Check out these versatile herbs and spices that are great for the body!
Many people view spices predominately as a flavour enhancer whilst their many health benefits are left forgotten about.
In this post we’ll identify a few herbs and spices that are some of the best in contributing towards maintaining a healthy lifestyle and body, and their individual benefits on human health.
Turmeric
Turmeric has been used as a colour enhancer in Asian cooking for many years, and can be found in most commercial curry powders used across the world! It is also a key ingredient used in one of Britain’s favourite dish, Chicken Tikka Masala. It has been used as an ingredient in Asian medicine for conditions including flu’s, depression & heartburn, for many years. However, its health benefits extend to digestive aid, cholesterol reduction, diabetes prevention and can even aid/improve cancer treatment!
Ginger
Ginger is a spice which, compared to others, is considered more widely associated with a healthy body. For those of you who are not aware…ginger is commonly known (and has been for a long time) as a digestive aid and, whilst providing heartburn and indigestion relief in general, ginger also has a huge list of health benefits of which many are scientifically proven, here’s just a few below:
Nausea relief: Ginger is known to be a powerful remedy for nausea – A study which included 1278 participants found that a short 1.5g ginger dosage can considerably relieve symptoms of morning sickness in pregnant women.
Muscle pain relief: Men’s Fitness report that, following studies completed by the Georgia College and State Univeristy, ginger has incredible capabilities in reducing the effects of muscle soreness following exercise. Participants who exercised followed by ginger supplement consumption experienced ‘reduced muscle pain by 25%‘.
Chili
The relationship between capsaicin, the active component in chili peppers, and a healthy body have been known and studied for many years; however, many people underestimate the benefits of regularly eating foods containing chilli as part of a healthy, balanced diet.
Eating spicy food containing chillies, when combined with regular exercise, contributes to improved weight loss due to its ability to increase metabolism by up to 8%; this allows the body to burn fat at a much faster rate. Capsaicin improves the feeling of satiety after eating, supressing the appetite and making you less inclined to over-eat.
Basil
Basil is, by many, considered to be one of the healthiest in the herb family. The fragrant and flavourful leaves are incredibly dense in nutrients, essential oils, and anti-oxidants, helping to keep the immune system in check and contributing to good cardiovascular health. Aside from its health benefits basil is also a very versatile herb…sprinkle on your favourite pizza or use to make some fresh pesto for an Italian inspired dish.
Recipes
Check out these great recipes featuring the above ingredients!
White Bean and Basil Chili Chicken
https://cookingmatters.org/recipes/white-bean-basil-chicken-chili
Shawarma-Spice Braised Leg of Lamb
http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/shawarma-spiced-braised-leg-lamb
