Herbs and spices are packed with nutrition, antioxidants and other phytochemicals that can add therapeutic value to your food, helping you live a longer, more healthful life. Because each herb and spice is unique in its nutritional make up, the more variety you use, the better. Oregano on your salad? Cinnamon on your oatmeal? Ginger in your chicken soup? Yes, yes and yes!
- Black Pepper
Don’t let its commonality fool you! Black pepper is a potent antioxidant that also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It also triggers your stomach to increase the secretion of hydroelectric acid to help with digestion and is known to help prevent gas. Research also suggests black pepper may benefit your nervous system and possibly boost your metabolism, while increasing the bio availability of beneficial compounds in your food.
- Basil
Basil is packed with vitamin K and contains flavoring that protect your cells and DNA from damage. Basil also has potent antibacterial properties and contains compounds that may even be effective against antibiotic-resistant disease. Eugenol, another compound in basil, is anti-inflammatory, while whole basil offers important nutrients for cardiovascular health, including beta-carotene and magnesium.
- Ginger
Ginger is anti-inflammatory and may help to relieve pain from muscle soreness, menstrual cramps, headaches and other causes. It also helps prevent flatulence and is widely known for its role in soothing your intestinal tract, offering relief from motion sickness and nausea (including chemotherapy-induced nausea). Ginger has even been shown to help reduce feelings of hunger, which means adding it to your morning tea could potentially help you maintain a healthy weight.
- Turmeric
Turmeric is a bright yellow spice often used to make curry. One of its active ingredients is curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory whose pain-relieving affects rival popular anti-inflammatory drugs. Among curcumin’s many benefits are immune system support, improved joint and mobility function and powerful antioxidant properties.
- Garlic
Garlic provides immune system support, courtesy of its powerful antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties. Garlic is also anti-inflammatory and is so beneficial that entire books have been written on the subject. Suffice to say garlic’s sulfur-containing and other beneficial compounds offer support for your heart and immune system while helping to reduce body-wide inflammation.
- Oregano
Oregano use dates back to the ancient Greek and Roman empires, when the leaves were used for skin problems and pain relief, as well as an antiseptic. It also demonstrates one of the highest antioxidant levels among herbs and spices. According to the McCormick Science Institute (MSI):
“In Greece, an oregano infusion is still used as a folk remedy against colds and upset stomach and to maintain general health. Based on the current scientific literature, oregano extracts and individual constituents consistently have demonstrated antimicrobial actions in vitro toward food-borne pathogens
… Oregano contains several potent antioxidants that may contribute to the findings in preliminary studies that oregano exhibits benefits toward the cardiovascular and nervous systems, relieves symptoms of inflammation, and modulates blood sugar and lipids.”
- Cinnamon
This warming spice is rich in antioxidants and also has anti-inflammatory properties. Research suggests it may fight chronic inflammation, support heart health and healthful blood sugar metabolism.
Spices May Make Cooked Food Healthier
If you’re getting ready to fire up your grill for the summer, it’s time to refresh your supply of herbs and spices. Adding them to your food, either as a marinade, spice rub or right into the meat (of a hamburger, for instance), can help reduce the formation of harmful compounds that are formed during cooking.
Ideally, choose healthy marinades with high-quality ingredients and spices (or make your own) to help cut down on HCAs and other cooking byproducts. Cloves, rosemary, ginger, paprika, oregano, cinnamon, black pepper, garlic powder and others are all great choices. If you’re a barbecue fan, try this sugar-free from The University of Michigan Health System on all of your favorites.
With Herbs and Spices, You Won’t Even Miss the Salt
If you’re trying to cut back on excess salt, herbs and spices should become your go-to seasonings. They pack so much flavor into your food that you’ll never know the salt is missing. Try experimenting with herbs and spices that appeal to you to determine what your favorite spice blend will be. The University of Michigan Health System also compiled a handy guide of which spices work best with different foods.
By food:
- Beef: Chives, cloves, cumin, garlic, hot pepper, marjoram, savory, rosemary
- Fish: Dill, fennel, tarragon, garlic, parsley, thyme
- Poultry: Tarragon, marjoram, parsley, savory
- Cheese: Basil, chives, dill, fennel, oregano, garlic, sage, thyme
- Fruit: Anise, cinnamon, coriander, cloves, ginger, mint
- Salads: Basil, chives, tarragon, garlic, parsley, sorrel
- Soup: Bay leaf, chervil, tarragon, marjoram, parsley, rosemary, savory
- Vegetables: Basil, chives, dill, tarragon, mint, parsley, pepper, thyme
