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Herbs and spices- such as garlic, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, basil and oregano -are a health-conscious cook’s secret weapon. Beyond great flavour, many offer impressive health benefits. Here are six of the best herbs and spices that can help kick up the health factor of your meals.
HERBS AND SPICES TO BOOST YOUR HEALTH
Garlic
The active ingredient Allicin in garlic is a type of antioxidant that might help with inflammation and avoiding the free radical to harm the cells and tissue in your body. Allicin also might be beneficial for people with mildly elevated blood pressure as they may help reducing blood pressure and cholesterol level.
Turmeric
The active ingredient Curcumin is well known for its inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties. This ingredient also may help with joint pain and ease arthritis as it helps with regulating inflammation in the body. may also help to reduce the cholesterol in blood and maintain your heart health.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants which helps reduce bad cholesterol level and keep your heart healthy. Also, it may help control the sensitivity of insulin and regular body’s blood glucose level. Cinnamon also has prebiotic properties that help to restore the balance of bacteria in your gut and support digestive health.
Ginger
Ginger is loaded with anti-inflammatory property. Some studies point out that daily consumption of raw or heat-treated ginger is resulted in reduction of muscle pain of exercise-induced muscle injury. Ginger has also been reported to be helpful for pregnant women as it may help to alleviate nausea and vomiting symptom.
Basil
Basil has a very good smell and flavourful addition to dishes. This herb is rich in Beta-carotene and vitamin A that may help to maintain good eyesight and support body’s immune system. Beta-carotene as an antioxidant which helps to fight free radicals in the body and prevent the cell damage.
Oregano
This herb is used to flavour foods and it contains chemicals that might help with fighting against some bacteria and viruses. Thus, some studies found out that consumption of oregano might be beneficial to people with diabetes as it helps to lower their blood sugar levels. Also, 1 teaspoon intake of dried oregano could fulfil 10% of your everyday vitamin K needs, which helps to maintain normal blood clotting and bone health.
Tips
Herbs and spices add flavour to meals without adding salt. When using herbs, try to add it closer to the beginning of cooking, these give time to coax the full flavours out of the dried herbs. Also, toasting spices can be another way to enhance the flavour.
SOURCES
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British Heart Foundation
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USDA
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National Institutes of Health
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Australia Department of Health
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National Center for Complementary and Integrative Healt