Herbs and spices, common when referring to food
(Especially buckets of fried chicken) but what are herbs and spices and can they promote good health?. Herbs are the green leafy parts of a plant and they are included in culinary, medicinal, and spiritual practices. Spices, used in small amounts, are the seeds, berries, bark, root, fruit, or other parts of the plant.
Researchers have begun to formally study the health benefits of herbs and spices as both have been used for centuries to flavor food and treat health issues and illnesses.
According to wellnessonline.com, “researchers with the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that herbs, in addition to making food tastier, are an abundant source of antioxidants and could provide potential anticancer benefits when supplementing a balanced diet.
Herbs have higher antioxidant activity than fruits, vegetables, and some spices, including garlic, the researchers say. Some herbs should be considered as regular vegetables. People should use more herbs for flavoring instead of salt and artificial chemicals.”
So, what herbs and spices promote good health and how can you use them?
Oregano
Not only is oregano great on pizza and Italian food but it has the highest antioxidant activity than other herbs. Oregano has 42 times more antioxidant activity than apples (one tablespoon of fresh oregano has the same antioxidants as one medium-sized apple), 30 times more than potatoes, 12 times more than oranges, and 4 times more than blueberries.
Dill, thyme, rosemary, and peppermint
There are other herbs that pack a significant antioxidant punch. Ranked in order these herbs include the following: dill, garden thyme, rosemary, and peppermint.
In a USDA review of 39 herbs, researchers found that dill, oregano, rosemary, and thyme have some of the highest levels of cancer-fighting antioxidants. Other studies suggest that chili pepper, cloves, ginger, sage, and turmeric, may help fight the killer disease.
Cinnamon
It is one of the oldest known spices and recent studies show that it may also be beneficial for people who have type 2 diabetes. One study shows that consuming less than a quarter-teaspoon a day reduces blood sugar by about 20%. Not only that but it lowered triglycerides and LDL cholesterol.
Coriander
This herb is also known as cilantro, a common ingredient in Mexican food. It is a great source of iron, magnesium, and manganese as well as a good source of phytochemicals.
Feverfew
If migraines haunt you, try preventing them with feverfew, the tincture, and not the dried leaves.
Garlic
Garlic can be added to almost anything (salads, pasta, soups) and it prevents the arterial buildup of fat and cholesterol, reduces triglycerides, and increases your “good” cholesterol.
Ginkgo biloba
This popular memory-boosting herb doubles as an anti-inflammatory, a toner of blood vessels, and a tonic that improves overall health and well being. Try it for asthma, altitude sickness, tinnitus, and fibromyalgia.
Rosemary
It gives an anti-inflammatory effect, which may help immune function and circulation, reducing the severity of asthma attacks.
Turmeric
This is an herb belonging to the ginger family. It has been used in Indian medicine for generations and may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Together with a balanced diet, herbs and spices can promote good health.
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