Spices are a rich source of bioactive components with tons of health benefits. While they shouldn’t take the place of traditional medical treatment, incorporating them into your daily diet in moderate amounts can treat minor ailments, prevent diseases, and boost overall health.
Here are 16 spices that may have medicinal benefits.
16 spices with health benefits
1. Turmeric
- Contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), Alzheimer’s, lung diseases, heart diseases, and high cholesterol
- Excellent home remedy for the common cold and flu
- Helps improve digestion and increases the body’s metabolic rate
- Can be used as a face mask to nourish the skin
2. Cinnamon
- Antioxidant that helps control cholesterol and blood sugar levels
- Contains anti-aging properties
- Can help with asthma, arthritis, insomnia, and other common conditions
3. Black pepper
- High in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties
- Helps control blood sugar levels and reduce cholesterol levels
- Can relieve pain, improve gut health, and boost the immune system
4. Cayenne pepper
- Contains capsaicin, which helps increase the body’s metabolic rate and stimulate the fat burning process
- Good for digestion and helps heal peptic ulcers and treat abdominal pain
- Helps the cardiovascular system reduce blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels and prevent blood clots
5. Nutmeg
- Contains antibacterial properties, which can help preserve food
- Works as a natural cure for stomach upset, diarrhea, and flatulence
6. Star anise
- Known to have an antispasmodic effect, reducing cough
- Rich in coumarin compounds that prevent cancer
- Has blood-thinning properties
7. Mustard seed
- High in phytochemicals and can act as a decongestant
- Helps increase circulation and boosts the immune system
8. Cloves
- Rich in antioxidants and a great source of manganese and eugenol
- Has anti-inflammatory and astringent properties which can help relieve pain
- Can be used to treat infections, improve dental health, and prevent common illnesses such as cold and flu
9. Cardamom
- Helps improve blood circulation and may reduce the risk of heart disease
- Natural cure for urinary tract infections
- Prevents cavities and bad breath
10. Coffee
- Richest source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
- Improves mood, reaction time, memory, and general cognitive functions
- Increases the body’s metabolic rate and helps mobilize fatty acids from the fat tissues
- Lowers the risk of type II diabetes, Parkinson’s, dementia, Alzheimer’s, cirrhosis, and liver cancer
11. Rosemary
- Keeps the immune system strong and may even be able to help the body fight the common cold
- Improve circulations and calms an upset stomach
12. Ginger
- Can treat indigestion, nausea, and motion sickness
- Contains cleansing and anticancer properties
13. Garlic
- Regulates high blood pressure
- Fights germs and may have anticancer properties
14. Coriander seed
- Contains volatile oils and fatty acids, which can treat digestive problems
15. Fennel seed
- Contain a unique combination of phytonutrients, which work with flavonoids and other essential nutrients to promote good health
- Considered a potent antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory properties
16. Chili pepper
- Rich source of vitamin A
- Good for eye health
- High in antioxidants, which can help relieve pain, promote weight loss, treat intestinal diseases, and reduce cancer risk
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Medically Reviewed on 8/5/2021
References
Jiang TA. Health Benefits of Culinary Herbs and Spices. J AOAC Int. 2019 Mar 1;102(2):395-411. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30651162/
Nutrition Spotlight: The Health Benefits of Herbs & Spices. Community Servings. https://www.servings.org/about-us/news/nutrition-spotlight-the-health-benefits-of-herbs-spices/
Staughton J. 24 Delicious Herbs & Spices With Health Benefits. Organic Information Services. https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/spices.html
Nutrition Spotlight: The Health Benefits of Herbs & Spices. Community Servings. https://www.servings.org/about-us/news/nutrition-spotlight-the-health-benefits-of-herbs-spices/
Staughton J. 24 Delicious Herbs & Spices With Health Benefits. Organic Information Services. https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/spices.html
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