Spices play an important role in how we cook and eat food all across the world. Every spice has its own distinct flavor and essence, and its presence or absence can literally make or break a dish. We utilize various spices in our daily cooking, including prominent ones like cumin, black pepper, turmeric, and coriander seeds. In ancient times, traders from all over the world came to India in pursuit of unique spices. 

Many of these traders returned with their share, and others even settled down and brought some of their own spices with them. Spices play an important significance in Indian culture. Spices are recognised to have numerous health benefits; in fact, the addition of a bouquet of spices makes traditional Indian home-cooked food one of the healthiest meals consumed worldwide. 

Spices have high nutritional content and offer numerous health advantages and that is exactly what we are going to discuss in this article.

What are herbs and spices?

Almost every Indian kitchen contains this explosive pair of herbs and spices. But have you ever pondered what these herbs and spices are or what the distinction between herbs and spices is?

Herbs are the green leafy parts of plants, whereas spices are the parts of plants other than the leaves. They can be roots, stems, barks, or seeds. Spices are often dried before being used in cooking.

Now that we know what herbs and spices are, let’s look at the different sorts and see whether they have any health benefits besides seasoning meals.

 

1. Turmeric

May help: Eases inflammation, slows cancer, reduces the incidence of type 2 diabetes, and treats depression and other diseases.

This golden pepper provides certain solid-gold advantages. This is due to its high levels of curcumin, a strong antioxidant. Curcumin has been shown in studies to help treat a wide range of health issues, from mild toothaches to chronic ailments such as arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes. It has also been demonstrated to protect against type 2 diabetes by controlling the body’s adipokine balance, which is a family of hormone-like molecules that regulate blood sugar. Curcumin can also aid in the treatment of pain, inflammation, and metabolic syndrome.

With its ability to scavenge harmful free radicals in the body, turmeric reduces oxidative stress as a game-changing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory spice. Free radicals are tissue-damaging molecules with an unequal number of electrons that can act as catalysts for chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease and cancer.

2. Ginger

Ginger is well-known for its ability to calm an upset stomach. It has been shown in studies to help with morning sickness as well as nausea from surgery or chemotherapy. While there is no scientific evidence that it works, many individuals use ginger to treat motion sickness.

Ginger has been used as a treatment for nausea and gastrointestinal disorders for thousands of years. People nowadays typically use ginger root as a spice or as a supplement to address digestive issues.

Ginger has been shown in several research to have anticancer properties. This is primarily due to ginger’s strong antioxidant content. It can also cause cells to stop replicating, stop dividing, and block certain activator proteins and signaling pathways that contribute to cancer. Having said that, the majority of this research was conducted in a laboratory, and further human clinical trials are required.

Another study discovered that a combination of ginger, cinnamon, mastic, and sesame oil reduced pain and stiffness in people with osteoarthritis. It performed similarly to aspirin or ibuprofen treatment.

3. Cumin

Cumin is a common cooking spice that is used for its fragrant properties. According to research, it can also help with weight loss, cholesterol, stress management, and other things. It also has a strong antioxidant capacity.

Cumin is also an anti-diabetic, according to research. Over a 24-week period, a group of 80 patients took an Ayurvedic formulation including cumin, and their postprandial blood sugar was dramatically lowered.

This seed has a bitter taste and is used in Middle Eastern dishes. It can help with digestion, boost immunity, and treat skin problems, sleeplessness, respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis, and anemia. Light gravy scented with cumin or a glass of zeera water has been used in Indian households for ages as a sure-fire cure for stomach disorders.

4. Peppermint

Are you having a horrible day? Make a cup of peppermint tea. According to research, the minty fragrance may assist improve one’s mood and enhance one’s intellect. According to certain research, the smell may also help to ease an upset stomach. In a short research, ladies who sniffed peppermint spirits after surgery reported significantly less nausea than those who received a placebo or anti-nausea medication.

It appears to act by relaxing the smooth muscles of the colon, relieving pain associated with bowel motions. It also aids in the reduction of abdominal bloating, a typical digestive ailment.

According to research, peppermint, as a holistic treatment, is also useful in improving cardiovascular (heart) and pulmonary (lung) health by functioning as a bronchodilator. Bronchodilators act by expanding the bronchioles (air passageways) in the lungs. Inhaling the scent of peppermint increases nasal air force, which in turn supplies more air to the lungs.

5. Rosemary

Rosemary, a member of the mint family, is esteemed for both its flavour and smell. According to studies, its woodsy smell improves focus and may improve mood. Recent research suggests that rosemary, even in little amounts used in cooking, may aid reduce cognitive deterioration in the elderly.

Another advantage for your brain is that rosemary can help you battle hair loss. In one trial, researchers compared rosemary oil to minoxidil, a popular baldness therapy. Over six months, individuals who used rosemary oil on their scalps had comparable hair growth (and reduced scalp itching) to those who used the medicine.

Rosmarinic acid is the active element in rosemary. This compound has been demonstrated to reduce allergic reactions and nasal congestion. Rosmarinic acid doses of 50 and 200 mg were demonstrated to decrease allergy symptoms in a trial of 29 people.

With less congestion, the number of immune cells in nasal mucus decreased as well.

6. Cinnamon

Cinnamon has been used for anointing, embalming, and healing diseases since 2,800 BCE. Though it is no longer as commonly used for its therapeutic powers as it once was, cinnamon nevertheless has numerous health benefits as an antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticarcinogenic spice.

According to a 2015 study, cinnamon may help lower blood sugar levels. Many small randomized control trials have shown its significance in glucose regulation in the body, but the results have not been significant enough to be conclusive.

Cinnamon also has cognitive enhancing properties, and researchers have investigated whether the spice could be used to treat Alzheimer’s disease. CEppt (an extract found in cinnamon bark) has been researched in particular to see if it can assist in reducing the progression of Alzheimer’s symptoms. When mice ate this extract, their cognitive performance improved significantly.

7. Parsley

The herb parsley originates in the Mediterranean region. Many people have used it for culinary flavoring as well as medicinal therapy for a variety of health concerns, including high blood pressure and allergies.

This herb is high in antioxidants, carotenoids, and other vitamins that help maintain a healthy body and immune system. Among these is vitamin K, which is necessary for bone health.

8. Cloves

Cloves have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties. They’re high in antioxidants and high in minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and vitamins and minerals. Clove oil contains a high concentration of antioxidants. It is used in aromatherapy as an antibacterial and pain reliever, particularly for toothaches and stomach pain. 

It is frequently used with other oils to treat a variety of ailments. Those who have difficulties sleeping, for example, should apply some warm clove oil mixed with sesame oil to the forehead to feel peaceful and relaxed.

9. Oregano

These tiny yet powerful leaves are high in nutrients like vitamins K and E, calcium, iron, manganese, and fiber. And oregano is loaded with antioxidants. In fact, the American Chemical Society discovered that 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano has the same antioxidant activity as a medium apple, and that oregano has 20 times the antioxidant power of many other herbs and four times the antioxidant power of blueberries, one of the richest sources of antioxidants available.

All of this is great news for your heart–and more. Antioxidants protect cells from free radical damage, which aids in the prevention of heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Furthermore, oregano contains phytonutrients that aid in the fight against infections.

10. Garlic

Garlic, with its powerful bioactive chemicals and other nutrients, may be useful for more than just repelling vampires. Garlic extracts, powders, and supplements have been shown to significantly reduce high blood pressure. In one trial of almost 200 hypertensive individuals, eating garlic supplements daily decreased blood pressure as effectively as the beta-blocker medicine atenolol.

And, while some experts are skeptical, some studies suggest that garlic supplements may help prevent colds and speed recovery.

Summary

Herbs and spices not only add flavor to dishes, but they are also high in critical elements that help the body significantly.

People who incorporate herbs and spices into their diet may experience some benefits or health improvements, but they should not rely on them entirely for comprehensive treatment of illnesses. Those who have major health problems should consult a doctor to determine the best course of treatment for them.