When you season your dishes, herbs and spices provide more than just a splash of flavor. These ingredients have been revered for centuries for their incredible health benefits. They provide your body with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and other nutrients that can boost your well-being from the inside out.
Here are 10 health-boosting spices you need in your kitchen!
Sage
Sage is rich in antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. It may help manage blood sugars, protect against heart disease, and reduce inflammation.
Interesting Facts:
- Sage is a member of the mint family and is related to other herbs such as basil, thyme, and rosemary.
- The word “sage” derives from the Latin word “salvare,” meaning “to heal”.
- Sage has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various ailments.
Cardamom
Cardamom contains many antioxidants, which reduce cell damage. It has anticancer properties, helps to treat diarrhea, regulates blood glucose levels, and boosts the immune system.
Interesting Facts:
- Cardamom is a universally popular spice and is widely used in Indian, Middle Eastern, Arabic, and Swedish cuisine.
- Ancient people believed cardamom had supernatural powers and that it could drive out evil spirits
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B6 and vitamin K. It also contains capsaicin, a natural compound that can protect your heart, improve digestion, lower blood pressure and ease pain and congestion.
Interesting Facts:
- Cayenne is a digestive stimulant, a cardiovascular tonic, and a first aid application for bleeding.
- The fruit is high in iron and vitamins A, C, E, K, and several members of the B Complex.
Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, an antioxidant compound. The curcumin in turmeric can help increase immunity, treat inflammation, and reduce nausea.
Interesting Facts:
- Turmeric is a flowering plant, scientifically known as Curcuma longa.
- Turmeric has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its healing properties.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which are thought to help boost the immune system and improve blood circulation.
Interesting Facts:
- Rosemary is a plant of the mint family with fragrant evergreen leaves.
- The plant is native to the Mediterranean region, but it has been introduced into many other regions of Europe and around the world.
Basil
Basil is a flavorful, leafy green herb, known for its immunity-enhancing properties. It’s packed with antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress, improve cognitive function. Basil is also effective at treating skin conditions and respiratory problems.
Interesting Facts:
- Basil is a plant of the mint family with fragrant evergreen leaves.
- There are over 150 varieties of basil. They have different leaf shapes, colours, aromas and flavour profiles.
Cinnamon
High in cinnamaldehyde, a potent antioxidant, cinnamon has anti-inflammatory effects, reduces risk of heart disease, and has a potent anti-diabetic effect.
Interesting Facts:
- Cinnamon comes from the bark of the cinnamon tree and can grow up to 60 feet.
- The two most popular types of cinnamon are Ceylon and Cassia.
- Cinnamon is high in fiber and calcium which helps improve colon health.
Cumin
Cumin contains many antioxidants, which reduce cell damage. It has anticancer properties, helps to treat diarrhea, regulates blood glucose levels, boosts the immune system, and has anti-inflammatory properties
Interesting Facts:
- Cumin is used as a key component in both Chili Powder and Curry Powder.
- Cumin ‘seeds’ are actually the small dried fruits of the plant.
Peppermint
Peppermint has been known to improve digestion, relieve headaches, alleviate cold symptoms, and promote relaxation.
Interesting Facts:
- Peppermint is a hybrid plant that is a cross between watermint and spearmint.
- The menthol compound present in peppermint leaves creates a cooling sensation when applied to the skin or consumed.
- The strong scent of peppermint is disliked by many insects, making it an effective natural repellent.
Black Peppercorns
Black peppercorns, derived from the Piper nigrum plant, are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties due to the compound piperine. They support digestion, enhance nutrient absorption, and may improve brain health.
Interesting Facts:
- Black peppercorn is actually a fruit, derived from the flowering vine known as Piper nigrum.
- In ancient Rome, peppercorns were used as currency.
Foods that Fuel Your Brain: Enhancing Cognitive Function and Mental Health
Maintaining cognitive function and mental well-being is more important than ever in today's fast-paced world. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through our diet. Consuming foods that are rich in essential nutrients can significantly enhance our brain health. Here are some foods that are known for their cognitive and mental well-being benefits:
See them here: Foods that Fuel Your Brain
11 Foods To Improve Your Cholesterol Levels
What can we eat to improve our Cholesterol Levels? These 11 Foods can help you reduce your bad cholesterol while enhancing your good one.
Rich in fiber, antioxidants, or other compounds that improve our overall health, these foods are easy to include in your diet without making significant changes.
See Them Here: 11 Foods To Improve Your Cholesterol Levels
11 High-Sodium Foods To Avoid For Better Heart Health
Did you know that most of us eat at least 5 teaspoons of salt a day? This is a lot more than our body needs. Eating high-sodium food can lead to heart problems, high blood pressure, and other serious health consequences, such as a stroke.
Reducing the amount of salt that goes into our body is easy, but you need to know what is the root of the problem. Get to know the worst 11 foods when it comes to controlling your sodium intake, and eliminate them from your diet, or limit their consumption.
See Them Here: 11 High-Sodium Foods to Avoid for Better Heart Health
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