You know that the food you eat is vital to your overall health and that your body uses vitamins and minerals to keep its systems running strong. But did you know that spices contain a lot of what your body needs to thrive?
These 12 spices can help you fight disease and feel healthier.
1. Basil
Basil, a popular herb that has some incredible health benefits, is an anti-inflammatory, which can help with chronic pain. It can also help slow the growth of harmful bacteria. Also, use basil to help control free radicals that cause damage as you age.
Basil, commonly used in all types of Italian cooking, is an ideal complement to meat dishes, soups, pasta, and cheese.
2. Cayenne Pepper
Spicy red cayenne pepper warms your body and can help break up mucus in your sinuses. It has also been found helpful for people suffering from migraine headaches. Cayenne pepper can stimulate the digestive system and help control gas. It can also aid in weight loss by increasing metabolism.
You can sprinkle cayenne pepper onto a variety of foods from meats to veggies to sauces. It is often included in Mexican recipes and can be added to make dishes spicier.
3. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is useful for people with diabetes. It helps control blood sugar and increase good cholesterol, which can help protect against cardiovascular disease.
Often added to baked products and even candy, cinnamon is also delicious in many Asian dishes. Many people eat cinnamon on toast with sugar or add it to tea.
4. Cocoa
Cocoa is a well-loved flavor that has plenty of significant health benefits as well. Cocoa contains antioxidants that protect against cancer and other serious diseases, as well as components that increase heart health by lowering bad cholesterol and reducing hardening of the arteries. It also raises levels of dopamine and serotonin, which can put you in a better mood.
You commonly see cocoa mixed with sugar, but you can consume it in healthier ways. It is suitable for many Mexican recipes, and you can add it to chicken dishes for a more complicated flavor. You can get its benefits through chocolate, of course, but you have to be careful of sugar and excess calories.
5. Coriander
You’ll find coriander in all types of dishes throughout the world, including Latin and Mexican recipes as well as Thai, Indian and Vietnamese cooking. It’s excellent for regulating cholesterol and blood sugar levels. It’s anti-inflammatory properties help with pain management, and it contains cancer-prohibiting vitamin K.
6. Fennel
The fiber contained in fennel is helpful in weight loss efforts and regulating digestion. It also provides iron to fight anemia and keep bones healthy. It can also help control blood pressure and reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Fennel has a comforting, warm licorice flavor that many people love, and is delicious when roasted on its own or added to soups, salads and meat dishes.
7. Garlic
Garlic has long been considered an incredible health food. Both antibacterial and anti-fungal, it is known for boosting the immune system and protecting from colds and the flu. It’s also good for heart health and is sometimes even used for growing hair.
Garlic is in all kinds of foods, with many people putting it on everything. It’s a common ingredient in sauces for pizza, pasta, and other traditional dishes.
8. Ginger
Ginger is another spice that is great for all over health. It can help soothe an upset stomach and help calm symptoms of the cold and flu. It’s also been shown to relieve some forms of muscle and joint pain. It can help resolve infections, and it may even help slow Alzheimer’s disease.
Ginger is added to many Asian dishes as well as in favorite sweet treats, especially over the holidays. You can also find it in drinks, such as ginger ale.
9. Lemongrass
Lemongrass comes from a plant that grows in some regions of Asia. It’s known for its lemony-sweet scent. It contains many essential vitamins and minerals. It is used to help fight pain from inflammation, problems with digestion and even helps to calm anxiety.
Lemongrass is very popular in many Thai and Vietnamese dishes. It goes particularly well with curry and is sometimes in tea.
10. Nutmeg
This wonderful spice smells terrific and adds warmth to many dishes both sweet and savory. It contains copper, manganese, magnesium and some other vitamins. It helps your body break down carbohydrates, regulate blood sugar and digest foods more efficiently. It can also help calm your mind.
Sprinkle nutmeg on coffee, hot chocolate, pudding, and cheesecake. It is also often used in many Middle Eastern and Indian meals.
11. Oregano
Oregano is used in many favorite dishes but also has a long history of being used for medicinal purposes. It is useful in ridding the body of harmful toxins and in treating upper respiratory symptoms of cold and flu. It also contains vitamins and minerals necessary to strengthen bones.
Oregano is one of the most commonly used spices in Italian cooking. Use it on just about any meat, vegetable or salad as well as in dressings and sauces.
12. Turmeric
Turmeric’s benefits have recently brought this spice into the spotlight. Turmeric can promote weight loss by speeding up metabolism and helping your body break down fats. It’s also great for your skin and has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce pain. It also works to protect you against cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Turmeric is commonly found in Indian foods and can be wonderful on all kinds of vegetables and soups. Try it with anything you cook with curry.
The spices you use really can make a difference in the health benefits of your food. These 12 spices have vitamins and minerals to keep your body active and help prevent all kinds of illnesses and conditions. Sprinkle some onto your next meal or find the supplement version of each to see how spices can help you!