Adding more herbs and spices not only increases the flavour of your meals, but it can have some fantastic health benefits as well. Check out these suggestions and get seasoning!

Herbs and spices are brimming with nutrients and provide a lot more fun for your taste buds than a plain, unseasoned meal. They play an important role in cuisines all around the world, and we are lucky to have access to so many different seasonings today. Some of the best and tastiest herbs and spices are easily found at your local grocery store, like the eight options below.

Cinnamon

A common spice around the fall season, cinnamon is believed to help lower both blood sugar and blood pressure. Due to its sweet taste, it makes an excellent substitute for sugar in a variety of different foods and beverages. Try adding some to your yogurt and cereal, or even using it in chilies and stews.

Peppermint

Peppermint is commonly used in aromatherapy to help relieve nausea, and some promising studies show that peppermint may be able to provide relief for symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome by relaxing the smooth muscles of the colon. This refreshing herb makes a wonderful garnish for salads and pasta.

Turmeric

Tumeric has skyrocketed in popularity over the past several years. It is typically found in Indian cooking but makes a great addition to any roasted meats and vegetables. This strong spice is mostly known for having anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing properties. It is also high in curcumin, a powerful antioxidant being studied for its potential uses against Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes.

Oregano

Oregano also packs a powerful antioxidant punch. In fact, it is four times richer in antioxidants than blueberries, a commonly touted superfood. As it is so full of nutrients, oregano is thought to help fight inflammation, infection, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and more. It can play an important part in a revamped healthy diet.

Ginger

Ginger has a sharp taste that instantly wakes up the palette. It is most often used to treat nausea and prevent motion sickness, and it can help calm general stomach upset as well. Some easy ways to incorporate more ginger into your diet are to use it in stir-frys, mix it into smoothies, and make ginger tea.

Garlic

Garlic is a versatile spice commonly used to flavour meats and vegetables, as well as in soups and salad dressings. Garlic is as healthy as it is tasty, and many studies have linked garlic intake with the prevention of heart disease by keeping the blood vessels more flexible. It may also help reduce blood pressure and provide an overall boost to your immune system.

Rosemary

Rosemary has a bright and beautiful flavour coupled with a lovely fragrance, making it a popular garnish for all sorts of food. The main active ingredient in rosemary, rosmarinic acid, has been studied for its anti-inflammatory effects, particularly in bringing down nasal congestion due to allergies.

Cayenne

Popular in Mexican and Southwestern American cuisine, cayenne is a chili pepper frequently used in soups, stews, and chilies. Cayenne peppers contain a substance known as capsaicin, which has pain-relieving properties and is often used in muscle and joint creams. The spiciness of cayenne peppers can also help you feel more satisfied when eating, aiding with weight loss.

The right herbs and spices can be used to kick just about every dish up a notch. Upgrade your cooking and enjoy some benefits to your health at the same time with these delicious seasoning suggestions.