The word spice originates from the Latin word ‘species’ which means merchandise. Spices are and were highly valuable goods for trade between countries for hundreds of years.
Spices are made from the root, bark, seed and fruit of a plant. Spices are different from herbs which are made from the leaves, flowers and stems of a plant.
Spices are used to flavour, colour, and garnish food, can be used as medicines, as dyes, and in perfumes.
Spices can be found in fresh form and dried form (both whole and powdered).
But do spices have any health benefits?
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a strong antioxidant and has antimicrobial, antidiabetic and antiinflammatory properties. It is good for reducing the risk of heart disease, fighting fungal infections, and lowering blood sugar levels.
Cardamom
This glorious spice has powerful diuretic properties as well as being an antioxidant. It can help reduce high blood pressure, relieve bad breath, kill bacteria in the mouth, prevent inflammation in the body, and can help with stomach issues and ulcers.
Cloves
Cloves are antioxidants that contain fibre, vitamin K and manganese which is important for brain function. Its antimicrobial properties can help oral health by killing bacteria in the mouth. Cloves can also help stabilise blood sugar levels and could help protect the liver.
Cumin
Cumin is rich in iron, a strong antioxidant, and can help digestion by improving the activity of digestive proteins. It can also help with irritable bowel syndrome.
Tumeric
One of the most powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory spices. Turmeric contains curcumin which can help in the fight of degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimers. It is also useful in the fight against heart disease.
Paprika
Paprika is full of vitamin A, E, B6, and iron. Paprika is good for your eyes, fights inflammation, helps with pain, great for heart health, lowers cholesterol, and acts as an antioxidant.
Ginger
Ginger is a very powerful antioxidant. It helps reduce high blood pressure and heart disease. Ginger can help relieve nausea and morning sickness. Ginger is also a strong anti-inflammatory and works well in reducing inflammation in the body. Ginger can help soothe the symptoms of osteoarthritis and lower blood sugar levels.
Garlic
Garlic contains vitamin B6, C, manganese and selenium. Garlic can help reduce blood pressure, reduces cholesterol levels, and helps with the symptoms of the flu and the common cold. Garlic is an antioxidant and can help to prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. It has also been shown to reduce lead toxicity in the body.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body. It is also a strong antioxidant and has antibacterial properties. Nutmeg can help detoxify the body, improve blood circulation, help digestion, improve sleep and insomnia, and help improve bone health.
Saffron
Saffron is well known as the most expensive spice in the world. Like most spices it is a strong antioxidant. It has shown to help improve eyesight, treat insomnia, help heal wounds, helps better digestion, and helps with brain function. Saffron can also help with premenstrual symptoms.
Black Pepper
Black pepper promotes healthy skin, is great at helping heal colds and sinus, improves digestion, helps treat ulcers, reduces depression, and can help with toothache. Black pepper is an antioxidant, reduces inflammation in the body and helps brain health. It can help lower blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol levels, and can help with asthma.
Vanilla
Vanilla is a strong antioxidant, reduces inflammation in the body, and has anti-cancer properties. Vanilla has been shown to improve brain health, is a good antidepressant, reduces anxiety, lowers cholesterol, prevents acne, helps with digestion, and promotes hair growth.
If you know any more interesting things about spices, let us know on our forum and social media! Share some of your thoughts with others and start a conversation.
DISCLAIMER
Before you start any new diet, health programme, exercise routine, and ingest or topically use any oil, vitamin, mineral, product or compound, it is very important to consult your doctor, therapist or do a patch test to make sure you do not have any adverse reactions.
We do not offer any form of medical or psychological advice. The information in our wellbeing articles are offered for educational purposes only. Our wellbeing articles are not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease. Thank you.
