Herbs and Spices to Keep You Healthy

These are some of the herbs and spices I keep in my cabinet that are not only healthy but also add zing to your meals. They are inexpensive and some of them you can even grow in your backyard! Give these a try and add them to your  recipes on a regular basis.

Fennel Seeds -is high in vitamin C, fibers, manganese, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, vitamin B3 etc. The vitamin C from the bulb of the plant is antibacterian and very useful to the immune system. Furthermore the fennel bulb is an important source of fibers which help reduce the cholesterol level. Also, the fibers from this herb can prevent intestinal cancer owing to the fact that they can eliminate toxins and cancerous substances from intestines. The herb is rich in potassium – an essential mineral which helps decrease the high blood pressure that can cause a heart attack. For ideas on how to use fennel seeds in your cooking click here.

Sesame Seeds – The seeds are incredibly rich sources of many essential minerals. Calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, magnesium, selenium and copper are especially concentrated in sesame seeds. Many of these minerals have vital role in bone mineralization, red blood cell production, enzyme synthesis, hormone production as well as regulation of cardiac and skeletal muscle activities. Just a hand full of sesame a day provides enough recommended levels of phenolic anti-oxidants, minerals, vitamins and protein. For ideas on how to use sesame seeds in your cooking click here.

Garlic– is a powerful natural antibiotic, albeit broad-spectrum rather than targeted. The bacteria in the body do not appear to evolve resistance to the garlic as they do to many modern pharmaceutical antibiotics. Studies have also shown that garlic – especially aged garlic – can have a powerful antioxidant effect. Antioxidants can help to protect the body against damaging free radicals. Benefits can continue over time rather than helping to breed antibiotic resistant “superbugs”. For ideas on how to use garlic in your cooking click here.

Basil – Basil is a popular herb, often used to top pizza and pasta and give extra flavor to other dishes as well. Basil also has anti-inflammatory properties thanks to the eugenol contained in its essential oil. This substance fights an enzyme that causes inflammation, making it useful for relieving arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome. World’s Healthiest Foods also says basil is a heart healthy food due to its high content of the antioxidant beta-carotene, which prevents cholesterol from collecting in veins where it can potentially lead to a stroke. For ideas on how to use basil in your cooking click here.

Ginger – Ginger is considered another “tonic” spice, meaning it’s just good in general. It also may help with nausea, motion sickness or morning sickness, and with migraines and arthritis. It’s high in antioxidants that fight disease and it has anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger helps relieve indigestion, gas pains, diarrhea and stomach cramping. Ginger’s therapeutic properties effectively stimulate circulation of the blood, removing toxins from the body, cleansing the bowels and kidneys, and nourishing the skin. For ideas on how to use ginger in your cooking click here.

By Lynnis Woods-Mullins –

Lynnis Woods-Mullins is a Spiritual Health and Wellness Coach, Talk Show Host of “The Wellness Journey!” and CEO/Founder of PraiseWorks a faith based health and wellness company that provides services that address the needs of the mind, body and spirit. www.praiseworks.biz

Originally posted on Praise Works Health and Wellness.