Common Spice Health Benefits and Nutrition Facts

Chefs prize their spices, and just about everyone uses at least salt and pepper every day to make foods more tasty. But there is more to these amazing plants than just adding a little secret ingredient to your spicy chili. Who knew that some of nature's most powerful healers were hiding in your spice rack?

Many spices and herbs, especially spicy kinds, consist of chemical compounds which could help reduce the chances of cell damage and other problems related to serious health conditions and diseases. In fact, many seasonings possess more disease-fighting antioxidants compared to the majority of fruits and veggies.

Below are some common spices and how they can be beneficial to your health. Learn about the health benefits of spices to find ways to improve not only your recipes, but possibly your health as well.

Basil
Possible health benefit: This powerful antioxidant increases blood circulation to the heart and human brain, plus it contains anti-inflammatory qualities that provide resistance from Alzheimer's.

A teaspoon of dried basil has only 1 calorie and no fat or cholesterol. It has 11% of the RDA of vitamin K.

Possible health benefit: Minimizes achy joints caused by arthritis. Studies have shown that capsaicin, present in chili peppers, possesses an anti-inflammatory benefit, which can help relieve arthritic inflammation and discomfort. Capsaicin is also excellent for sinus troubles.

See the nutrition that's in just one teaspoon of chili powder: 1 gram of dietary fiber, 4% of the RDA for vitamin E, 3% of the RDA for vitamin C, 5% of the RDA for vitamin B6, and 15% of the RDA for vitamin A! Chili powder is also a good source for iron, magnesium, niacin, and riboflavin, as well as other vitamins and minerals.

Possible health benefit: Safeguards against Diabetes type 2, as well as coronary disease. An analysis observed that approximately 1/2 teaspoon daily reduced cravings, cholesterol levels, blood glucose levels, as well as triglyceride ranges. Additionally, cinnamon may help with concentration and be a natural aphrodisiac for males.

A merely teaspoon of cinnamon provides 1 gram of fiber, 3% of the RDA for calcium, and is a good source for iron. It has only 6 calories, and no fat, cholesterol, or sodium.

Possible health benefit: Shields your mind and memory. The particular yellowish pigment in curry called curcumin may possibly prevent Alzheimer's disease by reducing brain plaque in the brain, claims research. It also has natural anti-inflammatory compounds.

A teaspoon of curry powder provides 7 calories and no fat or cholesterol. It also contains 1 gram of fiber, 3% of the RDA for iron, and is a good source of vitamin E.

Possible health benefit: Promotes heart's overall health. Plus, garlic stimulates improved blood circulation to the brain and also kills brain cancer cells, according to a scientific study. Scientists have also discovered that regular garlic consumption can decrease total cholestrerol levels and triglyceride levels by an average 10%.

A teaspoon of garlic powder has 9 calories and no fat or cholesterol. It provides 4% of the RDA for vitamin B6, and is a natural source of selenium. Raw garlic is even more potent.

Possible health benefit: Will ginger root cause you to be more intelligent? Research experiments which mixed ginger root along with ginkgo biloba indicates that it can make a person smarter.

Ginger root may also possibly be beneficial in treating Parkinson’s disease, as well as migraine headaches.

A teaspoon of ground ginger has 6 calories, 1 gram of carbs, 1 mg of sodium, and no fat or cholesterol. It provides a whopping 23% of the RDA for manganese. It is also a natural source of fiber, iron, vitamin E, and magnesium, plus many other important vitamins and minerals.

Possible spice health benefit: Dried oregano provides 30x the brain healing antioxidant strength of fresh blueberries, 48x greater than apples, and 56x as much as strawberries, which makes it one of the best and most potent human brain cell protectors on earth.

A teaspoon of dried oregano has 3 calories, 1 gram of carbs, no fat or cholesterol. It provides 2% of the RDA for fiber, and 8% for vitamin K.

Possible spice health benefit of rosemary: A  research study revealed the fact that rosemary reduces intellectual decline in those with dementia and/or Alzheimer's disease.

A teaspoon of dried rosemary has 3 calories, no fat, no cholesterol or sodium, 1 gram of carbohydrates, and provides 2% of the RDA for iron. It also contains many other essential vitamins and minerals.

Possible health benefit: Sage has viable scientific proof that it can help improve memory.

A teaspoon of ground sage has only 2 calories and no fat or cholesterol. It also contains an amazing 11% of the RDA for vitamin K!