Six Of The World's Healthiest Spices And Herbs

What Are Spices and Herbs?

Spices can simply be defined as dried parts of plants that are used to add flavor or color to your food. Spices can be found in the form of dried seeds, fruit, bark, or even the root of the plant. Commonly used spices include cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, and cumin seed.

Herbs are defined as plants that are typically used for seasoning, food, or medicinal purposes. When used for culinary purposes, herbs can be either dried or green leafy parts of plants including seeds, bark, roots, or fruits. Herbs are commonly used in very small quantities for adding flavors rather than substance to any food. Common examples of herbs include sage, parsley, oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary.

The Importance of Spices and Herbs In your Kitchen and Your Body

Spices and herbs have been an integral part of our meals for millions of years. They are added to our meals for numerous reasons, the most important being for adding flavors and enhancing taste. Another important benefit of spices and herbs is that they help in preserving food for a longer duration. When added in the right amount, spices can work wonders to any boring dish. What most of us are not aware of is the fact that spices and herbs are rich in nutrients and offer numerous health benefits. 

Spices and herbs are also used for their medicinal values. They are known for preventing and curing diseases, curing stomach viruses, controlling blood pressure, and promoting healthy weight loss.

Numerous spices and herbs have unique healing properties

Ginger root is useful in curing inflammatory pain, nausea, and motion sickness. People often use spices such as cayenne and turmeric to add extra flavor to their dishes while at the same time reducing their intake of sodium which is known to increase blood pressure. A number of spices and herbs are used as a flavorful alternative for caffeinated beverages. Some commonly used spices and herbs which make excellent blends with tea include ginger, peppermint, vanilla, chamomile, and hops.

You must however be careful not to use herbal therapy as a replacement for medical intervention. You must consult your physician if you are planning to use a herb for curing a specific ailment.

World’s Healthiest Spices And Herbs And Their Usage

Listed below are some of the healthiest spices and herbs that are highly recommended owing to their nutritional benefits.

Basil

Basil has a distinct aroma and is used as a seasoning herb in much of the western world, particularly in Italian dishes. The oils and extracts of basil have antibacterial and antioxidant properties. It is highly recommended for people who suffer from diabetes, asthma, osteoarthritis, and stress. Basil is also known to help people with inflammations, essentially boosting the immune system. Basil leaves are being studied for their cancer-fighting capabilities.

Basil is rich in beta carotene, magnesium, iron, calcium, manganese, potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin K. It is best advised to use basil fresh whenever possible. While adding basil to a dish, add it in the last few minutes for getting the maximum flavor, rather than cooking or frying it for long periods of time. Basil can be sprinkled on omelets, meats, grilled vegetables, soups, and salads.

Sage 

Sage is recommended for boosting your memory, soothing sore throats, and controlling mood swings. It is advised to sip sage tea for curing upset stomachs. Research has shown that sage can be useful in curing the early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Sage is a good source of vitamin A, calcium, iron, and potassium. Sage is used in soups and adds an interesting flavor to roasted chicken. People also use sage as a herb in teas.

Rosemary 

Rosemary has a distinctive piney and lemony aroma. Rosemary has been used for centuries for boosting mental focus and for fighting food borne bacteria. Rosemary consumption helps to improve the functioning of the immune system, increases circulation, and improves digestion. It is a good source of iron, calcium, and dietary fiber. Rosemary pairs well with potatoes, honey, garlic, onions, and chile pepper. It can be used in baked breads, pies, and cookies, and can also be added to vegetables, fishes, and white meats.

Turmeric

Turmeric is one of the best spices you can add to any dish. When applied to wounds in the form of a paste, it speeds up the healing process as well. Turmeric tea helps in relieving cold and breathing problems. Turmeric contains a compound known as curcumin which has excellent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in relieving pain related to arthritis, injuries, and dental procedures. It also plays an important role in managing heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes. Turmeric works wonders when added to soups, meat dishes, eggs, baked dishes, and sauces.

Garlic

Garlic, often known as the poor man’s penicillin, is an excellent herb that offers numerous health benefits — in addition to offering a flavor explosion, of course. It contains various antimicrobial compounds that are helpful in preventing cancer. Garlic is rich in nutrients such as manganese, vitamin B6, vitamin C, selenium, and calcium. It is full of numerous sulphur-containing compounds that offer therapeutic benefits.

Garlic has been found to be very useful in managing various heart conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and hardening of the arteries, in which case it complements rather than replaces pharmaceutical treatment. It is also helpful in managing conditions such as diabetes, enlarged prostate, and common cold and flu. Garlic is often used as a seasoning that adds excellent flavor to numerous dishes. Garlic can easily be added to tuna salad, eggs, baked fish, steak, pasta, and bruschetta.

Dill

Dill is a herb that provides a tangy flavor to pickles, salads, and dressings. Dill seeds have a stronger flavor and are commonly used in German and Scandinavian cuisines. Dill comprises healing components known as monoterpenes and flavonoids. Dill is used as an antibacterial spice and is also known to prevent bones loss. Dill is an excellent source of calcium, dietary fiber, manganese, iron, and magnesium. Dill is also a rich source of vitamin A, B6, and C. Dill is best used in uncooked recipes or in foods that are cooked at low temperatures. It forms an excellent addition to dips, dressings, fish, and poultry dishes. 

Although these herbs are just the tip of the flavor iceberg, they'll make an excellent and healthy addition to any diet.