Herbs and spices have been an integral part of cuisines around the world since the days of hunter-gatherers; and not just for their taste! Early Egyptians, Indians and Greeks are just a few cultures who have documented the use of herbs and spices for medicinal purposes and passed down their knowledge from generation to generation.
In the present-day, modern science has uncovered some fascinating properties to these tasty additions, reaffirming some ancient knowledge and discovering new ways of thinking about what we put in to our meals. As the great thinker, Hippocrates, advised us: “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”
Today, we’ll be looking at some super seasonings and their studied health benefits!
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is the soft inner-bark of the Cinnamomum verum tree and it’s distinct smell is due to a high amount of the compound cinnamaldehyde. In a study of the antioxidant properties of various spices, cinnamon was found to produce the most powerful activity of them all. It’s so powerful, in fact, cinnamon can actually be used as a preservative!
The health benefits of cinnamon include:
- Improves memory and cognitive function
- Acts as an antimicrobial
- Lowers blood pressure and regulates blood sugar
- Helps lowers LDL cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels
Turmeric
Turmeric is a flowering plant whose roots reveal a gorgeous ochre color due to the high levels of curcumin it contains. It’s been used in food, as coloring for fabric and cosmetics, and because of its medicinal properties for thousands of years. Recently, studies of this humble root have uncovered many incredible traits and sparked the interest of health-conscious minds around the world.
The health benefits of turmeric include:
- Helps with low-level inflammation in the body
- Can reduce the risk of brain-related diseases
- Improves function of the circulatory system
- Has antifungal and antibacterial properties
Holy Basil
Holy Basil, native to Southeast Asia, has been revered for centuries as beneficial to mind, body and spirit. From seed to stem to leaf, it’s nutritional content is impressive, boasting vitamins A & C, zinc, calcium, and chlorophyll. All parts of this plant work as an adaptogen, thought to promote mental well-being and help our bodies deal with side-effects of stress.
The health benefits of holy basil include:
- Helps superficial wounds heal faster
- Lowers blood sugar and cholesterol
- Keeps hormone levels balanced
- Helps improve respiratory disorders and headaches
Rosemary
Rosemary, a fragrant perennial mediterranean herb, has been used for centuries in tinctures and teas as far back as 500 B.C in Greek and Roman societies. It’s an excellent source of iron, Vitamin B-6 and calcium and rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds which are essential in fighting free-radicals and preventing many diseases.
The health benefits of rosemary include:
- Improves digestion and treats minor stomach issues
- Has antimicrobial properties
- Protects against brain aging and brain-related illness
- Reduces the risk of macular degeneration
Cumin
Cumin, common in Mexican, Spanish, Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine, comes from the seed of the Cuminum cyminum plant, a relative of parsley. It’s nutty flavor lends itself to dishes like chili, curry and other savory dishes, though it’s also been lauded for its many health benefits and has long-been used in many traditional medicines around the world. It’s active constituent, Cuminaldehyde, has been looked at by modern science for its unique properties and therapeutic benefits.
The health benefits of cumin include:
- Increases activity of digestive enzymes
- Reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses
- Releases megalomacin, which has antibiotic properties
- Has anti-inflammatory effects
Saffron
Saffron, nicknamed “The Sunshine Spice”, originated in Greece and is picked by hand from the Crocus sativus flower to this day. Each flower contains only three strands of saffron, making it the most precious spice in the world. The tiny, red threads are a staple of Ayurvedic remedies and folk medicines around the globe, and its impressive plant compounds and phytochemicals give it relevance in modern times.
The health benefits of saffron include:
- Protects brain cells against progressive damage
- Improves mood-related disorders
- Fights free-radical damage and chronic disease
- Lowers the stress hormone cortisol
Garlic
Garlic’s history extends as far back as the ancient Egyptians, used as both a flavoring and for its medicinal properties. Aside from being potent and delicious, this bulbous root boasts a number of benefits. From scientific studies, we now have seen that its therapeutic value comes from the sulfur compounds that are formed when the cloves are chopped or crushed, including diallyl disulfide and s-allyl cysteine. These enter the body through digestion and have potent biological effects throughout.
Health benefits of garlic include:
- Boosts immune function
- Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease
- Supports the body’s protective mechanisms
- Reduces fatigue and enhances physical performance
Fascinated by these facts? Check out Southwest Institute of Healing Arts’ Holistic Nutrition programs, available online and on campus.
