Herbs and Spices to Boost Your Health

by Mitchelle Uzorka 

Many cultures believe that the secret to a healthy body and invincible immune system lies in the gut. But a healthy diet is often incomplete without the right amount of ancient spices and herbs that aid digestion.

These top herbs and spices have been added to food for centuries because of their natural healing qualities and endless health benefits.

• Coriander seeds;

Coriander has, perhaps, the most cooling effect of these healthy herbs and spices and is great for dealing with occasional heartburn. It’s great for soothing an upset stomach, as well as it prevents and helps get rid of gases. And even if most spices disagree with your stomach coriander will still work just fine.

Add 2 teaspoons of coriander seeds in a glass of hot water and you can forget about bloating, ulcer, gas pains and diarrhea. Also, here’s a helpful tip: add coriander to your foods daily and you’ll be safely protected from allergies.

• Ginger

Ginger has excellent immunity boosting properties working as a good treatment for cough and cold. That’s why many add it to hot drinks during winter. Also, ginger can naturally lower high blood sugar levels. Ginger has both heating and cooling effects on digestion all because of its pungent taste and a sweet soothing aftertaste.

• Tumeric

Many high-quality studies show that turmeric has major benefits for your body and brain. Many of these benefits come from its main active ingredient, curcumin.

Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric. It has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant.

Here are some evidence-based health benefits of turmeric and curcumin.

• Turmeric contains bioactive compounds with medicinal properties

• Turmeric can increase the antioxidant capacity of the body

• Curcumin can boost brain-derived neurotrophic factor

• Curcumin may lower your risk of heart disease

• Gingko

As one of the oldest tree species, gingko is also one of the oldest homeopathic plants and a key herb in Chinese medicine. The leaves are used to create capsules, tablets, and extracts, and when dried, can be consumed as a tea.

It is known for it’s ability to boost brain health. Studies say that gingko can treat patients with mild to moderate dementia and can slow cognition decline in dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.