The power of herbs and spices

Herbs and spices are made from plants. You probably know them from the small jars you buy in the supermarket. Each spice jar has a different specific scent and you use them to add flavor to your dishes.

The difference between herbs and spices is not always clear. Usually herbs are extracted from the leaves and stems of green plants. These usually grow in countries with a temperate climate. Think basil, parsley and celery.

Spices are made from dried parts of plants. From the root, fruit or bark, for example. Spices are generally more exotic and come from countries with tropical climates. Think ginger, cinnamon and cloves.

Source of antioxidants

Herbs and spices (just like so-called ‘superfoods’ ) are full of antioxidants . This is a collective name for different types of vitamins B, C and E and zinc, selenium, copper, iron and chromium. Even though the quantities are small, they are of value to your health.

Among other things, the body uses a lot of oxygen during exercise. You call this the oxidation process. This releases waste products, which we also call free radicals. Although this is a natural process, they can still cause damage to the body. Antioxidants attack these free radicals and prevent them from doing so.

Free radicals not only arise during exercise, but also arise with a normal metabolism and the performance of daily activities. Antioxidants that enter the body through healthy eating make free radicals harmless, thus helping to prevent this from happening.

Various herbs and spices can be linked to health benefits. We have listed five for you in a row.

1. Cinnamon

When you think of cinnamon, you think of apple pie, gingerbread cookies and specula’s. But did you know that cinnamon has many healthy properties? Among other things, it is full of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Research shows that cinnamon can even lower blood sugar levels in diabetic patients by up to 29%.

2. Turmeric

You probably know this yellow spice from the delicious Indian curries. Curcumin , in particular, contains health benefits: it is full of antioxidants and research indicates that it can help with heart problems and rheumatism.

3. Rosemary

Like other herbs, rosemary is high in antioxidants. Research in 29 participants also indicates that it may suppress allergy symptoms. Furthermore, researchers even see a possible connection between the use of rosemary and a higher life expectancy.

Did you know that our Omega 3 capsules also contain rosemary extract?

4. Ginger

Nice to make a cup of tea, and healthy too! For example, it is of course chock-full of antioxidants and research shows that it can mainly have a positive effect on nausea.

Garlic

It tastes and smells delicious and with a clove in the house you are also protected against vampires 😉 Garlic also has a number of interesting health benefits. Research found that participants who received a daily garlic supplement caught a cold 63% less often compared to the control group. If they did catch a cold, the cold symptoms were often a lot milder.

Conclusion

Herbs and spices are tasty and healthy. They are low in calories but high in antioxidants. So add them to your diet more often!