Healthy living can be about more than just eating plenty of fruits and veggies. Herbs and spices have been valued for their medicinal properties for centuries, and science is starting to back up these health benefits. Here are some of the healthiest–and tastiest–herbs and spices you can incorporate into your cooking.
Rosemary Keeps Your Heart Healthy
This strong herb protects blood vessels from damage, keeping your cardiovascular system healthier. It also may help with indigestion, improve memory and even help fight cancer.
Cancer-Fighting Garlic
Delicious in soups, pastas and more, garlic has numerous healing properties. One of the most interesting is its ability to protect against cancer.
Holy Basil Bashes Cholesterol
Eat this delicious herb to help control bad cholesterol. It also may reduce pain and swelling, which can relieve ailments ranging from asthma to diabetes. It even fights stress!
Sugar-Stabilizing Cinnamon
This dessert staple has antioxidant properties and helps control blood sugar levels, particularly in people with type 2 diabetes. It also has stomach-soothing effects.
Chives Control Cancer
This simple yet tasty food reduces your risk of developing gastric cancer. It’s also high in vitamins A and C.
Mint Soothes Your Stomach
Peppermint has long been a folk remedy for upset stomachs, and science backs it up. It can be particularly helpful for people with irritable bowel syndrome.
Cholesterol-Controlling Coriander
This exotic spice decreases bad cholesterol levels while increasing good cholesterol. It also fights infection with its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.
Parsley Lowers Your Blood Pressure
Help keep that hypertension in check by adding parsley to your diet. The antioxidant components, including vitamins A and C, help fight cancer.
Bay Leaves Soothe Sinuses
Get relief from cold or allergies with bay leaves. The aroma helps clear your sinuses, and eating them boosts your immune system. They also may help prevent heart disease.
Ginger Supports Digestion
In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties that make it a great arthritis-friendly food, ginger has amazing stomach-soothing effects. It is a good way to ease long-term nausea, such as morning sickness and illness resulting from chemotherapy.
Cooking With Herbs
Looking up recipes that incorporate these herbs is a fun and easy way to expand your repertoire. Get started with this easy herb chicken recipe that includes garlic and other healthy spices.