:

Cinnamon
Cinnamon has been used as an ingredient throughout history, dating back as far as ancient Egypt. It was rare and precious and was considered a gift fit for kings. Today, cinnamon is cheap, available in every supermarket and found as an ingredient in many recipes.

The distinct smell and flavor of cinnamon is due to the oily part, which is very high in the cinnamic aldehyde compound. Scientists believe that this compound is responsible for most of cinnamon's powerful health and metabolic effects.

Cinnamon benefits:

Lowers blood sugar levels. Cinnamon can reduce blood sugar levels through several mechanisms, including slowing the breakdown of carbohydrates in the digestive tract and improving insulin sensitivity.
Is loaded with powerful antioxidants, such as polyphenols. In a study that compared the antioxidant activity of 26 spices, cinnamon ended up being the clear winner, outperforming even "superfoods" like garlic and oregano.
Has anti-inflammatory properties.
Has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. Lowers cholesterol levels and also reduces blood pressure.
May have beneficial effects on neurodegenerative diseases.

Cumin
Cumin is a unique spice that has long been used in cooking and herbal medicine. Its slightly bitter and earthy flavor is reminiscent of licorice, coriander, anise and fennel. It can be used whole or ground in sweet and savory dishes, such as breads, pastries, curries and stews. It is sometimes infused into spirits and liqueurs.

When used for medicinal purposes, cumin can be made into a tea or taken as a supplement. You can also apply it as an essential oil to the skin. New research suggests that the aromatic compounds responsible for its distinct taste may also provide health benefits, such as improved digestion.

Cumin benefits:

Exhibits strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
May promote healthy digestion. Cumin has always been used to treat many digestive problems. One study found that cumin essential oil blocked the growth of harmful intestinal bacteria while leaving beneficial bacteria intact. These good bacteria produce nutrients, reduce inflammation, improve digestion and support your immune health.
May promote weight loss.

Garlic
Garlic grows in many parts of the world and is a popular ingredient in cooking because of its strong smell and delicious taste. However, throughout ancient history, the primary use of garlic was for its medical and medicinal properties. Its use has been well documented by many major civilizations, including the Egyptians, Babylonians, Greeks, Romans and Chinese.

Let food be your only medicine!

These are famous words of the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, often called the father of Western medicine. He prescribed garlic to treat various diseases. Modern science has recently confirmed many of these health benefits.

Benefits of garlic:

Is very nutritious, but has very few calories. Contains a little of almost everything you need.
Fights illnesses, including the common cold. Garlic supplements are known to boost immune system function.
Studies have found that garlic supplements have a significant impact on reducing blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.
Reduces cholesterol.
Fights fatigue.

Ginger
Ginger is a flowering plant native to Southeast Asia. It is one of the healthiest (and most delicious) spices on the planet. It is closely related to turmeric, cardamom and galanga. The rhizome (underground part of the stem) is the part commonly used as a spice. It is often called ginger root or simply ginger.

Ginger has a very long history of use in various forms of traditional and alternative medicine. Ginger's unique aroma and flavor comes from its natural oils, the most important of which is gingerol. Gingerol is the main bioactive compound in ginger. It is responsible for most of its medicinal properties.

Ginger can be used fresh, dried, powdered, or as oil or juice. It is a very common ingredient in recipes. It is sometimes added to processed foods and cosmetics.

Benefits of ginger:

Can treat many forms of nausea, especially morning sickness.
Plays a role in weight loss. A 2019 study concluded that ginger significantly reduced body weight, waist-to-hip ratio, and hip-to-hip ratio in overweight and obese individuals.
May help soothe osteoarthritis pain.
Helps treat chronic indigestion.
Reduces menstrual pain.

Rosemary
Rosemary is a fragrant herb native to the Mediterranean region. It has a warm and bitter taste and provides a nice flavor and aroma to many foods. In addition, rosemary can be used in tea or as an essential oil or liquid extract.

Rosemary is not only known for its taste and smell, but it is also known for the many health benefits it provides. A source of iron, calcium and vitamins A, C and B-6, rosemary has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries.

Rosemary Benefits:

Anti-inflammatory and rich in antioxidants.
It is considered a cognitive enhancer and can help improve performance and memory quality. It is also known to stimulate alertness, intelligence and concentration.
The aroma of rosemary has been linked to mood enhancement, mind cleansing, and stress relief in people with chronic anxiety or hormonal stress imbalances.
Supports digestion.
Protects skin cells from damage often caused by the sun.

Turmeric
Turmeric is a bright yellow spice that has been used throughout Asia for centuries. It has recently been adopted by the West, not only for its ability to satisfy our appetite for curry, but for its impressive list of health benefits.

Grown for its root, turmeric has an ancient history of uses in cooking, fabric dyeing, cosmetics and traditional medicine in China and India. Its powerful ingredient, curcumin, gives turmeric its golden color, but also has a dazzling array of properties that are beneficial to health.

Turmeric Benefits:

The curcumin in turmeric has proven strong anti-inflammatory properties. Studies show positive effects of curcumin on people suffering from diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, among others.
May play a role in the treatment of depression.
Helps reduce the symptoms of skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
May work as an anti-aging supplement.

Sage
Sage is a staple in various cuisines around the world. It belongs to the mint family, along with other herbs like oregano, rosemary, basil and thyme.

Sage has a strong aroma and earthy flavor, which is why it is usually used in small quantities. Sage is also used as a natural cleansing agent, pesticide and ritual object in spiritual sage burning or purification. This green herb is available fresh, dried or in oil form - and has many health benefits.

Benefits of sage:

High content of several nutrients.
Has anti-microbial effects, which can neutralize the microbes that promote plaque.
Is traditionally used to reduce menopausal symptoms. In one study, daily use of a sage supplement significantly reduced the number and intensity of hot flashes over eight weeks.
May boost memory. It's loaded with compounds that can act as antioxidants, which have been shown to boost your brain's defense system.
Sage extract may be able to help stop diarrhea.

Peppermint
Peppermint is an aromatic herb of the mint family that is a cross between mint and spearmint. Native to Europe and Asia, it has been used for thousands of years for its pleasant, minty taste and health benefits. Peppermint is used as a flavoring in candies and other foods. In addition, many people consume peppermint as a refreshing caffeine-free tea.

Peppermint leaves contain several essential oils including menthol, menthone and limonene. Menthol gives peppermint its refreshing properties and recognizably minty scent.

Peppermint Benefits:

Relieves headaches. It can also reduce other symptoms such as sensitivity to light, nausea and vomiting.
Calms stomach muscles and improves bile flow.
Calms skin irritation and itching and reduces redness.
Is an effective decongestant. Decongestants shrink swollen membranes in the nose, making breathing easier.
Helps relieve drowsiness during waking hours.

Basil
Basil is a tasty, leafy green herb native to Asia and Africa. It is a member of the mint family, and there are many different varieties. Popular as a food seasoning, this aromatic herb is also used in teas and supplements that can provide a range of health benefits.

One of the oldest herbs known to mankind, basil is revered for its strong medicinal and healing properties. Basil plants can still be seen outside many Indian homes. Basil is offered to the gods in the form of prasad. Some say that it is even forbidden to chew the basil leaves, one is supposed to swallow it in one go.

Benefits of basil:

Strengthens the nervous system and can be a good remedy for headaches and insomnia.
Eugenol present in the leaves provides an anti-inflammatory action in the digestive tract. Basil helps balance acid in the body and restores the correct pH of the body.
Helps to clean the skin deeply. Excellent skin cleanser, perfect for those with oily skin. It also helps remove dirt and impurities that clog pores.
Can help manage depression and anxiety. It stimulates neurotransmitters that regulate hormones responsible for inducing happiness and energy. Basil is considered a powerful anti-stress agent.
Helps reduce bloating and water retention. It could also cure acid reflux

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