Why You Should Add More Herbs And Spices To Your Meals
Spices and herbs are perhaps the most underrated elements of a meal. Although they’re quite affordable and come in a variety of products, they are not used as much as they could be worldwide.
For example, while India is known for being the best and largest spice producer, other regions only use salt and pepper for their meals.
Using spices adds more flavour to your foods, but they’re also healthy and provide richer diets. Turmeric, for example, is known to reduce the risk of stress on the body, while ginger has anti-inflammatory properties. But you don’t need to use these spices daily. Even simple parsley can help provide the essential vitamin K, and cinnamon may improve cognitive abilities.
Regardless of where you live and what you usually eat, adding different types of spices can help you adopt a healthier lifestyle while also developing your cooking skills.
Here’s why you should introduce more spices into your diet.
They Can Improve Brain Function And Memory
You already know that ginkgo biloba is a staple when it comes to straightening brain function. However, many other herbs can contribute too.
For example, sage has been found to be beneficial for cognitive and neurological functions in recent research. Sage can be added to roasted chicken or soups, but you can also drink it as tea.
Ginseng, on the other hand, can prevent memory loss and reduce age-related memory issues, which is a real challenge for elders. Lemon balm also can be used for memory loss, although it’s widely known for easing anxiety and insomnia.
They Can Help Fight Infections
Fighting infections and protecting your immune system is not easy, especially when everything around us seems to work against our health.
For example, having poor indoor air quality, discovering mould, or simply not caring for your replacement kitchen doors can pose a particular risk to your health. Luckily, you can strengthen your body’s immunity with a balanced diet and the right herbs.
A great antiviral herb is oregano, which can help avoid respiratory infections – as well as stomach flu – if consumed frequently. Another one is basil, whose components can be effective against certain diseases, while holy basil has been proven to increase immunity.
They Can Improve Blood Sugar Control
If your blood sugar levels are irregular, it would be best to get treatment, but a good diet also contributes to a balanced sugar level in your blood.
For example, if you choose to add Fenugreek to your meals, whose seeds are high in soluble fibre, you’ll live a healthier life, as these seeds have been shown to be successful in managing diabetes.
Other incredible herbs and spices include cinnamon, which can increase insulin sensitivity and reduce risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases. Green tea also contains antioxidant compounds that can control the increase in blood sugar after a consistent meal.
They Can Help Prevent Allergies
Having allergies around spring or summer can really worsen your day. Alongside the usual treatments, herbs and spices are great for fighting off these challenges.
Rosemary, for example, contains an active ingredient that has been shown to suppress allergic responses and nasal congestion. Its inflammatory effects on the body can also be found in garlic, which is one of the most popular spices and an incredible ingredient for any type of meal.
In addition, turmeric has similar effects due to its curcumin-active compound.
They Can Relieve IBS Pain
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) pain is highly uncomfortable, and although seeking medical guidance is best, choosing some natural elements for your meals may help alienate effects after some time.
Peppermint, for example – especially in the form of oil – can improve pain management related to IBS, since it relaxes the muscles and reduces abdominal bloating.
Ginger also has interesting properties, as it helps reduce gas and bloating due to its antibacterial features, while Chamomile can also reduce spasms in the gut, and is an excellent tea for you to consume before bed to help you sleep.
They Add Flavour Without Adding Fat
Herbs and spices can change the way you cook as adding just enough of multiple types can make your meal delicious and healthy, since you won’t have to add fat or other processed sugars to make it taste good.
They Improve Your Cooking Skills
Cooking with herbs and spices will show you how to turn bland food into something scrumptious!
The trick is to experiment and find what works best for you, but if you want to make your meals perfect, it would be best to research and find what spices and herbs are suitable for a certain type of meal.
For example, rosemary is best when used in a marinade, usually with red wine, as it neutralises some carcinogenic effects of grilled meat. Cinnamon, on the other hand, might be the chosen element in your sweets as it lowers the need for sugar.
Spice Up Your Life!
Spices have plenty of health benefits, so consider introducing more of them into your daily diet.
At the same time, cooking with varied herbs and spices can be a lot of fun, as combining them with different ingredients will give you different and delicious results. So, the next time you do your food shop, try to purchase a few herbs and spices that can be introduced into your meals.
