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Spices are, of course, an integral part of every kitchen. They're primarily used as a garnish, but many of them also boast medicinal properties. This article will help you learn which ingredients in your kitchen can be considered healthy and natural. spices .
Turmeric
Turmeric, also known as saffron, Indian saffron, yellow saffron, or yellow ginger, is an ancient spice obtained from the root of the turmeric plant ( Curcyma longa ). The plant is cultivated primarily in Asia, with the largest plantation found in India. It has a spicy, tangy, and slightly bitter flavor and a characteristic yellow-orange color.
It has found its place not only in cooking as an addition to dishes, but also in traditional medicine . For thousands of years, people have been healing with what was available in nature – various types of plants. Turmeric has been used in Chinese, Indian (Ayurvedic), and Arabic medicine for its numerous health-promoting properties. Thanks to these properties, it has also been classified as a superfood .
Turmeric has anti-cancer properties and aids in its treatment. It supports digestion and proper brain function . It is also a component of many medications and supplements used to treat pancreatic and liver failure.
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, helping fight viruses, bacteria, and fungi. It strengthens the immune system and helps maintain good health. It also lowers blood sugar and cholesterol levels .
To maximize the benefits of turmeric, combine it with piperine, which is found in black pepper . This significantly facilitates its absorption. One way to use this healthy spice is to prepare golden milk , an Ayurvedic drink that strengthens the immune system. Read more about it in a separate post – " Golden Milk – Properties and Recipe ."
Ginger
Ginger is another plant native to Asia on the list of healthiest spices. It has been used in cooking and medicine for 3,000 years. Ginger is a must-have on any list.
Among ginger's most important properties are its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It helps fight infections and colds. It warms, reduces fever, facilitates expectoration, and strengthens during illness.
Ginger counteracts the aging process and the development of diseases, including cancer. It also positively affects the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels . It also aids digestion and prevents indigestion. However, it is worth noting that ginger is not recommended for stomach conditions such as ulcers or acid reflux.
Cinnamon
This spice is obtained from the bark of the Ceylon cinnamon tree. Ceylon cinnamon is considered the best variety of cinnamon in the world. It is a rich source of valuable health-promoting compounds, of which cinnamaldehyde is particularly noteworthy. Cinnamon possesses anti-cancer properties and can delay Alzheimer's disease.
Additional benefits of cinnamon include alleviating digestive problems , regulating blood sugar and cholesterol levels , and positively affecting metabolism . This can help maintain a healthy body weight or reduce excess body fat.
Cloves
This aromatic spice is actually the dried flower buds of the clove tree, also known as Clove. The medicinal properties of cloves were known in ancient China, and thanks to the discoveries of modern science, we know that they should be included among the healthiest spices .
A major benefit of cloves is their eugenol content, a powerful antioxidant. It reduces oxidative stress , which contributes to the development of chronic diseases and accelerates the aging process. It also prevents the accumulation of fat in liver cells, regulates cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and helps increase insulin production. It can also reduce toothaches and headaches thanks to its anesthetic properties.
Cloves can also be used for colds or flu . They have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, helping to clear up infections . Inhaling clove essential oil helps unclog the respiratory tract and relieve coughs.
If you want to learn more about the properties and uses of cloves, read a separate post on our blog – “ Cloves – properties and uses ”.
Black pepper (piperine)
Pepper is one of the most popular and oldest spices, originating from southern India. Its key health-promoting ingredient is piperine. It's responsible for the pepper's pungent-bitter flavor and aroma.
Piperine is a substance that supports weight loss . It enhances the process of liposis, or the oxidation of fat tissue. By raising body temperature, it accelerates metabolism and calorie burning. It aids digestion and facilitates the digestive system's absorption of nutrients from food.
Piperine also has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and brain function . It is used in supplements that improve concentration, memory, and thought processes. It may positively impact the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and depression.
You can learn more about the properties and possible uses of piperine in a separate post on our blog – “ Piperine – properties and action ”.
Garlic
Another plant native to Asia, now cultivated worldwide. Garlic arrived in Poland in the Middle Ages and has been widely used as a spice and medicinal agent ever since. Its aroma isn't to everyone's taste, but during an infection, it's worth breaking free and taking advantage of its properties.
Garlic has made it onto our list of healthiest spices thanks to its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It effectively helps fight infections , colds , and flu . Allicin, a substance that acts as a natural antibiotic , plays a key role. Garlic can be used as a preventative measure and to strengthen the immune system.
Garlic helps maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels . High blood pressure and excess cholesterol are common causes of cardiovascular disease. It's important to take care of these areas to minimize the risk of heart attacks, atherosclerosis, or venous thrombosis. It also prevents excessive platelet clumping.
Oregano
This spice is primarily associated with Mediterranean cuisine—pizza and pasta. It is used both fresh and dried. Besides enhancing dishes, it can also be used medicinally . This is due to its content of vitamins A, C, E, and K, phenols (carvacol and thymol), tannins, potassium, and zinc.
Oregano , also known as marjoram, is valued primarily for its beneficial effects on the digestive system . It increases the secretion of gastric juices, relieving flatulence and indigestion. It can help treat stomach ailments such as pain, bloating, inflammation, and ulcers.
Another use for oregano is fighting infections and fungi . Its essential oil is rich in tannins such as carvacrol and thymol. These have strong antifungal and antibacterial properties, helping to eliminate infections and seasonal colds. It can also help clear the upper respiratory tract and soothe coughs.
For medicinal purposes , oregano oil is most often used in its concentrated form. A pinch of the spice added to a meal is too small to provide any health benefits.
