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The World’s Top 8 Healthiest Herbs and Spices

  • 5 min read

Herbs and spices are part of many people’s daily lives. They have the wondrous ability to elevate a dish from bland to irresistibly tasting by mixing intense and unique flavors. But not only can they be a big help in the kitchen. We also know that herbs and spices have been performing a significant role for medicinal purposes over the centuries.

Like fruits and vegetables, many spices are rich in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial compounds. If used or consumed regularly, herbs can help support your health in many ways including helping to reduce inflammation, fighting free radicals, aiding digestion and circulation, lowering blood sugar, and boosting your immune system, and more.

Today, let’s talk about the world’s top herbs and spices based on their antioxidant level and respective health benefits:

 

#8 – FENUGREEK

 

A bowl of Fenugreek

Fenugreek is one of the oldest cultivated medicinal plants native to southern Europe and Asia. Nowadays, it’s also popularly grown throughout Mediterranean regions, Argentina, North Africa, France, India, and the U.S.

This spice is a good source of compounds essential for supporting good cholesterol levels while helping to lower the insulin stimulation of cholesterol systems. In addition, fenugreek leaves are traditionally used to help with indigestion and flatulence, while its seeds can be ground into a paste and used topically to help fight infection and inflammation in wounds.

 

#7 CAYENNE PEPPER

 

Crushed Cayenne Pepper in a spoon with red pepper in its background

 

Cayenne pepper is one of the most commonly used peppers to add a little spice to our meals. But, did you know that it has been used in medicine for the last 9,000 years?

Cayenne pepper can help stimulate your body’s circulation and reduce acidity. It is a powerful spicy pepper that offers a variety of health benefits. When taken regularly, it can help digestion, including calming an upset stomach, be beneficial for intestinal gas, help lessen stomach pain, and be advantageous when faced with diarrhea. It is also used for conditions of the heart and blood vessels, supports circulation and healthy cholesterol levels.

 

#6 ROSEMARY

 

Rosemary on a chopping board

 

Rosemary is a fragrant herb typically found in the Mediterranean. It is commonly used as a culinary condiment to make bodily perfumes and for its amazing health benefits. This herb not only tastes good in culinary dishes, such as rosemary chicken and lamb, but it is also a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin B-6.

Furthermore, rosemary was traditionally used to help support muscle pain, supercharge memory, boost the immune and circulatory system, and promote hair growth.

 

#5 GARLIC

 

A small basket of Garlic

 

Garlic is a plant in the Allium (onion) family.  It grows in many parts of the world and is a popular ingredient in cooking due to its strong smell and delicious taste.

Garlic has been long known to be beneficial for the heart and blood system. Studies have shown that Garlic may be helpful for high blood pressure, low blood pressure, high cholesterol, and blood flow through narrowed arteries, plus many more.  It has also been thought to help when fighting stress and fatigue.

 

#4 HOLY BASIL

 

A close up of a Basil Plant

 

Holy basil is an aromatic shrub in the basil family known to have originated in North Central India. It also grows throughout the Eastern world tropics. Holy basil, otherwise known as tulsi, is known for its therapeutic power. It has a rich history dating back 3,000 years ago to ancient Indian uses.

Many studies support the use of the entire plant of holy basil for human use and its therapeutic value. The nutritional value is also high which includes Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium, Zinc, Iron and Chlorophyll.  Holy basil is also believed to help in killing bacteria and infections so it's a great natural home remedy for skin irritation.

Additionally, it may also help promote mood and may also be helpful for detoxification of the body.

 

#3 CINNAMON

 

Crushed cinnamon and some cinnamon sticks in its background

 

Cinnamon is best known as a spice, sprinkled on toast and lattes. But there are more significant uses of it. Extracts from the bark of the cinnamon tree have also been used traditionally as ‘herbal medicine’ throughout the world.

Cinnamon is may be helpful in curbing the negative effects of downing a fatty meal. In addition, research led by U.S. Department of Agriculture, found that antioxidant-rich cinnamon extract helped reduce risk factors associated with diabetes and heart disease. This spice may also help promote better brain function.

 

#2 GINGER

 

A bunch of Ginger placed in a wooden chopping board

 

Ginger is an ancient spice commonly used in Asian cuisines. It has powerful anti-inflammatory properties*. The top health benefits of ginger include its ability to help relieve nausea and pain and support the digestive system. Studies have also suggested that it may help support bone health, strengthen the immune system, and boost cognitive brain function.

Ginger has also been known for enhancing sexual activity and helping to reduce the pain related to menstrual disorders. It is very popular in regards to nausea, aiding digestion and gas and bloating.

 

#1 TURMERIC

 

a bowl of turmeric powder with some sliced turmeric crop

 

In the previous blogs, we have discussed the significance of Turmeric not only as an ingredient in food preparation but also its fantastic health benefits. Thousands of years ago, this spice was used in India as a medicinal herb. It has compounds which are called curcuminoids, the most important of which is curcumin for its powerful anti-inflammatory effects and great sources of anti-oxidants.

The wonderful health benefits of turmeric and curcumin include the ability to help with inflammation, support skin health, promote cognitive abilities, and ease joint pain. It has also been said to be beneficial for anti-aging.

Now that you know our Top 8 healthiest herbs and spices of the world, the next question is how to effectively consume them. Not everyone can take all of them at once. It is always recommended that you choose your preferred spices and take them regularly however, there are alternative and easier ways on how to get these amazing spices into your body.

Nature’s Branch has a new addition to its best selling supplements. Taking advantage ofNature’s Branch Turmeric Curcumin with Ginger and Bioperine scores you two of our top 8 healthiest herbs and spices we listed above. With 95% standardized curcuminoids, we deliver a premium 1950mg complex of Turmeric Curcumin, and Ginger & BioPerine black pepper in 90 extra strength vegan capsules per bottle. Our Turmeric and Ginger supplement includes BioPerine for superior absorption and helps with muscle pain, soreness, joint stiffness whilst promoting joint comfort and pain relief. Our turmeric and ginger pills are proudly made in the USA and third-party tested for the ultimate turmeric, curcumin, ginger, and Bioperine experience. Purchase your bottle now and feel the difference today!

 




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