Spices are added to dishes to enhance the flavor, as well as provide color and aroma. Spices, which can ward off microbes, are also often rubbed onto fish and meats to prevent spoilage.
These cooking staples come in the form of barks, berries, roots, fruits, and seeds. The spice trade has been widespread ever since Europe and North America received their first spice supplies from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. India, Bangladesh, Turkey, China, Pakistan, Iran, Nepal, Colombia, Ethiopia, and Sri Lanka are the top spice producers in the world.
The usage of spices, however, is not just limited to food preservation and cooking in the kitchen. Some spices are used as components in religious rituals while others are included in the formulations of perfumes or cosmetic products.
There are also spices that are used for medicinal purposes. Healthy spices are touted to provide relief and cure for various conditions such as cancer, premenstrual syndrome, heart disease, and diabetes. They can also burn fat and boost mood.
Healthy spices may be incorporated into dishes and mixed with hot water to create a tincture or tea. It is noteworthy that medicinal spices are not hard to find. Healthy spices actually abound in a typical home kitchen. Who would have thought that a regular kitchen cabinet can double as a medicine cabinet of sorts?
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Here are the 13 spices that promote good health
1. Ginger
Many research findings show that ginger can help alleviate an upset stomach, heartburn, nausea, bloating, arthritis, swelling of muscles, and inflammation of cancer cells. Ginger can be added to marinades, salad dressings, batters, stir-fries, and vegetable dishes.
2. Black pepper
One can grind peppercorns to season nearly every dish. Black pepper is known to produce heat and speed up a sluggish digestive system.
3. Garlic
Garlic, which also produces heat, can hasten metabolism. It can destroy fat molecules, lower blood pressure, and break up cancer cells. A lot of dishes have garlic such as pasta, soups, pizza, stir-fry meals, and stews.
4. Cumin
A rich, spicy, and tasty curry dish always has cumin. This spice can serve as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory aid, and digestive relief. Cumin can give an added zing to tacos and marinades.
Find more healthy spices to add to your daily diet below!
5. Cardamom
Cardamom is found in baked items, Sri Lankan viands, and Indian dishes. It can detoxify, assist the digestive tract, and boost the immune system.
Also read: Incredible Health Benefits of Cardamon You Should Know About
6. Chili Pepper
This hot spice aids in speeding up metabolism. It may also decrease the risk of skin cancer, ulcer, and colon cancer. Chili peppers may be added to soups, burgers, curries, stews, salsa, pasta, and pizza.
7. Cinnamon
This natural sweetener can help lower the blood sugar of people with diabetes. This staple ingredient of the apple pie can also be sprinkled on coffee, hot chocolate, oatmeal, French toast, yogurt, sauces, dips, and pudding.
8. Horseradish
This vegetable root, which can accelerate metabolism, can be added to alcoholic drinks, cocktail sauces, soups, and various meat, chicken, and seafood dishes.
9. Turmeric
This orange or yellow spice is part of the ginger family. It can treat inflammation, help normalize blood sugar, and stop the spread of cancer cells. It can also alleviate pain caused by injuries, dental procedures, and arthritis. Turmeric may be added to soups, salads, dips, curry dishes, stews, and casseroles. In India, turmeric tea is regarded as a potent drink to counter a cough and cold.
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10. Mustard Seed
The small but flavorful mustard seed can speed up metabolism and make one feel full right away. Mustard seeds are usually included in sauces, chutneys, and meat stews.
11. Cayenne Pepper
This is another spice that can expedite metabolism and accelerate the fat burning process. A pinch of cayenne may be dropped into soups, sauces, curries, stews, and barbecues.
12. Saffron
Saffron may improve the condition of those experiencing premenstrual syndrome. This mood booster can also aid in battling depression. Saffron may be boiled into tea or included in rice, vegetable, and shellfish recipes.
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13. Nutmeg
Nutmeg can be used in cooking sweet potatoes, soups, and chicken dishes. This spice can help fight E.coli, salmonella, and listeria because it has a number of antibacterial compounds.
What are your favorite healthy herb sand their uses? Please share them with us in the comment box below!
Thanks for reading. I hope this information was helpful. Until next time!
Amy Goodrich
Crazy cat lady, life and food lover, certified biologist, and holistic health coach.
