Several Health Benefits of Herbs and Spices

Herbs come from the plant parts like leaves and stems while spices are seeds, bark, berries and roots of the plants.Herbs and spices not only enhance the flavour of your food, but they also have several health benefits. According to the findings of modern science, herbs and spices can protect us from some chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

Inflammation in the body gives cause for certain diseases like heart trouble and cancer. The antioxidant properties of some spices can help reduce inflammation and protect the body from such diseases. Some fresh herbs like ginger also help boost immunity levels and prevent inflammation.

Adding some of the spices to your food allows you to consume less of the other ingredients that are connected with health issues – for example salt, which is not really a good option for people with high blood pressure. If you have been recommended limited salt intake, seasoning your food with spices like cinnamon and pepper with the tiniest bit of salt ensures that the food is flavourful and thus palatable.

Natural herbs and spices are full of essential oils, vitamins and good nutrients that improve the germ fighting ability of the body. They act as immunity boosters that protect the body from infections. Most spices promote anti-oxidant activity in the body thus helping prevent certain diseases. Some unique compounds present in natural herbs can regulate blood sugar levels in diabetics.

Individually, each herb and Content On Spices presents several different health benefits. Garlic for example, is known to bring down cholesterol and regulate blood pressure. Regular consumption of garlic in your diet can reduce the risk of coronary artery disease and stroke.

Turmeric contains curcumin which has anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Along with other antioxidants and compounds it is effective in delaying the start of Alzheimer's disease. In the olden days, powdered turmeric was used as a home remedy to staunch blood flow and prevent the wound from getting infected.

Oregano can truly be called a wonder herb, it has the most amount of antioxidant activity. Being anti-bacterial and anti-fungal it protects against food-borne diseases and infections. It is a very versatile herb that goes well in soups, salads and pasta.

Rosemary is rich in iron, fibre and calcium besides having antioxidant properties. It is great for respiratory and digestive health. The herb goes extremely well in soups, sauces, fish and meat dishes. It can be used as an infusion in oil.

Herbs like thyme, rosemary, basil, mint, oregano, ginger, garlic and spices like pepper, cloves, cinnamon, turmeric, star anise, nutmeg, coriander, etc. have been used by our ancestors as cures for disease. All herbs and spices have great medicinal value and present several health benefits without any side effects, rather they enhance the flavour of food and make it more appetising. So, go ahead and Spices Benefits up your food with nature's gift and enjoy good health!

I love cooking and experimenting with dishes from a variety of places. I believe herbs and spices can make such a big difference to a simple dish.