Spices - Remarkable Health Benefits of 7 Common Household Spices

1. Cinnamon

Cinnamon, derived from the bark of an evergreen tree, is used as a spice in both stick and powdered forms. It is beneficial for weight loss as it helps lower cholesterol and boosts metabolism. Cinnamon regulates blood pressure, reduces LDL ("bad" cholesterol), alleviates arthritis pain, and inhibits the spread of cancer cells.

2. Dill

The name "dill" is derived from a Norwegian word meaning "soothe." Used in traditional medicine for centuries, dill water is commonly given to babies to aid sleep and soothe teething pain. Recent studies highlight its high antioxidant ability, which could be effective against various inflammatory conditions. Dill is also known to increase milk supply in breastfeeding women, and contains around 70 chemicals that help combat diabetes.

3. Garlic

Garlic is utilized globally both as a culinary herb and for medicinal purposes, as its cloves effectively counter numerous health issues and diseases.

Garlic impacts nearly every health concern: heart disease - reducing the risk of heart disease, disorders, and stroke, lowering LDL cholesterol levels, preventing artery calcification, and reducing blood pressure; it acts as a natural antibiotic against bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections, addresses acne wounds, and eyesight issues from internal infections, colds, and viruses; for chronic diseases, garlic contains antioxidants that combat free radicals, reducing cancer risk by preventing and destroying cancerous cells; for fungal infections, garlic ingredients are excellent for combating fungal infections like candida; for bites and stings, garlic consumers are bitten less by insects and mosquitoes. Eating garlic provides antibacterial properties and enhances recovery from snake bites or rabid dog bites; in digestion, garlic stimulates digestive juice secretion, lessens kidney issues, can dissolve kidney stones, and acts as a diuretic; regarding respiratory health, it expels phlegm, is a great remedy for respiratory issues, hoarseness, and prolonged cough; diabetics will be pleased to hear garlic lowers blood sugar levels.

4. Ginger

Ginger, also known as zingiber, boasts a spicy and refreshing taste, prominently used in various culinary styles, including meat, poultry, and vegetarian dishes.

At the University of Michigan's Cancer Center, researchers observed direct effects of regular ginger consumption on treating cancerous cells. Astonishingly and unexpectedly, ginger caused cancer cells to fight and destroy each other. In cases of pre-cancerous cells, ginger even prevented the disease entirely. Ginger is particularly effective against migraines.

5. Cumin

Cumin is a source of essential nutrients. A teaspoon of cumin a day, in your tea or soup, meets about 16% of the daily iron requirement for women and about 35% for men. Furthermore, cumin provides about 6% of the daily recommended magnesium intake, a mineral the body cannot produce on its own. Additionally, the antioxidants in cumin have antibacterial properties, helping maintain good health and wellbeing.

Moreover, cumin relieves stomach pain, removes toxins from the body, and prevents diseases. Cumin contains ample vitamin E, which nourishes the skin and prevents wrinkles.

6. Turmeric

Turmeric is a plant root in the ginger family, widely celebrated in Indian cuisine, where it's a staple in traditional dishes.

Turmeric plays a crucial role in preventing heart and vascular diseases by lowering cholesterol and other harmful fats to the heart and blood vessels, as well as preventing blood clots by reducing fibrinogen levels necessary for clot formation.

Fresh turmeric contains potassium, vitamin C, and anti-oxidant agents, and is considered the best spice for cancer prevention. It is also ideal for diabetics, aiding against aging, protecting the heart, and assisting in weight loss.

7. Chamomile

Chamomile is one of the most popular plants in the Western world, used in teas and as a medicinal herb. A cup of chamomile tea is known for its immediate calming effect and mood enhancement. Chamomile helps against colds, sore throat, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, gingivitis, anxiety, insomnia, psoriasis, acne, eczema, first-degree burns, and prevents mouth sores resulting from radiation and chemotherapy.