Healing Herbs and Spices : Medicine Cabinet in Your Kitchen.

All your herbs and cooking spices have medicinal properties,  here are my favorite and I invite you to try them. Their taste is very pleasant and their effects are amazing , spice up your life a little, and enjoy all these great health benefits!

Healing Herbs and Spices : Medicine Cabinet in  Your Kitchen.

Healing Herbs and Spices : Medicine Cabinet in  Your Kitchen.

•  Top 10 super spices and herbs to protect your body :

These 10 powerful spices help control blood sugar, reduce inflammation, boost your metabolism, promote fat loss and reduce your risk of cancer and heart disease.

Each time you check your meals with herbs or spices you overfeed your food without adding a single calorie. You can turn an ordinary and bland thing into something really extraordinary taste and good for your body, just generously adding herbs and spices to your dishes.

Did you know that certain herbs and spices contain a wide variety of some of the most powerful antioxidants? In fact, many herbs and spices are ranked even higher in antioxidant activity compared to many fruits and vegetables, spices such as cloves, turmeric, cinnamon 10-50x that contain more antioxidants compared blueberry. 

The antioxidants in spices include some very powerful protection against many serious diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, macular degeneration, Alzheimer's disease and aging in general.

Herbs and spices add tons of extra flavor, and when combined with nutrients from other foods actually stimulate the natural antioxidants, phytonutrients and anti-inflammatory foods. 

In addition to antioxidants, herbs and spices can also: 

     Help burn fat and boost metabolism - many herbs and spices are thermogenic, which means they naturally help to increase metabolism, in part because they are so rich in nutrients.

     Help stabilize blood sugar - Some spices are also good for controlling blood sugar and insulin control - even as good as some drugs against diabetes! When your blood sugar is well controlled, you are more likely to burn fat rather than store calories in excess weight.

     Anti-inflammatory properties powerful - Scientific studies show that herbs and spices can actually work as well or better than some drugs to calm inflammation without the negative side effects of drugs.

     Anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal - Many herbs and spices contain properties that effectively kill dangerous pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and fungi tenacious. The natural properties of these foods work against many microbes that are resistant to conventional drugs.

•  Here are 10 herbs and spices of the most powerful  :

1- basillic :

  The basillic is a very effective anti-inflammatory herb with extraordinary healing benefits against arthritis, allergies, and inflammatory bowel conditions, just to name a few. In addition, basil helps kill harmful bacteria that cause food poisoning, including Listeria, Staphylococcus and E. coli O 157: H7. 

Basil is also an excellent source of beta carotene, a powerful antioxidant that prevents free radical damage. The free radical damage is the leading cause of heart disease, cancer, and many other serious health problems, and aging. Because of its dark green color, it is an excellent source of vitamin K, calcium and magnesium, which is good for the bones. It is also an excellent source of iron, manganese, vitamin C and potassium. Use both fresh and dried basil generously in your food to maximize its benefits basil.

2- Cinnamon :

  This ancient spice is the one that contains the highest antioxidant levels of any spice. 

Cinnamon is very effective in helping to stabilize sugar levels in the blood, which makes it very effective for those with diabetes (type 1 and type 2). In a study of people with type 2 diabetes, only two teaspoons per day reduced blood glucose by 20-30%, and a lowering of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

Cinnamon also contains powerful anti-inflammatory and helps to relieve pain and stiffness in muscles and joints, including arthritis. Cinnamon has a positive effect on brain function, and feel of cinnamon or chew chewing gum flavored with cinnamon can possibly help improve memory and attention. Cinnamon also reduces inflammation in the blood vessels leading to atherosclerosis and heart disease, as well as having antifungal and antibacterial properties.

You can read another article here on how cinnamon can even help remove abdominal fat in an indirect way. 

Try cinnamon in smoothies, yogurt, healthy recipes cooking oatmeal, mixed with berries, or as a healthy addition to your coffee or tea.

3- Cayenne pepper :

This strong spice warms both your food and your body but also increases your metabolism and helps you burn fat faster. An interesting research study has shown that when a person consumes an appetizer with red peppers, she ate 15% less food. And for those of you who banish cayenne because you think it upsets your stomach know that it does help the healing of the digestive tissue, it stimulates digestive enzymes and helps to prevent stomach ulcers. 

Cayenne reduces blood LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and reduces the formation of harmful blood clots, all to prevent heart attacks and strokes. It is also a very effective anti-inflammatory remedy against headaches, arthritis and muscle pain, as well as nasal congestion and strengthening the immune system.

  Try cayenne pepper in your morning eggs, soups, stews, chilli, or on meat to boost metabolism! 

4- Cloves :

Cloves have a unique sweet and spicy flavor, but also contain powerful natural medicines. Cloves contain strong antiseptic and germicidal ingredients that help fight infections, relieve digestive problems and arthritis pain. One of the best and most known use is its ability to relieve the pain of the gums and teeth. Cloves have been measured to have THE highest level of antioxidants (ORAC) of all spices and herbs.

Oil of cloves kills bacteria and is very effective when applied to scrapes, cuts, fungal infections, skin rashes that itch, bites, burns or bruises. Cloves also help digestive problems such as gas, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, and eliminate harmful parasites, bacteria and fungi in the digestive system. And the smell of clove also helps promote mental creativity. 

Cloves can be a great addition to health in hot teas.

5- Cumin :

Cumin is another spice that is rich in antioxidants and known to be particularly good for digestion. It stimulates the gallbladder and pancreas to secrete enzymes and bile that breaks down food into nutrients that your body can use. Cumin also helps detoxify the body and is very effective for respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis.

Cumin, like cinnamon, helps keep blood sugar levels stable, which means it is ideal for diabetics or pre-diabetics, this means less chance of weight gain and excess body fat. Cumin has been proven to work as well as some common drugs against diabetes by regulating insulin and glycogen. Cumin is also a very good source of iron, vitamin C and vitamin A, and beneficial to the immune system.

Cumin works well in chili !

6- Turmeric :

  It is a yellow-orange spice, curcumin is the main active ingredient in this super spice. Its anti-inflammatory benefits are comparable to drugs such as hydrocortisone and anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil and Motrin. But unlike the drugs, curcumin is not toxic at all.

Curcumin is more effective in slowing the development of Alzheimer's disease that many drugs, because it reduces the oxidation and inflammation in the brain. This spice also helps speed up the recovery time of stroke. Turmeric and its active ingredient, curcumin, are also very effective against diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and arthritis. Turmeric also improves liver function, reduced homocysteine ​​and prevents heart disease. 

More importantly, turmeric is one of the most powerful anti-cancer spice that helps you to protect yourself. Turmeric and its derivatives are currently under investigation in alternative cancer treatments.

Try this trick: Use black pepper with turmeric (I use this mixture in my eggs every morning) helps increase the absorption of curcumin from turmeric in the body. Here we have also a full article on the health benefits of turmeric. 

7- Rosemary :

Rosemary contains active ingredients that are powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory. Rosemary has long been known to improve concentration, boost memory and fight depression. It also strengthens the immune system, improves circulation, stimulates digestion and fights cancer. 

Rosemary is very effective for respiratory disorders such as asthma, chest congestion problems and respiratory infections. While the rosemary adds a delicious and tasty flavor to meat dishes, it also helps digestion by stimulating the gallbladder to release bile also. Rosemary body will protect against the harmful effects of toxins and carcinogens prevent cancer of the colon, stomach, breast and lung cancer. 

Trivia: If you grill meat, marinate the meat for hours beforehand in liquid mixtures containing rosemary and other herbs and spices can greatly help reduce HCAs (heterocyclic amines) which are carcinogenic compounds that can form when meat is grilled. So using rosemary, thyme, garlic, oregano and other spices in a marinade meat before grilling can greatly reduce the carcinogenic factor that normally would form on grilled meat.

The antioxidants in rosemary and thyme in a marinade were specifically cited in studies to be potent inhibitors of the formation of HCAs when grilled meats. But he also noted that other spices such as garlic, oregano and others can help prevent the formation of HCA, then I suggest you use a variety that tastes good anyway!

A more important point about grilling: Do not forget that the more meat is cooked and the higher the concentration of carcinogens that can form HCA, then bleeding and half-baked are healthier than cooked very choice. I've never understood why anyone would want to ruin a good steak by burning anyway. But hey, if you're one of those people who like their steak well done, just remember that you are eating a lot more carcinogenic material that is less than a steak cooked, so be sure to load up on your antioxidants (spices, teas, berries, etc) to help fight against the additional carcinogenic elements. 

Accompany your meal with a glass of barbecue unsweetened iced tea (rich in antioxidants) and also a good salad with lots of raw vegetables can provide the antioxidants necessary to counteract the effects of HCA grilled meat in your body.

Incidentally, even the charred grilled vegetables create different carcinogens such as acrylamide, do not think that the negative effect of carbonization only applies to meat. 

8- Ginger :

Ginger is VERY powerful for your health! Ginger contains more than 25 different antioxidants, which makes it extremely effective at fighting free radicals in many different body systems. Ginger is known for its ability to reduce nausea and vomiting, and motion sickness. In fact, ginger can even be more effective than Dramamine, one of the drugs most commonly used for motion sickness. And because ginger has no harmful side effects, like many drugs, it is very good for nausea of pregnancy. Studies show that only 1 gram of ginger before surgery is more effective than the standard post-surgical anti-nausea drugs and vomiting. 

Ginger is also a soothing remedy for sore throat caused by colds and flu because of its antiviral properties. Ginger also helps coughing and is an effective expectorant. Try a tea made with hot water simmered a few slices of ginger and a small amount of honey over lemon as a tonic when you are sick. 

Because ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory, it helps reduce the pain and swelling of arthritis and muscle pain. It also fights against cancer, reduces cholesterol and prevents blood clots that can cause strokes or heart disease. I like to sometimes add a slice of ginger root in my hot teas, and of course I love adding ginger on top of my sushi! I take some ginger capsules every day, because it is not as frequently used in dishes other spices.

9- Oregano :

This plant contains an oil which is an anti-fungal and anti-viral powerful antibacterial agent, rosmarinic acid (also found in rosemary). Oregano oil has been used to treat a wide range of conditions of bacterial and viral infections, parasites and stubborn fungal infections. Although oregano oil is most often used for medicinal purposes, the plant itself can provide many of the same benefits when consumed regularly.

Oregano also relieves inflammation, internal or external and can offer relief to allergies, headaches and pain without side effects. Oregano is high on the ORAC scale of antioxidant measured value.

10- Thyme :

The active ingredient in thyme is known for the treatment of bronchitis, sore throat, chest congestion, laryngitis and asthma. Thyme is so effective it is often an ingredient in the form of drops, against cough and a mouthwash to treat inflammation and infections. Thyme is also effective in helping to relieve the stomach gastritis, indigestion and colic.

Thyme helps to prevent cancer, improve memory, treat Alzheimer's disease, calm the nerves and relieve depression, nightmares and insomnia. An interesting discovery about thyme shows that actually stimulates the amount of DHA (an important ingredient in omega 3 fatty acids) in the cells of the brain, heart and kidneys.

Here are some health benefits of some of the other most popular herbs and spices: 

     Rosemary, turmeric, ginger and basil are powerful anti-inflammatories. 

     Cumin, turmeric, sage help fight against dementia.

 

     Cayenne pepper, cumin, coriander and cinnamon help regulate insulin and blood sugar levels, which facilitates fat loss. 

     Lemon grass, nutmeg, bay leaves and saffron have a calming effect.

 

     Garlic, mustard seed, hawthorn, and chicory are excellent for the heart. 

     Basil and thyme help your skin become softer and smoother.

 

     Turmeric, garlic, basil, cinnamon, thyme, saffron, garlic and ginger stimulate the immune system.

 

     Cilantro, rosemary, cayenne, allspice and black pepper can help banish depression.

There are 3 specific spices that I personally think so powerful that I try to also take in capsule form every day because they can not always be used in my daily meals ... and these are:

Turmeric, cinnamon and ginger. They are also very cheap as capsules. I usually take 1 capsule per day for each of these spices unless you use large amounts in some dishes like a curry dish, for example. 

Spice up your life a little, and enjoy all these great health benefits!

Note: Always check with your doctor to be sure that certain herbs and spices will not interfere with medications you are taking and check with your doctor before giving up all your current medications.

 

What do you think of the Healing benefits of  Herbs and Spices? If you tryed any, do you find it helps to stay healthy? Read comments or add your opinion below on this page. If  you liked this article, thank you for recommending it on Facebook, to tweet, to give it a +1 on Google Plus vote .

Note: I remind you that in case of a real health problem, you should consult a doctor or other specialist. The remedies that are presented to you are brought to your attention and only indicative.