Indulging in food without spice is not something many of us enjoy unless ordered by the doctor. Herbs and spices help us create flavourful meals while also carrying essential nutrients that are great for our bodies.
Even though we often share foods and herbs that carry nutrients and may help when you’re not feeling well, it is always advisable to visit the doctor when experiencing any uncomfortable changes in your body.
Below are five herbs and spices that contain health benefits as shared by WebMD.
Cardamom
This sweet, pungent spice is in many pumpkin spice mixes. It’s known to soothe an upset stomach, and lab studies show it may also help fight inflammation. One more perk? “Of all spices, cardamom is especially high in minerals like magnesium and zinc,” Moreno says.
Chili peppers
Fresh, dried, or powdered, chilies will give your food a kick. They may also boost your metabolism and help keep blood vessels healthy. One possible reason is capsaicin, the compound that makes them spicy.
Cinnamon
“Cinnamon is great because it’s sweet but very low in calories and sugar-free,” Moreno says. “Plus, it’s easy to find and not expensive, and you can add it to almost anything, including coffee and tea.” Lab studies show that cinnamon also may help with inflammation, fend off free radicals that can damage your cells, and fight bacteria.
Garlic
This plant has a powerful compound called allicin. Lab studies have shown that it may lower your chances of getting heart disease. Other research shows that eating garlic regularly may help with high cholesterol and high blood pressure. But to get the benefits, you have to chop or crush the clove: Allicin is formed only after the cells in the garlic have been cut or crushed.
Cumin
Used worldwide and known as a key ingredient in many Indian dishes, cumin is naturally rich in iron. It may play a role in weight loss, too. One study of 88 overweight women found that those who ate a little less than a teaspoon of cumin a day while on a low-calorie diet lost more body fat and weight than those on the same diet who didn’t add cumin.
Also see: 6 Local herbs to add to your garden
