Delicious Herbs and Spices With Powerful Health Benefits

1. Cinnamon Lowers Blood Sugar Levels and Has a Powerful Anti-Diabetic Effect
   
   Cinnamon is a popular spice, found in all sorts of recipes and baked goods.
   It contains a compound called cinnamaldehyde, which is responsible for cinnamon’s medicinal properties (1).
   Cinnamon has potent antioxidant activity, helps fight inflammation and has been shown to lower cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
   But where cinnamon really shines is in its effects on blood sugar levels.
   Cinnamon can lower blood sugar by several mechanisms, including by slowing the breakdown of carbs in the digestive tract and improving insulin sensitivity.

2. Sage Can Improve Brain Function and Memory
   
   Sage gets its name from the Latin word Salvere, which means o save.”

It had a strong reputation for its healing properties during the middle ages, and was even used to help prevent the plague.

Current research indicates that sage may be able to improve brain function and memory, especially in people with Alzheimer’s disease.

1. Peppermint Relieves IBS Pain and May Reduce Nausea
   
   Peppermint has a long history of use in folk medicine and aromatherapy.
   As is the case with many herbs, it is the only component that contains the agents responsible for the health effects.
   Many studies have shown that peppermint oil can improve pain management in irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS.
   It appears to work by relaxing the smooth muscles in the colon, which relieves pain experienced during bowel movements. It also helps to reduce abdominal bloating, which is a common digestive symptom.
2. Turmeric Contains Curcumin, a Substance With Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Effects
   
   Turmeric is the spice that gives curry its yellow color.

It contains several compounds with medicinal properties, the most important of which is curcumin (25).

Curcumin is a remarkably powerful antioxidant, helping to fight oxidative damage and boosting the body’s own antioxidant enzymes.This is important because oxidative damage is believed to be one of the key mechanisms behind aging and many diseases.

1. Holy Basil Helps Fight Infections and Boosts Immunity
   
   Not to be confused with regular basil or Thai basil, holy basil is considered a sacred herb in India.

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

One small study also found that it can boost function of the immune system by increasing certain immune cells in the blood.

1. Cayenne Pepper Contains Capsaicin, Which Helps Reduce Appetite and May Have Anti-Cancer Properties
   
   The active ingredient in it is called capsaicin, which has been shown to reduce appetite and increase fat burning in many studies.

For this reason, it is a common ingredient in many commercial weight loss supplements.

1. Ginger Can Treat Nausea and Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties
   
   Ginger is a popular spice used in several forms of alternative medicine.

Studies have consistently shown that 1 gram or more of ginger can successfully treat nausea.Ginger also appears to have strong anti-inflammatory properties and can help with pain management.