Spices are used to raise food’s taste. But, apart from these well-known to us culinary properties, spices can also take care of our health.
Rosemary
Iron is a mineral that is often lacking in the diet of vegetarians, and rosemary needles just hide a real abundance of this mineral. If the body does not consume enough iron, we can expect that will tantalize fatigue and anemia.
Rosemary is rich carnosic acid whose role is signaling the brain to defend itself from the harmful byproducts of metabolism (radicals) that can lead to disease.
Rosemary lowers the risk of stroke and neurodegenerative conditions as well as Alzheimer’s disease, guarantee researchers in the Journal of Neurochemistry. This herb is consumed in a way its sprig is chopped and sprinkled onto the food.
Basil
Even the ancient Greeks considered this spice to be the king of spices. Basil’s name comes from the Greek word basileus, which means king of basil. This spice is irreplaceable in Italian cuisine, and goes well with tomatoes and seasonings. Its role in food is important because it does not only improves food’s taste but it also helps our digestive system to digest heavier dishes.
Increases appetite, improves digestion and soothes inflammation of the stomach lining and intestines. Basil is also used to solve problems linked with bloating, gases and nausea. Also, basil heals kidneys and bladder inflammation, and women used for irregular menstruation.
Basil extract lowers blood pressure as well as drugs, claims scientists which conducted a study by the Medical Faculty of the University of Xinjiang. They are considering that this plant can affect the level of proteins that tighten the blood vessels.
Oregano
This spice, which is essential in the preparation of pizza, is rich in minerals such as niacin, beta-carotene and copper, and contains many other nutrients. Research shows that oregano is 42 times richer in antioxidants than apples, 4 times than blueberry and 12 times than orange.
Oregano, like basil and rosemary, has rosemary acid, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage caused by free radicals. All this reduces the risk of cancer, heart disease, premature aging, atherosclerosis and asthma.
This fragrant spice is rich in antibacterial properties, which includes oils such as thymol and carvacrol. Research shows that this duo stops the growth of many bacteria. Experts of the Medical School, Georgetown University in Washington showed that carvacrol can stop the growth of the fungus Candida albicans.
You can use oregano is a form of a tea or use it fresh as an additional spice to meals.
Cinnamon
This is one of the most versatile and most effective plants, claim experts who are convinced of this spice’s health benefits. It is capable to fight against diabetes because it improves insulin activity.
It is effective in repairing digestion and stimulating sweating and is very effective against cough related problems. Cinnamon has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory as well as antibacterial properties.
Numerous studies suggest that it may help reduce the risk of some cancers, can reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, and the amount of body fat, writes The positive effect of cinnamon can be gained by consuming half a tablespoon of cinnamon on a daily basis.
