Top 10 Herbs and Spices and Their Health Benefits
For centuries, herbs and spices have been prized for their medicinal and culinary properties.
Several herbs and spices have multiple potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties, cognitive boosters, and some that may even aid in cancer treatment, to name a few. Turmeric, peppermint, ginger, and other herbs and spices are among them.
In this article, we’ll be looking at various culinary herbs and spices as well as their numerous health benefits.
What Are Spices?
Spices have long been used for flavoring, coloring, and preserving food, as well as for medicinal purposes, and have been an integral part of the culinary culture around the world.
The increased use of spices as flavorings in foods is a global trend. Spices not only improve the flavor, aroma, and color of food and beverages, but they may also protect against the development of acute and chronic noncommunicable diseases and aid in health maintenance.
What Are Seasonings?
A seasoning is anything you add to your food to enhance the flavor. That can be salt, pepper, herbs, spices, and even citrus-like lemon juice. Like so many things, there’s a right way to season your food and a wrong way.
If you are in search of the best seasonings that meet the above definition of what a seasoning should be, then BigMama Seasonings is your best bet.
With that said, let’s now look at the various culinary herbs and spices.
1. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a popular spice that can be found in a variety of recipes and baked goods. Cinnamaldehyde, a compound found in cinnamon, is responsible for its medicinal properties.
Cinnamon has potent antioxidant activity, aids in inflammation, and has been shown to lower blood cholesterol and triglycerides.
2. Cumin
Cumin is a popular cooking spice that is used for its aromatic properties. According to research, it can also help with weight loss, cholesterol, stress management, and other things. It also has high antioxidant potential.
3. Garlic
Most of us are familiar with garlic, the pungent-smelling bulb that is commonly used in cooking. However, you may be surprised to learn that eating garlic may protect your heart from changes that lead to heart disease. Garlic is an important component of the Mediterranean diet, which is frequently recommended by heart doctors. It can be used to make a variety of savory dishes.
4. Turmeric
Turmeric, also known as curcumin, is one of the most popular spices used in cooking and for its health benefits. Turmeric has been shown in studies to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and antiparasitic properties. Turmeric is the most effective for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, according to research.
5. Black pepper
Black pepper is one of the most widely used spices in the world.
Peppercorns, which are dried berries from the vine Piper nigrum, is ground in order to produce them. It has a sharp and mildly spicy flavor that complements a variety of dishes.
However, black pepper is much more than a kitchen staple. Because of its high concentration of potent, beneficial plant compounds, it has been dubbed the “King of Spices” and has been used in ancient Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.
Some of the health benefits of these spices are;
- Anti-inflammation
- Brain development
- Blood-sugar control
6. Ginger
Ginger has been used as a remedy for nausea and gastrointestinal issues for thousands of years. People nowadays primarily use ginger root as a spice or as a supplement to treat digestive issues.
Ginger, which is closely related to turmeric, has anti-inflammatory properties as well as a high level of total antioxidants. It’s a delicious addition to soups.
7. Echinacea
Echinacea is a supplement derived from the coneflower plant that is best known for targeting the immune system and aiding in the prevention of colds.
8. Oregano
Another herb found in the Mediterranean diet is oregano, which is used not only to flavor food but also as an aromatic oil and supplement. The antioxidants in the herb contribute to its strong flavor and aroma, and they may also provide benefits such as immune system strengthening and inflammation reduction.
9. Chili powder
Cayenne pepper is a type of chili pepper that is used in the preparation of spicy dishes. Capsaicin, the active ingredient in it, has been shown in numerous studies to reduce appetite and increase fat burning. As a result, it’s a common ingredient in a lot of commercial weight loss supplements.
10. Cardamom
Cardamom is yet another spice with numerous potential health benefits. Cardamom is derived from the seeds of plants in the ginger family and is commonly used in teas such as chai tea, coffee, desserts, and even savory dishes.
The healing properties of the spice are primarily due to a combination of its volatile oils, fixed oils, phenolic acids, and sterols. Cardamom seeds, in particular, contain volatile oils that are analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antispasmodic.
Healthiest Ways To Consume Spices
You’ll get the same benefits whether you use fresh or dried spices. According to experts, frying or grilling can reduce the antioxidant levels of spices, whereas microwave cooking, simmering, or stewing foods with spices can actually increase their antioxidant levels.
If you’re tempted to take supplements to boost your dose of these beneficial compounds, keep in mind that commercial supplements aren’t strictly regulated, so you don’t know what the pills actually contain.
Third-party organizations conduct testing to ensure the quality and content of supplements. If you’re considering taking a supplement, consult with your doctor or a dietitian to determine the best form and dosage for you.
Regardless of the other health benefits, spices add flavor to food and can make healthy meals delicious.
They are also a healthy way to break out of a rut when it comes to eating. Enjoying your food is essential for long-term healthy habits. Before making any dietary changes, consult with your doctor or a dietitian.