The list of health benefits associated with herbs and spices is endless. Not only are they jam-packed with nutrition, but they also can reduce inflammation and help the body to fight off disease. Some even offer options when it comes to overcoming frustrating nights of insomnia, and others can help the body to prevent cancer.
So go ahead, splurge on fresh herbs and spices. Or better yet, grow them yourself. Rest assured; you’ll make a freshly cooked meal both tasty and healthy.
In the meantime, check out these six amazing health benefits of fresh herbs and spices. These zesty options are packed with power.
1. They’re good for heart health.
Good old garlic adds spice to just about any meal. And best of all, it’s good for your heart. Studies show that garlic can reduce both cholesterol and blood pressure.
And that’s not the only meal additive packed with cardiovascular benefits. Ginger may have positive effects on cardiovascular health. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some say that ginger could both lower cholesterol and help prevent blood clots. This is helpful when it comes to blocked blood vessels.
2. They can help manage diabetes.
If you like fresh marinara sauce, you’ll love this. According to Medical Daily, a study conducted by the University of Illinois found that rosemary and oregano help reduce blood sugar levels. The study, led by Dr. Elvira Gonzalez Mejia, came as a result of Mejia’s many patients with diabetes who struggled to pay for medications. Her goal was to find an economically friendly way to fight the disease -- and she may have done just that.
Bur that’s not all that these herbs have to offer. For starters, rosemary is a great immune system booster. According to the George Mateljan Foundation, rosemary can stimulate the immune system and increase circulation. It’s also a great digestive aid with anti-inflammatory effects. It may even help concentration.
Oregano comes with equally amazing health benefits, including anti-bacterial properties. According to the George Mateljan Foundation, two oils in this spice, thymol and carvacrol, give oregano this special quality. Further, Mexican researchers say that it can fight off infection caused by an amoeba called Giardia lamblia. In fact, they say it’s a better treatment than the prescription drug tinidazole. Plus, it has antioxidant properties.
3. They can help treat respiratory infections.
Ever heard the memorable “Ricola” commercial? This is just one natural remedy said to use thyme for treating coughs. According to Health magazine, thyme is a time-tested remedy for bronchitis. How’s that for a natural remedy for a cough?
But that’s not all. Nutrition and You reports that like oregano, thyme contains thymol. This essential oil has both antiseptic and antifungal qualities. And it contains three other volatile oils: carvacolo, borneol, andgeraniol. Plus, this herb is packed with phenolic antioxidants. It’s said to be a list-topper when it comes to herbs with these properties.
4. They can reduce inflammation.
Did you know that parsley can be used for more than just a garnish? It’s true.
Parsley has many health benefits -- including reducing inflammation. According to Organic Facts, research conducted at King Saud University found that parsley has both anti-inflammatory and anti-hepatotoxicity effects. One lessens internal inflammation, and the other is a natural liver cleanser.
And there’s more. Organic Facts also reports that parsley may be good for the bones. That’s because parsley contains calcium, making it a source of calcium for those who can’t drink milk products. Some say it might even be helpful for bruises and toothaches.
5. Certain herbs can send you off to dreamland.
You’ve probably heard that lavender products can be used as a sleep aid. This isn’t just a myth. In fact, research confirms it.
In one study, researchers tested substituting lavender oil aromatherapy on geriatric patients who previously took benzodiazepines. Researchers concluded that sleep time was the same when using lavender oil as when taking benzodiazepine medications. And another study found that the scent of lavender can be helpful for both daytime alertness and sleep quality.
Chamomile is another great herb for insomnia. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, chamomile has been shown to have both a tranquilizing and sleep-inducing effect. Some say that a flavonoid called apigenin may play a part. Apigenin is said to bind to the benzodiazepine receptors in the brain, which produces a calming and hypnotic effect.
6. They provide anti-cancer benefits.
Turmeric is found in many Indian dishes. Not only is it tasty, but it’s also forefront in some cancer research studies. That’s because it may have anti-cancer benefits. That said, the Mayo Clinic reports that there is not enough evidence yet to recommend turmeric as a method of treatment for cancer.
So just why is turmeric a central part of cancer research?
According to the Mayo Clinic, turmeric contains something called curcumin. The antioxidant effects of curcumin may play a role in cancer treatment due to the association of cancer with inflammation. Research on animals has shown that this substance may slow the rate at which cancer spreads, improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy and prevent cancer. Studies on how this affects humans are currently underway.
Garlic may protect the body from cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, “Protective effects from garlic may arise from its antibacterial properties or from its ability to block the formation of cancer-causing substances, halt the activation of cancer-causing substances, enhance DNA repair, reduce cell proliferation or induce cell death.” That said, studies are said to have limitations. Some studies use multiple ingredients, making it difficult to demonstrate these effects in an exact nature.