Every spice is different in its own capacity and once you get used to yours, it may take time before you embrace another one. Spices have been used for centuries and most of them were adopted because of their medicinal properties. It is, therefore, easier to eat your medicine while adding flavour to your food and that is why you should try out spices even if you don’t enjoy spicy food. In this article, we are recommending ten of the most commonly available spices in the world with proven medical benefits that will help keep you healthy. You should remember that spices should be used in moderation.
Turmeric
Now, there are many articles that label turmeric as a miracle cure for all diseases from acne to cancer but most of them are not medically proven. Turmeric does have a powerful compound called curcumin whose health benefits have been researched extensively and they are immense. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammation properties which help boost your immunity systems. Turmeric also has compounds that help activate cells white blood cells in the body to fight infections. There are countless health benefits associated with these properties and many more benefits of this yellow spice are yet to be proven but they may well exist.
Garlic
Garlic has been exploited for potential health benefits for millennia including by the Greeks and Romans. Alongside an antioxidant called allicin which helps keep your cells healthy by preventing inflammation, garlic also has vital vitamins that your body needs. Vitamins C and Vitamin B6 are vital for immune response by white blood cells and both are present in garlic. Garlic also packs other important minerals including iron, calcium, potassium and phosphorus which perform various vital health functions in the body. The vitamin C content and anti-microbial properties also help your body fight infections including cold and flu.
Oregano
Vitamin K is a vital vitamin for healing wounds in the body and Oregano leaves have it in plenty apart from that fragrance and warmth they add to food. You can use Oregano leaves fresh or dried or even use the oil. The oil has antiviral properties which are essential for cellular health. Oregano leaves also contain small quantities of other vitamins and antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory effects on cells which helps prevent infections and diseases including cancer.
Cinnamon
The online cinnamon challenge has made this spice popular for the wrong reasons for some time now but cinnamon is one of the healthiest spices on the planet. Its most popular benefit is its ability to help relieve symptoms of indigestion. It also has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. The best thing about cinnamon is its content of polyphenols just like what you get in berries which have anti-inflammatory benefits on the cells in your body.
Ginger
This is another popular spice that has been used in traditional medicine of many cultures for centuries and its health benefits are enormous. The most common one is its ability to smoothen food digestion and calm symptoms of nausea. Ginger also provides soluble fibre that helps your body absorb nutrients. Ginger also has active ingredients with antibacterial and antiviral effects that help keep you safe from infections. Some studies have also confirmed that ginger can help your body reduce its blood pressure and reduce the risk of getting some forms of cancer.
Sage
Sage has a lot in common with Oregano which means it also packs essential vitamins especially A, C and K. All these vitamins are vital to the health of the cells in your body and in preventing inflammation and infection. Sage is also rich in polyphenols which are powerful antioxidants that help keep your heart and other vital cells healthy. Sage tea is also credited with compounds that help burn bad cholesterol from the body and reduce the risks of high blood pressure.
Peppermint
Peppermint is often used by people to treat flu and colds because of its soothing effects on irritated cells in the body. Peppermint is available as fresh green leaves, powder, capsules or even oil and all of them are super-healthy. Like sage, peppermint also has polyphenols which your body needs to prevent inflammation on cells and keep you healthy. It also contains Vitamin K and C which are powerful immunity boosters.
Rosemary
If you are struggling to remember some, rosemary is a recommended cognitive stimulant that will help you with the condition. The medicinal properties of this herb haven’t been fully studied but they have been exploited by humanity for a long time. The leaves also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that are vital for your general health. Rosemary is also a great herb for making different types of dishes and soups smell sweet. Rosemary also helps ease nausea and symptoms of indigestion.
Cayenne Pepper
Vitamin A, B6, C and E are the vital vitamins that are found in cayenne peppers but they are the least of the benefits of this ancient spice. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin which is an active ingredient associated with lots of medical benefits including burning bad cholesterol, improving cardiovascular health and improving digestion. While improving the taste of your food, the spice also boosts your immunity and helps your blood vessels stay healthy which is amazing.
Parsley
For years, families around the Mediterranean and India used this herb as a flavour and medicine. Parsley is more than able to satisfy your daily needs of Vitamin A and K in one sitting which makes the leaves one of the most powerful immune system boosters you could eat. They also have properties that help burn bad cholesterol in your body reducing its negative effects on your liver, heart and blood vessels. The herb is low in calories and rich in antioxidants which is why some people call it the healthiest spice in the world.