Herbs and spices fill our kitchen cabinets, and they often get added to recipes and culinary creations. But what do they do for you?
What Are Herbs?
Herbs and spices come from flowers, seeds, barks, leaves, roots, and fruits. They can preserve foods for a longer period of time and help improve the taste of foods. Sadly, most herbs and spices have been camping on grocery shelves way too long – losing most of their nutritional value.
Benefits of Herbs
Herbs and spices contain antibacterial and antiviral properties. Many are high in vitamin B and trace minerals. The biggest problem is the healthiest herbs are rarely used because knowledge is lacking about them. Salt and pepper are the most commonly used seasonings and also the least potent.
List of healthful herbs:
Turmeric
- Contains Curcumin: a cancer-fighting compound.
- Taken medicinally in America to reduce inflammation and improve joint health.
- Added flavor to egg dishes, soups, meat dishes, sauces and baked goods.
Cayenne
- May suppress appetite leading to weight loss.
- Increases circulation and reduce the risk of heart problems.
- Added flavor to any dish, meat, vegetable or sauce.
Dill Weed/Seed
- Antibacterial properties.
- May help reduce menstrual cramps.
- Loses most nutritional value when heated to high temperature.
- Added flavor to fish, dips, dressings, omelets or poultry dishes.
Cinnamon
- Highest antioxidant value of any spice.
- Reduces inflammation and lower blood sugar/blood triglyceride levels.
- Alleviates nausea, increases sensitivity to insulin and aids in fat burning.
- Provides manganese, iron, and calcium.
- Extends the life of foods.
Basil
- Anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties can prevent osteoarthritis
- Used in digestive disorders and studies are being conducted for its anti-cancer properties.
- Added to omelets, grilled veggies, soups, meats or sliced fresh into salads.
Arrowroot
- Goes well with a gluten-free diet.
- Can be used in place of flour
- Soothing and highly digestible – often used to treat IBS
Garlic
- Anti-cancer benefits
- Contains manganese, vitamin B6, vitamin C and selenium.
- Can combat sickness, including the common cold.
- Reduces blood pressure.
Mint
- Calms digestive troubles and helps alleviate nausea.
- Volatile oils used in breath fresheners, toothpaste, and chewing gum.
- Oil can be used to repel mosquitoes.
- Easiest to consume in beverage form.
Oregano
- Antiviral, anticancer and antibiotic.
- Extremely high in antioxidants and can prevent foodborne pathogens like Listeria.
- Oil and leaves are used medically to treat a cough, fever, congestion, body ache and illness.
- Added to any kind of savory foods.
Thyme
- A member of the mint family
- Contains thymol: a potent antioxidant.
- Can be added to bathwater for the treatment of wounds.
- Swishing thyme water around the mouth can help gum infections or for the healing of wounds from teeth removal.
- Used to treat athletes foot and vaginal yeast infections.
- Added to any baked dishes at the beginning of cooking.
Rosemary
- High concentration of the antioxidant carnosol, which may have benefits in cancer treatment, healthy digestion, and cholesterol control.
- Ability to fight aging by rejuvenating blood vessels under the skin.
- Added to meat dishes, soups or with vegetables.
Nutmeg
- Helps relieve pain, soothe indigestion and strengthens cognitive function.
- Detoxify the body and boost skin health.
- Alleviate oral conditions, reduces insomnia and can increase immune system function.
- Can help in the prevention of leukemia.
Ginger
- Helps digestion, reduce nausea and can help fight the flu and common cold.
- May reduce muscle pain and soreness.
- Anti-inflammatory effects can help with osteoarthritis.
- May reduce menstrual pain.
Cumin
- Antimicrobial properties and can reduce flatulence.
- Improves immunity and treat piles.
- Decreases chance of insomnia, respiratory disorders, asthma, bronchitis, common cold, lactation, anemia, skin disorders, boils, and cancer.
