They say that an apple a day helps keep the doctor away, but in reality, herbs and spices contain more powerful disease fighting properties, vitamins, and nutrients than most fruits and vegetables. By simply spicing up your dishes, you could be adding years to your life, and warding off illnesses like the cancer, high blood pressure, and even the common cold. Moreover, spices taste great and they may prevent you from adding excess amounts of salt and sugar to your meals.

How Spices Can Improve Your Health

Many studies have been done on the positive health benefits of spices, and results show that certain spices contain incredible levels of antioxidants, vitamins, anti-inflammatory agents, and natural pain killers. Some spices have been proven to lower the risks of cancer, heart disease, and high blood pressure in humans, and the same spices produce little or no side effects in most people. The following are some of the healthiest spices you can use to flavor your meals:

Garlic

Garlic is a well-known remedy for the common cold, but what many people do not know is that it can also stop blood clots by increasing blood circulation, prevent heart disease and cancer, lower blood pressure, and fight off infection from bacteria.

Turmeric

This vibrant yellow spice contains compounds that inhibit cancer cells from growing. It also reduces inflammation, which is highly beneficial for people with arthritis, relieves pain, and detoxifies the liver.

Cinnamon

Not only does cinnamon add a very distinctive flavor to foods and drinks, but it also contains antioxidants that can prevent tissue damage, lowers cholesterol, regulates blood sugar, fights bacteria and yeasts, and boosts brain functioning.

Ginger

Ginger is used around the world in natural remedies for nausea, including motion sickness and morning sickness. It can also relieve pain, fight heart disease, aid in relieving the symptoms of arthritis, and help with blood flow.

Chili Peppers

Whether eaten whole, sliced, diced, or dried and ground, chili peppers add a blast of heat and immune boosting properties to any meal. Chili peppers contain capsaicin, which has anti-inflammatory properties as well as antioxidants that strengthen the heart, fight off disease, and can even burn fat.

Parsley

Many people disregard the parsley on their plate as a fancy decoration, but eating it can be beneficial to your health, as it contains Vitamin A, Vitamin C, folic acid, and beta-carotene. Studies show that it can fight cancerous cells and prevent harmful build up in the arteries.

Coriander

If you are experiencing stomach troubles, you may want to add some coriander to your meals. This leafy green herb can fight diarrhea and gastrointestinal problems, as well as regulate blood sugar, and lower cholesterol.

Oregano

This Italian herb tastes great and kills bacteria in the body. It is effective in fighting amoebas, and parasites, and it contains 42 times more antioxidants per gram than apples, and four times that of blueberries.

The next time you are feeling under the weather, try adding some of these healthy herbs and spices to your next meal. Not only will they add pizzaz to your dishes, but they will boost the immune system and ward off illnesses.

Note: If you have been diagnosed with a health condition, be sure to consult with a doctor before supplementing your diet with any herb or spice.

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